An Easy DIY Takes These Adirondack Chairs from “Grimy and Sad” to Polished and Timeless
Half the fun of thrifting home decor is imagining the new life it could have in your space. And it doesn’t take much to make a piece feel totally transformed!
Whether she’s flipping furniture or adding architectural details to her New Jersey home, Elisa Mastrocolla is always on the lookout for potential. So when she thrifted a set of iconic Adirondack chairs, she knew a little TLC could turn them into a dreamy addition for her outdoor space.
“They were covered in grime and looking a bit sad,” Elisa says. “But I saw their potential right away.” She decided to coat them in Stops Rust Custom Spray 5-in-1 by Rust-Oleum in Semi-Gloss White.
“Semi-gloss is easy to clean and perfect for outdoor use, and I wanted that bright, fresh look that white can deliver,” she says. “Plus, white goes with everything, so I knew I could easily change the decor around it without clashing.”
Custom Spray 5-in-1 features a unique adjustable dial with five different spray settings, so you can achieve smooth, even coverage no matter your project’s shape or size. Elisa started on the armrests and curved surfaces of the chairs using the #5 Horizontal Fan setting, which is designed for tall, flat surfaces. Then, to get in the nooks and crannies, she switched to the #3 Low Output setting: a fine, controlled mist.
“The low output dial was perfect for getting between the slats without any drips or runs,” Elisa says. “That attention to detail really paid off in the final look of the chairs. Overall, the control I had with the 5-in-1 dial was amazing — it made the whole painting process smoother and more enjoyable.”
“Now when I see those chairs, I see relaxation and some coffee time, along with s’mores. It’s amazing how a little DIY can transform something!”
Elisa Mastrocolla
Now, Elisa has a “new” set of durable, vibrant Adirondack chairs for soaking up the summer weather, relaxing with her morning coffee, and sharing sweet treats with her family.
“They add a clean, bright vibe to my outdoor space that wasn’t there before,” she says. “It’s like they’re the focal point now, drawing you in to relax and unwind.”