First things first!! Great company to buy from, such great customer service. 
The paint treatment is a flat gray mixed with some black and metallic splatters randomly placed. They are made to look distressed and vintage. They are not really vintage or refurbished. They have a faux prohibition/industrial look but when you look close up you can see they are reproduction. Good deal for the price though. They raise from counter to bar height. They aren't for spending long periods of time in. They are hard and aren't for those who may be weight challenged. I purchased 11 of them and I'm going to paint them. I'll post pics soon.