A good spray paint should adhere to whatever you are paining. You just may have to do multiple coats, so get enough paint for that. Better to do thin, quick-drying coats than to spray it on too thick and have it drip and run. Don't stress if you don't get good coverage on the first (or even second) coat. First coat will look like crap. Second coat should pretty much cover, except for some touch-up areas here and there.
For the swords, I think your initial plan of yardsticks or extra large paint stirrers will work just fine. You will just have to cut the ends to make them pointy. You might also find some long stakes at any home improvement store or store that has a big lawn and garden center. Those would already be pointy, and they are generally made of cheap wood, which makes them cheap and available in bundles. The only catch is whether you can find them long enough. Another suggestion, in a similar vein, is you may be able to find long strips of wood for use in lattice work at the same types of stores, and it should not be very expensive. As with the yardsticks or paint stirrers, you will have to cut them to length and cut them to make them pointy, but that may ultimately be your best bet. If you have or can borrow a mitre saw (chop saw), it will be super quick and easy. A small circular saw or a jig saw would work as a backup plan, but will not be as quick and easy.
Topic: Need advice: DIY cheap iron throne for a birthday party. (Read 1554 times)