Some of you may ‘member that back in early December I shared a mini makeover of my living room and as part of that little re-do I included a new side table in the form of a ceramic drum stool. The stool was originally black (which is, of course, a perfectly fine colour) though it was always my intention to re-finish it in a lighter shade ’cause with brown leather sofas and lots of timber tones I felt the space didn’t really need any additional ‘darkness’.
So, why didn’t I just buy a light coloured stool to begin with then?
Well…I tend to get ants in my pants which for some strange reason makes me change out my accent pieces fairly often. This means I like to keep ‘em reasonably cheap, though I found the going retail price for most ceramic drum stools here in Oz wasn’t really my idea of cheap (don’t get me wrong, they aren’t ridiculously expensive or anything, it’s just that I’m particularly tight :-). Anyhoo, so when I spotted some on eBay for in excess of half the price I’d seen them elsewhere I decided to snatch ‘em up (two in total – one for me and one for Mum). Problem was, they were only available in red or black (sometimes, okay, most of the time, being particularly tight means forgoing the luxury of choice, though luckily I’m cool with that ’cause making decisions is hard)!
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My Aussie readers may also have seen these stools in The Reject Shop late last year for $40 each. Along with red and black they also had white though I bought my stools about two weeks prior to seeing them in the catalogue – go figure! The previous stools all sold out pretty quick smart though the good news is The Reject Shop are currently promoting them again! Sale starts today (Thursday 14 Feb)! Check out the online catalogue here.
Also, for my Melbourne-based readers, in case you miss-out on The Reject Shop’s stools, you can still purchase the red or black ones from eBay (pick up only, no shipping). You can check ‘em out here.
I’m well aware there is nothing particularly clever, original or skilled about transforming a piece of furniture (ceramic or otherwise) with some simple spray paint though when I mentioned it in my living room post there was quite a bit of interest, particularly in the durability and glossiness of the finish, so here’s how I did it…
STEP 1 First lightly sand the entire surface by hand using a sanding block and some fine-grit sandpaper.
My drum, as with most ceramics, was smooth and glossy. Giving it some ‘teeth’ by scuffing-up the surface helps the paint stick much more effectively. Don’t be tempted to use an overly abrasive sandpaper thinking the more grazed you make the surface, the better the paint will adhere. Heavy-grit paper can cause noticeable scratches. A light all-over scuff is really all that’s required.
STEP 2 Thoroughly clean the item to remove all sanding dust and other residue before applying one or two coats of spray primer.
I used Rust-Oleum Surface Primer (from Masters).
You don’t have to use a primer though it does provide the best base.
STEP 3 Apply three light coats of spray paint, allowing the paint to dry thoroughly between coats. If you’re particularly proper you can also lightly sand between coats though I didn’t bother so I guess I’m not particularly proper.
I used White Knight Squirts Enamel in Gloss Riverstone (from Mitre 10).
Try and use a decent quality paint. In some instances, where it doesn’t really effect the outcome, I’m more than happy to advocate the use of whatever, though in this case a good quality paint does seem to make a difference.
Here in Oz the colour range of off-the-shelf spray paints is pretty limited. Aside from speciality stores (which are scarce) I’ve found Masters to have an okay range though don’t discount graffiti artist and automotive aerosols too. If you’re still really struggling to find just the right shade you can always try a Preval spray can kit or have an automotive shop custom mix and can a colour for you (both kinda expensive options though do-able if you’re desperate). There is also the option of using a standard domestic spray gun though make sure you use a high quality paint and follow the recommended dilution ratio.
STEP 4 Finish by applying two coats of clear gloss spray sealer.
I used Cabots Cabothane Clear Oil Based Interior/Exterior in Gloss (from Mitre 10).
Not only does a clear top coat help create a lovely glossy sheen it also gives the piece a tough and hard-wearing exterior. Do keep in mind that over time most clear sealers will yellow slightly. This doesn’t bother me as my stool isn’t pure white and I’m not opposed to it gaining a bit more warmth though if you want to retain a crisp white finish try to track down and use a non-yellowing sealer.
I’ve spray painted lots of small, ornamental ceramics before though never something large and functional. I mean, this thing was going to be sitting on the floor…in our living room. It would be at the mercy of Charlotte’s wayward glockenspiel mallets, Cooper’s clumsy paws, heavy-handed beer bottle set-downs and my not so un-aggressive vacuuming.
At first it seemed like blind optimism to think it’d hold up okay though now, three months on, I’m super pleased to say it still looks great and is completely scratch and chip free – yay!
WOW! What a great price on the stools.
Love the white finish – never thought of painting ceramic – thanks. :)
Thanks for the comment MrsSW.
The finished drum does look rather white in the pics though is actually a very pale grey-blue. It was an “I’ll-see-what-this-colour-looks-like” experiment and luckily it ended up to be just right!
Oooooo – pale grey-blue is even better. I see now that it’s Gloss Riverstone – once I get a stool I’ll see if we have it over here.
Thanks again.
Hi Kristine, Thanks for the tip about the reject shop. I have been going crazy looking for white ceramic drum stools for ages…on gumtree, ebay and other shops, but they were always too pricey. So this is perfect! Thanks!!!! xx Rani
He, he, a woman after my own heart.
Get into The Reject Shop quick smart girl…I think they sold out super fast last time.
