These Lyon steel drafting stools are straight from the architecture school where I was an undergrad over a decade ago. Rusted and layered with spray paint, they were pretty well-worn even when I was in school. Recently, when the department underwent renovations, a friend picked these up for free when they were discarded during construction. We paid him $5 each for the trouble of scavenging them and then started looking into refinishing.
It was going to take hours to strip away the rust ourselves, and we weren't keen on the stinky naval jelly required to do so. To add insult to injury, we used the stools as "ladders" during a backyard shed building project, so they took an additional beating while awaiting their fix-up:
After some research, we decided to have the stools sandblasted to remove layers upon layers of spray paint and rust. If they were sound (and there were doubts), the same company would go ahead and powder coat them in a color of our choosing. Turns out, there was steel left under all of that rust after all!
The stools look like new at just over $50 each. The bright yellow RAL color we selected complements our walnut countertops and brings an extra dose of sunshine into our kitchen.
We were careful to instruct the sandblaster to use a light touch around the stool's stamped labels, as we love the Lyon imprint proudly boasting that the stools are from Aurora, Illinois.
Here's a look at how the infamous feet cleaned up. These were seriously rusted, and I had a contingency plan for coating them in rubber if the rust left behind only nubs of steel that would mar our floors. But the feet are now super smooth and glide over the floor just fine with no special pads.
I'm excited about the new life that sandblasting and powder coating can bring to old metal objects. So much so that I am now always on the lookout for sad, rusty furnishings that have great form under worn finishes. I'd highly recommend this route to anyone: just consult your phonebook for metal finishing, sandblasting, or powder coating companies. They often see more car body parts than furniture, but will likely delight in a change of pace.
(Images: Regina Yunghans)
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So funny you would do this post! I noticed your stools during the Cure post about the baseboard and was wondering how you got them looking so nice! I have one in my kitchen and would love to have it done. DIY stripping and spraypaint can go either way. I'll have to start researching powder coating. They did a great job and thank you for the post!
Spectacular!
Beautiful!
Powder coating is the way to go for durability. Great job on picking color!
Those look darn sweet, someone did a great job!
those are great, great for the environment keeping them out of the trash and having professionals do the blashing/painting.
Those look amazing and I love the yellow with the wood. I've been wanting to have something powder coated for a while and was wondering about costs.
Really awesome. Great pop of color.
Wow! You must feel a surge of happiness every time you look at them. Well done.
fabulous!
I love powder coating and have it done on just about anything I can...including my vintage bikes that need new paint! Of course I'm one lucky girl since Dad owns a fabricating business and powder coats most of his parts. All it takes is a yankee dime and a please/thank you to get what I want sandblasted and powder coated. =)
Hi...new to powercoating. Is it expensive?
these look great, and expensive!
These are beautiful! Where does one go to get a quote for sandblasting/powder coating?
What I have always wanted to try is having something metalflaked!
These look great!
These look amazing! I want ones in bright green!
People don't read, do they? The post says each chair was done for a little over $50. There's not a lot of surface to powdercoat, so if you did a whole patio table would probably be closer to $150 to $200. And she says that you should look for metal finishing, sandblasting, or powder coating companies.
My husband works in the automotive business and we've had items like this done by auto body refinishers he knows. So that is another source to look for.
mmm - love these. I have a pie safe the same color - so if and when you get tired of your chairs - I'll be waiting ;)
Looking good!! Just an FYI for people... if you live near a university....ask how they deal with their surplus... our university has an outlet that is open to the public 5 days a week with a couple of later evening hours... everything from desks, hall trees, overhead projectors, computer set-ups, laptops... Think what is all in dorms, classrooms, offices, etc..
I have been thinking of doing this to some vintage sewing machines that have the paint worn off..but, I would like to have decals on them still..I suppose powder coat, then put the decals on and then a clear coat?
Soooo drool worthy. What company did you use for the sandblasting. I need to get a hook up with folks like that.
Theses look great. Even better is that have a bit of personal history for you.
@ Head Smacker: Gotta love a dad who will work for a yankee dime.
They have a really fun feel to them. Nice job.
Nice, bright, cheerful and fun!!!
Jealous! I love that yellow. Nice work!
Great job! Love it! They're wonderful. :)
o, the nights in college we dragged those @ the lab/studio, dented & stained with whatever & we sat on them anyway. usually not a fan of painting but these will tire faster if left raw. this is a well-executed save & smooth feet are nice bonus.
Your stools look awesome!
If you can't find the stools at a salvage yard try this link:
http://www.workplacestorage.com/stools-3.aspx
The stools are plain, but could be re-painted if desired.