Repaint the steel stool outdoors or in a well-ventilated garage or other area. This allows the paint fumes to dissipate faster and prevents a messy cleanup inside your home.
Spread newspapers or a drop cloth on the garage floor or other work space.
Scrub the painted steel stool with a wire brush. This removes any of the existing paint that is loose or flaking. It also gets rid of rust or other debris that hinders the primer from adhering well.
Wipe the metal stool with a soft cloth to rid it of any dust and debris from the wire brush.
Paint the steel stool with a primer and a paintbrush. Use a primer paint suitable for covering metals. Read the label to determine if two or more coats are necessary and the drying time. Wait until the primer is completely dry before continuing.
Cover the metal stool with a spray paint formulated for metal. Use a sweeping motion to create a smooth, professional looking finish. Hold the spray can parallel to the stool at all times, which prevents the paint from sputtering out of the tip. Generally, two or more coats are necessary to provide an adequate covering for the metal. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying another.