File this under stylish and nearly free mini-makeovers anyone can do. We had two bright yellow chairs—leftovers from a brief apartment stint with a balcony—that matched our old yellow door but looked out of place next to our current red one. A couple of cans of Rustoleum Universal All Surface spray paint solved the problem and transformed the chairs into a fresh, cohesive porch accent.

The product is new to the market and appealing for several reasons: it sprays at any angle so you don’t have to keep the can perfectly upright, it adheres to a wide range of surfaces from plastic and wood to metal and wicker, and it features a trigger-style spray mechanism that’s more comfortable and precise than the old push-button cans. At roughly six dollars per can, the cost to refinish both chairs was minimal, making this a very budget-friendly update.

After painting, our porch chairs look entirely different—glossy black that complements the style of our ranch home. The new finish ties in nicely with the black shutters, the trellis, and our oil-rubbed bronze light fixtures and door hardware. Beyond aesthetics, this was a fast project that felt good because we reused existing furniture instead of buying new pieces, which can be both wasteful and expensive.

That said, a strong caution is necessary: this spray paint is potent and can cause unpleasant side effects if used without adequate ventilation. Although I sprayed both chairs in our two-car garage with the door open and worked quickly, I still left feeling lightheaded, nauseated, and with a headache. The manufacturer’s recommendation to use the product in a well-ventilated area is not an exaggeration. If I were to do it again, I would spray the chairs outdoors on some cardboard or a drop cloth to maximize airflow and reduce exposure to fumes.

Another practical tip: never attempt this project barefoot. I made that mistake and paid for it—excess paint overspray collected on the garage floor and turned into a sticky, tar-like residue that adhered to my feet. Because this paint bonds so effectively to surfaces, the overspray becomes thick and gummy rather than the dry, dusty residue many other spray paints leave behind. Removing it required paint thinner and a fair amount of effort. To avoid this, wear old shoes or sturdy flip-flops you don’t mind ruining, and use a protective ground cover to minimize overspray on surfaces you’ll walk on.

Overspray can build up quickly and become sticky as successive layers are tracked across a surface, so plan your workspace accordingly. Lay down ample cardboard, drop cloths, or a large sheet of craft paper to protect the ground, and keep a safe distance while spraying. Move slowly and deliberately so you don’t step through wet paint and accumulate more layers of goo. Good preparation will save you time and frustration when the project is finished.

Despite the precautions required, the end result was well worth the effort. The makeover was quick, affordable, and visually impactful. It’s a great example of how a little paint and some careful planning can refresh existing pieces and improve curb appeal without a big investment. With proper ventilation, protective footwear, and surface protection, this project is an easy way to give old furniture new life. Happy spraying!