Hey IOD family! Today, we have a fun project that transforms plain garden chairs into delightful, charming pieces perfect for a screen porch. Leaning into the vintage eclectic look, we used three different transfers to create unique designs, but you can also use the same transfer set for all the chairs if you prefer.

Before we get started, we want to remind you that IOD transfers are not for outdoor use as they will fade with sun exposure and don’t hold up to the elements. So, you’ll want to make sure these chairs are placed indoors or in an area shielded from the sun and elements.

Whether you choose to follow our eclectic approach or stick to a single transfer set, you’ll end up with absolutely adorable pieces that bring personality and charm to your space. Let's get started and see which of the three designs inspires you the most!

IOD Products Needed: 

• IOD Ephemeral Melange Transfer
• IOD Seed Catalogue Transfer
• IOD Bungalow Transfer
• IOD Vintage Textures Stamp

Get any of your IOD supplies from your local stockist.

Other Supplies: 

• Green Garden Chairs
• Brayer
• Artist Brush
• Chippy Paint Brush
• General Finishes Flat Out Flat Sealer
• Chalk Paints*
  • Rust mixture: Warm Brown, Orange, Deep Yellow
  • Turquoise

*we used a chalk-type paint in this tutorial, but there are many brands and types of paint, talk to your stockist to learn which one is right for you!

Step-By-Step Tutorial for DIY Vintage Green Graden Cafe Chairs

Step 1 - Choose Your Transfer

Start by grabbing your favorite IOD transfer. We’re using a sheet from three different transfer sets for the reach of our chairs (Ephermeral Melange, Seed Catalogue, and Bungalow), but you can definitely use one transfer set to save on cost if you don’t have extras lying around. 

Step 2 - Create Your Cut Guide

Take out your desired starting transfer sheet, keeping the backing on. We’ll place that on our chair back with the design side up and arrange the design how you want it. Then, once you are happy with your orientation, use a dull edge (like the back of a pen) to run along the inside groove to create a cut guide along the inside bevel of both sides of the chair back. 

Step 3 - Trim Your Transfer

Cut your transfer along the guides that you just created so you are ready to apply for your transfer. 

Chair Prep: We wiped down our chairs with a wet wipe to ensure they had a nice, clean surface for applying the transfer. We did not sand the surface. Make sure your chairs are 100% dry before applying your transfer. 

Step 4 - Apply Your Transfer

Remove the transfer backing and line your transfer up where you want to apply. Take your time lining your transfer up because once you lay it down, you won’t be able to reposition it.

Use your transfer applicator to apply. Make sure to get into the grooves and ridges. If there’s some cracking in the indents, don’t worry about it. Just make sure there’s good contact, and we’ll add more distress later to hide any imperfections.

Don’t be afraid to cut up your transfer to fill up more of the space. Move the text around to best suit your surface. Get creative! 

Step 5 - Burnish

Burnish the transfer with the smooth side of the gridded sheet it came on to ensure that all of your transfer has adhered properly. 

Repeat steps 1-5 for each of your chairs.

Step 6 - Apply a Rusty Look

Now for some rusty fun. Create a rust color paint mix using chalk paints*. We used about ½ of a warm brown, ¼ orange, and ¼ of a deep yellow to create our rust color. Trust the process!

Now, you will apply this paint to areas where you would naturally see rust settle. To be exact, you can look up reference photos online.

For crevices, we use an artist brush to apply the rust, then follow up with a chippy paintbrush. You want to use a stippling motion to really get that rusty texture. Just keep working and blending until you achieve the look you want.

Pay special attention to your screws, as those would be one of the first thing to naturally rust out in the elements. Then anywhere water would settle. 

Step 7 - Apply Some Distress

Put some turquoise chalk paint onto a paper plate and use your brayer to roll onto the Chippy Paint stamp from the Vintage Textures stamp set. Follow your heart when it comes to placement.

We worked back and forth, adding some more touches of rust and Chippy Paint stamps until we were happy with our final distress. 

Step 8 - Seal Your Transfer

Once you’re happy with the texture you’ve created, it’s time to seal the transfer. We used General Finishes Flat Out Flat but check with your stockists if they have anything they’d recommend for you.

Allow to dry. Enjoy your beautiful new garden chairs! 

We hope you enjoyed this step-by-step guide to transforming plain garden chairs into stunning vintage green cafe chairs with IOD transfers. This project is a fantastic way to add personality and charm to your indoor spaces while experimenting with the vintage, eclectic look. Remember, these chairs are best kept indoors or in protected areas to ensure the transfers last and maintain their beauty.

We can’t wait to see your creative takes on this DIY project! Share your finished pieces with our Facebook Creative Tribe, where you can find inspiration, support, and feedback from fellow DIY enthusiasts. Don't forget to visit your local stockist for all your IOD products and supplies. Thank you for joining us on this creative journey—happy crafting!

If you're just kicking off your creative journey, have no fear — our Product 101 pages are packed with straightforward techniques to set you up for success. We're thrilled to accompany you as you explore and create. For more how-tos and creative inspo, make sure to browse through the rest of our blog.

Once you've crafted your final piece, share it with our Facebook Creative Tribe! This community is not just a showcase but also a supportive hub for when you hit those creative roadblocks. And remember, your local stockist is always ready to assist with IOD supplies and expert advice. We're excited to see what you'll bring to life!