We have a saying in our house, "if you stand still long enough, she'll paint you". Such was the case with a gifted curvy wrought iron stand. While I loved the curvy details, I did not like the antique bronze patina. I hesitated painting it because it was a gift but after some thought, decided I'm sure they would much rather see me using it than collecting dust in a corner somewhere. So here's how to quickly update a plant stand table with spray paint but the charm came from what I applied after.

How To Quickly Update A Plant Stand Table

Those lovely curvy legs and scroll base were begging for some color to make them pop.


Painted pretty aqua just brought that dark antique bronze patina to life. But the white shimmering highlights gives the color more depth and charm. You can't help but smile when you look at this plant stand table.


This is normally where I share a before picture. As I was about to press the nozzle on the spray paint can I asked myself if I'd taken a before picture. 100% certain that I had too lazy to go back inside to check my computer, I got busy.

Ahem...so imagine this plant stand with a dark antique bronze finish.

So here's how I did it...

These are the three supplies I needed to refresh the plant stand.


This post contains affiliate links so you can see what products I used or recommend for this project. At no cost to you, we receive a small commission if you make a purchase.

Material List

• Metal Plant Stand (gifted)
• Aqua Rust-oleum 2x Ultra-Cover Satin Finish Spray Paint
• Whitewash Dixie Belle Paint Company Glaze
• Inexpensive chip brush
• A small container of water

Painting The Plant Stand

Before painting the stand I gave it a good scrub with a toothbrush to get into all the nooks and crannies. After it completely dried in the sun, I sprayed two light coats of pretty Aqua spray paint, allowing it to dry an hour between coats. My preference is to flip the piece upside down and paint the underside first.

Spray Painting Tips:

1. Remember to always use spray paint outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
2. Shake the can for around a minute before use and often during use.
3. Hold the can around 10-12 inches from the surface.
4. Spray lightly in a back and forth motion in long steady strokes.
5. Wait an hour between coats.
6. The paint will be completely dry after 24-hours.

Protecting the finish

Normally at this point, you would apply a clear coat protective finish but I had other plans. I wanted all the lovely beaded detail along the top, scroll detail around the skirt, and those curvy legs to be highlighted.

Once the paint was completely dry I brushed white glaze with a small art brush in the ridges and along the edges of all those lovely curves and details. Once fully cured in 30 days, it will act as a protective coat. But you could definitely spray two coats of a clear coat sealer if you plan on using the plant stand table outdoors.

Tips for applying glaze:

1. Work with a slightly damp brush by spraying the tips of the brush with water first. This helps the glaze move better.
2. Dip just the tips into the white glaze, a little goes a long way.
3. Normally you brush on glaze and immediately wipe off the excess with a lint-free rag. But instead, I worked in sections and thinned the glaze by moving it with my brush over as much of the surface as I could before reloading the brush.

I love how the white glaze softened the Aqua paint color.


On the top, I applied the glaze much the same way in long even brush strokes. I left the glaze a little thicker in the nooks and crannies and divots in the metal, especially on the scrolls and beaded detail.


Now that the wrought iron plant stand went from dark and boring to bright and fresh, I could see it in a coastal or lakefront home. It would look beautiful in a sunroom or any room with pops of bright color. How about outdoors on a front porch summer vignette?


If taking a spray paint can to this wrought iron plant stand makes the difference between it being put to good use or hiding in the basement, then doesn't it make sense to paint it...guilt free?

If you have any questions about this makeover, please leave them in the comment section below or press the Contact Me button at the top of the blog to drop me an email. I love hearing from you!

I love this color so much I refreshed some fun Vintage Nesting Tables and this Mid Century Coppercraft Mirror. I also used it on this Hurricane Candle Holder Bistro Set.


You will find this project linked to these inspiring link parties.