How to Upcycle a Vintage Metal Library Stool

I was wandering aimlessly through the thrift store, as thrift store junkies often do, when out of the corner of my eye I spotted an item that reminded me of my childhood.  It was a metal rolling stool.  We used those in the library at St. John the Baptist Catholic Grade School in Manayunk, Philadelphia.  The library bookshelves were quite tall.  Actually, I’m not sure that we children were permitted to actually use the stools but I’m sure that the library lady did.  I rarely see these in stores or at yard sales.  It made me smile remembering the place where I spent a large part of my childhood.  Great memories.  It was a no brainer that this would come home with me.  Isn’t that what decor is about?  Filling your home with things that make you smile?  So here we go!  Let’s upcycle this vintage metal library stool?

Thrift Store Decor Team

And what perfect timing!!!  It is Thrift Store Decor Wednesday! Every second Wednesday of the month, 10 of us share our latest thrifty upcycles with you.  Welcome to this month’s post.  Be sure to see what the rest of the team has been up to at the end of this post.  I have a feeling they have some fabulous projects to kick off the new year.  We are so excited that you are here!

I’m not sure that these stools were originally designed for libraries.  I think maybe they were for industrial use in warehouses.  Here are some that you can purchase new from Uline, an industrial supply company.

But it doesn’t surprise me that the IHM nuns at St. John’s hunted them down as the perfect accessory for the library.  If you attended Catholic grade school, you know what I’m talking about.  If you didn’t, ask a friend who went to Catholic school pre-1990 when a good majority of the teaching staff was religious sisters.  Those women were incredible!  Some were extremely scary, but incredible nonetheless. 

 I also found this Kik Stool for sale on Pinterest.  It is the same brand as the stool I found and in much better condition.

Industrial

Industrial Features

The stool originally had rubber treads on each of the 3 step pads and on the top of the stool.  These were to optimize traction in your step.  Only part of one tread remains on my stool.

Additionally, my stool has a 5 inch rubber “kick plate” around the bottom of the stool.  The stool is fabulous because it is on spring loaded wheels. 

You can move the stool slightly to the left or right with your foot thus avoiding the need to bend over and physically move the stool with your hands.  The rubber protects the metal.  You can kick move the stool hundreds of time in one day if you are using it in an industrial warehouse.  This rubber is old from age and sticky.  I hope it will clean up easily and not have to be removed.

Enough on the history of the stool.  Let’s get to the upcycle.  

Where to Start

As you can see in the photos, this stool has some rust scattered across it’s surface and on the underside.  Here are the steps to prep the metal:

• Start the cleanup by lightly sanding the entire surface of the stool.  Areas with more rust should be sanded more thoroughly.  After sanding, wipe the entire surface with a damp rag. 
• Use a scraper or razor blade to remove any residual glue from where the step treads were previously installed.
• Sand the tread area again.  Wipe with a damp rag to remove all dust.

One of my steps still had part of an original step tread.  Here is the process to remove the tread:

• Use a flathead screw driver to pry off the old tread. 
• Remove any remaining glue or tread with a scraper or razor blade.
• Sand this area again.  Wipe with a damp rag to remove all dust.

Remember I said the rubber trim was icky?  I used Goo Gone wipes and they took the yuck away!

Painting

Because of the rust, I selected Rustoleum primer based spray paint.  I find that the 2X Rustoleum paint with primer has excellent coverage and the color choices are incredible.  I selected Seaside, a vibrant aqua.  Here are a few other projects I did with Rustoleum:  Vintage Bicycle Upcycle,  How to Paint Bathroom Faucets, and How to Refresh Vanity Lights.

Here are the steps to painting the stool:

• Tape off any area that you don’t want painted.  I taped off the rubber trim on the bottom.
• Apply 2-3 light coats.  Several lighter coats are always better than having to scrape off paint drips, sand and repaint.

Adding Color and Interest

Since this stool will not be used in an industrial area, I opted not to replace the step treads with industrial rubber.  Instead, I selected a colorful printed paper for each tread.  You could use any paper or fabric depending on your preference.  Here are the steps to replacing the treads:

• Use a piece of paper and a pencil to trace the shape of the step tread area.  Cut out the shape and transfer to your paper or fabric selection.
• Cut out the actual paper or fabric.  Glue or Mod Podge the design to the tread. 
• Seal the step tread with a sealer.  This step is not necessary if you use Mod Podge but an extra coat will not hurt. MinWax Polycrylic is my favorite water based sealer.

I grabbed the handy Elmer’s Glue and glued the paper onto the step treads.  I simply squirted some onto the stool and used a paint brush to spread it evenly. 

Then just set the paper on top of the glue and smooth out any air.  This paper was thicker so that was not a problem.  I used scrapbook paper that I had on hand. 

I waited about one hour and brushed on a thick coat of Polycrylic to seal the paper.

And this project was that easy! 

I plan to use this upcycled vintage stool in my kitchen.  I am lucky to have many kitchen cabinets so I utilize all of the space.  This stool will help me get to the high areas without having to grab the small ladder.  

The stool is vibrant, cheery, and small.  Perhaps she can hold a plant when not in use.  I have the perfect spot in the kitchen. 

I know it’s an odd spot, but I needed something to block Tinkerbell’s litter box so that Mia doesn’t go digging.  This is perfect!  Do you see the box in the corner?  This will do nicely until I build a nice hideaway for the box.

Now to watch the pets to make sure they don’t go digging!  I think Mia likes the color.

But then again, Mia loves all of the projects that we do on the deck.  Sweet girl!

And here are the Thrift Store Decor Team’s 2022 Kick Off posts!  We are looking forward to bringing you incredibly creative and thrifty projects throughout this fabulous new year.  Enjoy!

My Uncommon Slice of Surburbia  How To Spray Paint Wood Furniture

You are here! Upcycle Vintage Metal Library Stool

Petticoat Junction  How to Upcycle a Floral Centerpiece

My Repurposed Life Shutter Mail Organizer

House of Hawthornes Upcycling Plates into a Snowman

Sadie Seasongoods Pine Tree Embroidery for Winter Decor

Our Southern Home How to Easily Paint Wicker

Organized Clutter Thrifted Wooden Box Boho Makeover

Reinvented Delaware Upcycled Stepladder Decorating Ideas