4 Men 1 Lady

a lifestyle blog about the persuit of bringing beauty to a house full of men.

Brass plated stool.

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A long while ago I found this stool at my fave consignment store.
At the time I didn’t have any particular use for it but stools can be used for other things besides sitting…side tables, plant stands…

It was in rough shape but I left it outside for several months and it rusted even worse than when I first brought it home.

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Not wanting to get rid of it but feeling like I kind of ruined it my dad suggested I have it brass plated.  He has had several plumbing pipes chrome plated to make closet rods because he hates the cheap plastic ones.

If you’re not familiar with the plating process…they basically take a metal piece, remove all the corrosion they can through an intensive, multi-step process, then they apply the finish through several other steps.  It’s quite complicated. I called around to several plating companies here in Salt Lake and got all kinds of quotes ranging from $70. – $200.  Still kind of expensive for an old rusty stool but I had plans for it in my bedroom makeover so I decided to give it a go and went with the cheapest bid.

Here’s how it turned out:

PicMonkey CollageQuite a difference.  I had considered spray painting it but you just can’t get that bright, mirror finish with spray paint.  There’s also no way I could have achieved that smooth and glossy touch.

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If you’re interested in having one of your own furniture pieces plated I would Google, “Metal plating” and then your city.  Keep in mind, many metal plating companies don’t typically work with the general public.  Most work with larger companies who send them bulk items so finding someone may be tricky.

Stay tuned to see where it ended up in my house.

Comments

    • Absolutely! I used Joe with Crown Plating, 801-364-0201. I’ll give you a heads up…turn around time was forever, which I expected. I don’t think these types of places are used to working with the general public. They mostly do bulk business for other companies. So when bigger orders come in they give them precedence. I was fine with that because I had no real deadline. Joe comes off as a little aloof but I really liked the guy. He was willing to work with me to get the color and finish just right. His price was the best and I’d definitely use him again.

  4. Very styling, but will the brass corrode? I had a brass bed one time that did….Take a pic of John’s chrome plated clothing rods. I had never heard of that until he showed me his. I like that idea, too.

  5. I can tell allot of work went in but I kinda like the before better. Rustic/industrial. I would have cleaned it up a bit and give it back the distressed look. I really don’t like brass…it looks dated.

  6. While I like rustic things, I LOVE the makeover!! Brass is back in, baby! My only concern is that the headboard tutorial is taking so long! :). Can’t wait to see the Master Bedroom…how much longer?

  7. This looks fantastic! We did this with our bathroom fixtures after we found out how much $$$ faucets and tub pieces cost. They can do so many finishes as well- I was shocked ( brass, brushed nickel, satin, even oil rubbed bronze). Many places will allow you to ship to them also– my parents ship things all the time to a place near me and then I go pick it up…check it and ship it to them. You may find a company back in AZ to dip for you!! Thanks for sharing! (and can I just say dated schmated– it looks mahhvelous dahling)

  8. I liked the before, but the after, Hello Dahling! Now, I need a metal stool to glam up for a plant, I have a perfect corner for one.

    Yes, please can we see your Dads closet now?

  12. I am basically OBSESSED with this makeover. So glam and so damn unique. It’s just one of those things that I’ve never seen or thought about and now I want to make my own brass etagere and brass plate that IKEA wall hanging first aid kit! I think the cost of brass plating would stop me from overdoing it, but I never liked the spray-painted look because, you’re right, it just doesn’t have that shine.

    Thanks for opening my eyes!

    • Thanks Erika! Yeah, spray paint just doesn’t produce the same effect. Glad you like it. I’d love to see your project when you do it! Brass plating all the way baby! 😉

      • ah, I don’t blog and I always forget to do a before shot, but I am super inspired by this so thank you for sharing!

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Hey there! I’m Michelle; I’m an Passionate DIY’er and in constant pursuit of how to bring beauty to my house full of men (3 boys + 1 hubby). Stick around and see what I’ve got up my hard-working sleaves!

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