Waste not, want not. That was my approach when I decided to use up the remaining oil-rubbed bronze spray paint from a previous project. I turned my attention to the mismatched patio furniture we inherited from the previous owners — a set that had seen better days.
I usually reach for white paint — there’s something about crisp, clean finishes I love — but white outdoor furniture tends to look dirty quickly. Rain splashes dirt and leaves into crevices, and that fresh white can start to look grimy fast.
Some areas were peeling as well, which made the whole set look worn and neglected.
Spring allergies didn’t help — pollen gave one piece a fuzzy, yellow coating. A fresh coat of oil-rubbed bronze spray paint would hide stains, cover chips, and unify the mismatched chairs into a cohesive set.
To work, I moved everything into the yard and set pieces on magazines and cardboard from the recycling bin to protect the grass and catch overspray.
Then I sprayed away, applying even coats and letting each layer dry before the next pass.
The transformation was particularly satisfying on the worst spots.
After a few coats, the dull, damaged areas became smooth and glossy — you can see the oil-rubbed bronze catch the sunlight.
Voila — a refreshed patio set with a rich, unified finish.
Update: For reference, the spray paint used for this project was the oil-rubbed bronze finish I had on hand at the time.
The entire refresh took about an hour and a half to two hours, including brushing off debris with a stiff brush, moving pieces to and from the yard, and allowing drying time between coats. I needed an extra can of oil-rubbed bronze to finish all three pieces, but that small cost was far less than replacing the furniture.
Next steps: add cushions or chair pads, string some bulb lights overhead, and bring in a few decorative touches to make the space feel inviting. With a little styling, this once-drab set can easily become a comfortable, polished outdoor spot.
What have you been spray painting lately? Have you refreshed any outdoor furniture or decor recently? A fresh finish can be an inexpensive way to extend the life of pieces you already own and give your outdoor space a quick, dramatic update.