Transforming Trash: Upcycled “Wildfire” Patio Chair Planters

Have you ever stumbled upon an item that someone has thrown away and think “I can do something with this!”. When you see beyond the ugliness to only the potential beauty? That overwhelming feeling you get of excitement and surprise at your own good fortune? Well that exact feeling happened to me earlier this month as I was walking through my neighborhood.

I came across some pretty hideous looking patio chairs sitting alongside the curb. And with an open mind, I tentatively approached the set (not wanting my neighbors to notice me looking through someone’s garbage) and to my delight I discovered that the chairs were made of solid iron. The iron chair frames were still in great condition although only slightly rusting in spots. The upholstered seat, on the other hand, was moldy, gaudy and worn. Immediately I thought I had hit the jackpot! I urged the kids to pick up the pace (as fast as their little legs could take them) and head home so I could quickly return with my van to load up the great find.

All the chairs needed was a simple makeover. With an upcycled design plan in place I began the transformation. I decided to repurpose the chair frames into a fun holder for potted flowers and place one of them in my garden. And the other one, I will give to my sister of course! I chose a lovely shade of pink paint (“Wildfire” Dulux Metalclad Gloss Alkyd) that matched to a potted geranium I had sitting on my porch.

And I couldn’t be happier with the results!

How to Paint Iron Patio Furniture:

•  Quart of paint in your choice of colour
•  Small bristle brush or foam brush (to get into the corners of the chair frames)
• Small paint roller and tray

To start, I gave the chairs a good cleaning with soap and water and left them to air dry.

Once dry, I placed them on top of old newspapers and began applying thin even coats of paint. Several coats of paint were required in order to get full coverage. I allowed enough time to dry in between coats and then flipped the chairs upside down and repeat on the undersides.

Once dry, I found a compatible sized pot to fit inside the seat. I planted some beautiful annuals inside the pot and positioned the new garden accessory into my garden.

To think someone actually thought these chairs were trash?! I guess it’s true what they say, “one woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure”.

What trash have you turned into treasure lately?