Create your own DIY pool noodle sculpture

13 Mar 2026

Transform a simple pool noodle into a bold sculptural statement by tying it into a chunky knot. Finish with Resene FX Metallic in Gold Dust for a luxe, shimmering effect that stands out beautifully against dark interiors. Perfect as an eye-catching coffee table accent or entranceway feature. 

You will need:

• Pool noodle
• Hot glue gun and glue
• Hand saw or sharp scissors
• Resene Ezyfill GP interior filler
• Filler smoothing tool
• Resene Membrane Primer (optional, to give more adhesion)
• Resene testpots – we used Resene Apache and Resene Gold Dust FX Metallic
• Resene testpot paintbrush

Step 1: Gently tie pool noodle into a knot and secure into place with hot glue.

Step 2: Cut off excess length with a hand saw or scissors.

Step 3: If required, fill the end holes of the pool noodle with Resene Ezyfill GP interior filler. Allow to dry.

Step 4: Apply one coat of Resene Membrane Primer, which helps the paint adhere to the pool noodle. Allow to dry.

Step 5: Apply one coat of Resene Apache. This helps the colour of the metallic top coat achieve its best gold look. Allow to dry.

Step 6: Apply one to two coats of Resene Metallic FX Gold Dust. Allow to dry.

Above: Sculpture painted in Resene FX Metallic Gold Dust, wall and console table in Resene Nocturnal.

Step 7: Style your sculpture on top of a console table or coffee table.

Top Tip: When using Resene Metallic FX paints, check out the Resene Metallics and special effects chart. Next to each metallic paint (in brackets) is the best undercoat colour to achieve a glistening, shimmery finish. 

project Pamela McIntosh
main image Bryce Carleton

Published: 13 Mar 2026