Updated on June 5, 2024
Patio Table Makeover. Refresh an old and tired patio table with a can of spray paint. Paint makes everything look new again!
We were lucky enough to “inherit” a glass table when we moved into our old house. Basically, the old homeowners left it in the back shed.
It is functional, but so not pretty. Our old ugly patio table needed a major refresh.
Let’s Start with The Table
The table itself is actually a mix of two patio tables that were used together. What the heck? This made the table look even worse with two different finishes on the metal.
I originally purchased cheap plastic chairs for our back deck, but honestly, I don’t really like them. They were off-white so they sort of matched the table.
They fold up flat, which is nice. But the chairs tip over if the kids try to get off of them. Needless to say, it is not ideal.
Related: Spray Paint Plastic Chairs
The Chairs
I have been on the hunt for some metal patio chairs to replace our not so sturdy plastic ones through Craigslist for months. Nothing was showing up. I didn’t want to do anything to the table until I found the chairs I wanted. Who wants to paint something twice if you don’t have to?
Thankfully, a couple of weeks ago I was in Target and all the patio furniture was marked down for clearance.
I picked up four metal chairs for only $12.25 each. If you have ever tried to buy patio chairs (especially metal ones), then you know this is a good deal! They are a plain black satin finish.
The ones I purchased are no longer available but these chairs are similar: Patio Dining Chairs
Now that I had my chairs I could finally redo the table to match.
How to Paint a Metal and Glass Patio Table
Supplies:
How to Remove Glass From a Patio Table
I started by taking apart the table with the help of my husband. The table is made up of two separate pieces – the bottom part with the legs and the top part with the glass. To remove the glass you have to first remove the rim clips under the glass.
How to Remove Table Rim Clips
The clips on my table were old, and the plastic was hard and cracked, so they popped out easily. If yours are in good condition you may need to pry them out with a flathead screwdriver.
Prep the Table For Paint
Then, I scrubbed everything well with soap and water and allowed it all to dry.
I hate sanding. Whenever I can avoid it, I will. Since my table was ugly but not actually in bad shape, I didn’t worry about sanding first. You want to sand off any rust or uneven spots before spray painting.
Spray Paint the Patio Table
It only took one can of spray paint to do both pieces. For this project I purchased Ace Rust Stop Spray paint in black satin. However, my go-to paint for most projects is Krylon ColorMaster Paint + Primer. Allow it to dry thoroughly.
assemble the Table
As I mentioned above, since this table was so old, the plastic pieces that held the glass into the metal rim were cracked and broken – not at all salvageable. So I went on the hunt to find replacement pieces.
The pieces are called “table rim clips” – who knew? They come in black, white, and clear.
Once the table was put back together, it looked so much better – almost like a brand new table!
Patio Table Makeover: Before and After
I am happy with the way it turned out. The table cost less than $10 to makeover which included both the cost of spray paint and the rim clips. I am always amazed by what a little spray paint can do to completely change the look of something.
Now you don’t have to pass up a less than perfect patio table at yard sales when you see one for a great price. You can make it over yourself!
Helpful Tips for a Patio Table Makeover:
- If you do not plan on sanding, use a paint with primer (or a separate primer, first) to get the best results
- Many spray paints now come with both paint and primer in one, so you can use one can for the job
- If your table has uneven spots or rust, be sure to remove that before painting
- Use light, even coats of spray paint and allow them to dry between coats according to the spray can instructions
You may also like these paint makeovers:
Cleo says
Was your table originally powder coated?
Laura Silva says
I am not really sure. It was some type of painted metal, but I don’t believe it was powder coated.
Lauren says
What kind of spray paint did you use? A specific brand for a glass patio table? And where do I find it? Thanks.
Laura Silva says
Lauren,
Since you remove the glass from the table before beginning, you will need to choose a spray paint for your particular table material. In my case it was metal. Most spray paints now work on metal, wood, and plastic. You can find out for sure by reading the label. I also prefer to use a spray paint with primer included. You can find spray paint at your local home improvement store, Amazon, and even Walmart.
Hope that helps!
Laura
Elizabeth A Parham says
My chairs have plastic arms – how well will spray paint stick ?
Laura Silva says
Elizabeth,
Make sure whatever spray paint you choose says it is suitable for both metal and plastic (if that is what your chairs are made of). Recently I spray painted some plastic chairs I purchased from a yard sale and they are holding up really well. You can read about that here: https://www.laurascraftylife.com/spray-paint-plastic-chairs/. For maximum adhesion on any spray paint project, use a primer first or a spray paint that includes primer. This will give you the best and longest lasting results.
xo,
Laura
Cboh says
Did you end up just breaking the original rim clips off?
Laura Silva says
A couple of them were already broken off, and the others we removed with pliers.
Dava says
Hi and AWESOME RESTORATION! If you don’t mind I’d like a little more detail than Jodie. How do you remove the rim clips, specifically? Did you use plyers, screw driver, etc.? Thanks, in advance!
Laura Silva says
When we re-did the table, the clips that were in our table were old and easy to pull out. We have had to remove them once after that and I used pliers to grip it and then used a flat head screwdriver to sort of pry it out from under the edge of the table. I hope that helps!
Laura
Jodie marshall says
Just wondering if you could explain in a little more detail how you got the glass out of the metal rim. Thanks in advance
Jodie
Laura Silva says
Hi Jodie!
In my table, there are small plastic clips that hold the glass in place. The glass sits inside the metal rim and the clips go in underneath the glass to hold it in place. Simply remove the plastic clips and you will be able to carefully slide the glass out. Then, when it is time to put your table back together, you will re-install the plastic clips underneath the glass once again. Mine has 4 clips.
xo,
Laura
Laura @ Laura's Crafty Life says
Thanks Poppy. I love spray paint! :)
xperimentl says
The wonders of spray paint! Way to score on those chairs, too. Very nice. ~Poppy