My dad’s stepstool desperately needed a makeover.
The paint was tired and the steps were worn, but this vintage piece was still a clever design worth saving. It functions as a seat when the steps are retracted. When the steps are rotated downward, it becomes a stepstool.
The bulk of the work on this cute piece was painting.
Normally, that would mean a light sanding, some patching with wood filler as needed, and then fresh paint. But I’m always wary of vintage painted pieces because you never know when lead paint might have been used. Lead paint was banned after 1974, but vintage pieces like this often predate that mandate.
For that reason, I keep lead test kits on hand. You can get these kits at your local hardware store or online. They are easy to use and worth the minimal expense to avoid the risks of airborne lead particles from sanding. Good thing I checked because this piece tested positive. That meant sanding was out of the question.
Instead, I had to seal the surfaces. First, I added wood filler where possible to smooth the bumpy spots I would normally have sanded.
Then I added the new paint.
For the body, I used Farmhouse Paint® “Classic White”. For the steps and the stripes along the edges, I used their “Black Noir”.
To get the clean edges along the curved steps, I used my favorite painter’s tape, Frog® Tape. It’s available in several varieties and widths. If you’re working along curves, like this, it’s best to use a thinner tape option for more flexibility.
Finally, I applied Minwax® Polycrylic to seal and protect the steps and the top which doubles as the stool seat.
And now it’s ready to get back to work!
Despite the hiccup of the lead paint, I was able to get the surfaces looking fresh and clean without sanding. Now this sturdy little workhorse is heading back to its home with a great new facelift.
Check back next week for a new post, and drop me a note on my contact page if you have any questions about the items you see on my blog. And don’t forget to visit my Instagram (@serendipitysequelsmn).