Thanks for stopping by Rani.
xoxo
Great makeover, Kristine! It’s so true – if the style and shape are right, paint can fix just about anything!
xo,
Shannon
Yes, soooo true. Precisely why I love me some aerosol cans :-)
As always your tutorials are the best! Thanks for sharing where to buy, now if only I can convince the Reject Shop to post to me…I live in the.middle.of.nowhere!
Arghhh, don’t you hate that.
Every now and again my husband suggests we should move to Tassie (I do love Tassie) though them I remember there’s no IKEA (‘course I’m just being silly)!
Perfect timing, Kristine! I bought a white one from The Reject Shop yesterday, now I need to decide what colour to paint it!
Oh yay!
Like I mentioned, the finish on ours has held up great. I am a little careful with it though all in all it’s just another piece of functional furniture.
Bravo! Love the makeover… and the photos are spectacular. :)
Thanks so much.
Wow, ‘spectacular’ is a BIG word…you are too sweet. If only you could have seen me trying to kneel down over my tripod with an eight month pregnant belly and a toddler climbing all over me as I took the photos :-)
It looks fabulous! I know where I’m heading after work today. Thanks Lisa xo
A very big thank you on the shopping tip. I did managed to pick one up (the 2nd last one instore). Lisa xo
Yay! I happened to be at my local shopping centre on Friday and had a look in The Reject Shop (just to see – I DO NOT need another stool…willpower Kristine) though they were already sold out!
Another of my readers got the second last one from her store too. I wonder if they are all completely gone already.
This is so beautiful, i am in love. I really want one of these for my home. Your whole space is stunning.
I am now on a hunt for a less expensive black stool. Thanks for sharing the tip.
Great choice to paint them white! I’m so glad you posted this! I found a pair of ceramic lamps at a thrift shop with great shape and not so great color. I’ve been wondering how I can repaint them for a while, so this gives me a boost of confidence!
I have one that needs to be painted, I’m so glad you posted this :)
Debbie
Wow! I love garden seats and love how well your paint job worked out.
Thanks for sharing it…maybe one day I’ll go for it, too. I found you on the SNS hop.
Helen
Have just found your blog and have to say your house is beautiful. Such a great style-can’t wait to see more. I love the ceramic stools and want one in white-I think they go with lots of different decorating styles.
Wow Kristine, it’s come up beautifully! Thanks for the how to info, particularly for sharing which products you used and where you found them x
Hi Kristine, Thought you might like to know that I got the ceramic stools!!! Woohoo!!!! The drive to the reject shop was severely nerve-racking!!! And my heart nearly stopped when I couldn’t see them anywhere in the shop. But my awesome husband spotted them hiding in the corner!!! The very last 2 in all of the reject shops! LOL! Also wanted to let you know that I’m running a giveaway on my blog at the moment (http://lamaisonjolie.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/amazing-giveaway-by-personal-planners.html), would love for you to enter! Thanks once again! xx Rani
Hi Rani
Awesome work! My local Reject Shop was sold out by Friday morning! Luckily I didn’t actually need any more stools (note, I said ‘need’, not ‘want :-)
Just popped over and e-visited you. Great give away.
Kristine
Awww thanks Kristine! I was a woman on a mission at the reject shop, since I have been wanting, needing, sleeping these stools for a year!!! God knows why they are sooo expensive at retails stores! I bought the last two. One might go to a friend on her birthday- she loves them too! I’m redoing my entire home again one bit at a time and these will come in handy for sure! Also saw your music stand lamp post. I was trying to make the same thing out of a telescope stand, but now that I saw your post, a music stand in my garage is the way to go!!!
Just noticed your post! Thanks for entering and good luck! I can’t tell you how awesome it is to find another kindred blogger in melbourne!!! Just awesome! Maybe we should catch up oneday!!!!! And I just love love love your blog!!!! Xx Rani
so impressive! i love those stools and now i will be scouring ebay too:) {along with all your readers i’m guessing!} love it!
Great buy on this garden seat. Wish they had a shop like this in the states. Thanks for the tutorial on painting ceramics.
He, he. I’m usually the one pining for all the awesome and affordable stuff you guys have in the US! Though I have seen posts from a few US bloggers who have bought these stools for around $20 from certain stores over there…sorry, not sure which ones though :-)
Great tips! I too have been looking for a garden stool, and have been stopped by price & color. Now I just have to worry about price! Thanks so much :)
I have mine in white so your version definitely hits home with the original! Great job! i wonder though if you’ll stop there, maybe next year you’ll change it again to a different color since this one turned out so well!
That’s the beauty of paint, isn’t it Vel? It’s just so easy to make quick, affordable changes.
:-)
I just went and bought my stool-my reject shop has loads of them, looks great.
Awesome!
Thanks so much for linking to Make the Scene Monday @ Alderberry Hill. You are being featured today!
I hope you are having a wonderful weekend, and join me later tonight for Make the Scene Monday #63!
Oh my, this is gorgeous! Thanks for linking up.
Beautiful! Great makeover, I like the white! Also, your pictures are amazing!
Kristine – I’ve been catching up on your posts all morning. Everything looks fantastic! Love the stools, the faux brass legs treatment, and all the other goodies you’ve shared. Congrats on the magazine cover!
See you soon and hope you are well
Jenny
http://Www.simcoestreet.blogspot.com
I love this! I’ve been seeing the ceramic stools in the reject shop for awhile but they don’t have the colour I want. I’m going out right now to get one! xxx