Life at Cloverhill

Craft Tutorial Decor DIY

Day 1: Paint an IKEA Step Stool Red

I love the kitchen in our new apartment with its tall cabinets, but even at 5’7″ I find it difficult to reach the top. The best solution seemed to be a little step stool I could have tucked away in the corner. It would even be great for an occasional seat when we have lots of people over.
I found a great stool at IKEA that fit the bill, but they didn’t have it in the colour we wanted, so I decided to paint it.
Before assembling the stool, I sanded every surface with 600-grit sandpaper to prep the surface for the paint.
Following the instructions in the box, I put together the stool.
Then I used this apple red indoor/outdoor latex paint I found at the hardware store. I used a small foam brush to apply a thin coat all over and let it dry for a few hours. I applied a second coat, let it dry completely and then did any touch ups. The expert in the paint department recommended this paint for its durability, however if there are any scratches, I can touch it up with the leftover paint.
Here is the final result! I love it! Its a great pop of colour in our kitchen.
It’s also very functional!
When it’s not in use, I have it tucked in the corner of the kitchen by Whiskey’s bowls.
Speaking of my favourite little pup, next up on 10 Tasks in 10 Days, I’m making Whiskey a new dog bed. See you tomorrow!
UPDATE October 2014: I repainted the stool with Behr’s Marquee One Coat Paint in “Recycled Glass”.


Comments

  1. Hi Amanda,

    I just stumbled on your blog post today on your diy project – “painting an ikea step stool red”.

    I am opening up a stall at the Kingsland Farmers’ Market in 2 weeks and love this idea for sprucing up my ikea step stool. Can’t wait to add this to my space:)

    Thanks for the idea!

    1luv
    Necole

  2. How much is the red step stool? I couldn’t find a price. Do you make, paint and sell these?

    • This bare wood stool is from IKEA (about $20 US) and can be refinished however you’d like to do it. This is a tutorial on how I painted ours red.