7 Steps To A $300 Article Chair Dupe

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Every so often I complete a DIY project I love so much that I have to share a step-by-step guide (check out my video of the flip here). These DIY black cane chairs were not only easy to flip, but they make for a timeless statement piece around my dining room table.

Article cane chairs with this style sell for $300 each. I found my dupes for $10 at an estate sale and upgraded them with a can of Rustoleum 2x Satin Black (the only spray paint I use!).

Follow my steps below for an amazing upgrade:

1. Find cheap cane chairs at an estate sale, garage sale, or by looking online! You can check out Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or your local Buy, Sell, Trade groups.

2. Clean them up and tape off the edges of the cane. I use Krud Kutter to remove buildup, and FrogTape to protect areas and create sharp paint lines.

3. If you are planning to resell or want to avoid touch-ups, make sure to sand with a 120 grit and prime.

4. Paint your chairs. Consider spray paint if you’re keeping them for yourself to save time. If you’re selling or want higher quality, I recommend One: Jett from Melange paint. Don’t forget to use my code MAGGIE10 for 10% off!

5. Follow the instructions on your paint to give it time to cure before using the chairs. This will help prevent scratches and scuffs.

6. If you want to add extra protection, use a top coat to seal the paint to avoid scratches. I recommend using Minwax’s Polycrylic. Be sure to use the finish to match your paint (for example, if you use satin paint use a satin finish).

7. Enjoy your dupe!

If you need help with other flipping projects, check out my Flip It! eCourse. It has everything you could possibly need to know, from finding furniture, flipping it, and selling it. I show you how to clean brushes, where I find my furniture, how I treat it for potential bugs, how to fix chips, how to avoid brush strokes, how to seal, what paint to get, how to sell, and more! If you’re not ready to take the full course, you can purchase individual lessons to fit your flipping needs.

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