Is the green color on a vintage windsor fireman's chair stain or paint?

Question

i need to add color to several spindles - how can i make them look original or close to?

Answer 1

Can you post a picture?

Answer 2

If You can see the woodgrain clearly  it is stain or possibly  a translucent paint "wash"

Not visible at all ...it 's paint & if so ,relatively easy to repaint if you can get a good color match.

The spindles are most likely maple which is hard & does not  readily accept stain.

If there is any finish on the underside that has not been worn & small chips of solid color come off when scraped it's paint.

If the finish is old or original to the chair, might try using a "wash" which is just well thinned paint.

Would use an oil based paint ,which unless the color is new would be what was used.

The new finish might be a little bright , but can be toned down w/ a drop or two  of  deep red or brown artists oil color

Can be wiped on in thin  layers to build up the depth of color you need & still show some grain if that's the look you want.

Can also give the spindles a rub w/ steel wool to show some "wear" even if painted..

Try it out in some scrap to get close.

Best regards