*NOTE - There are other examples of upholstery that has been painted at the bottom of this tutorial. Sorry about the photo quality – I was very new to blogging when I wrote this post.
I recently painted an upholstered chair and have been asked about the process. Below are before and after photos:
Why would I do this? Well, after I learned that recovering a wing back chair for my master bedroom would cost $500-700 total, I decided that just wasn’t in my budget. Not to mention, I haven’t seen any good fabric in this color anywhere (not locally)…
So, how could I do this cheaper?
I REALLY wanted a chair like in my inspiration photo. Not exactly like it, but the general color and shape.
[5].png "Image(35)")
The wing back and the vibrant teal color were important elements of my master bedroom story board.
Then, I had an epiphany. I remembered seeing a painted chair a while back. So, I began to do a little research on painting upholstery. After all, I could surely afford to buy a used chair and paint!
After a day or two of getting my ducks in a row as far as a plan was concerned, I purchased this chair on Craigslist.
![IMG_4611 (640x480)_thumb[5][8]](http://www.hypheninteriors.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/29-IMG_4611 (640x480)_thumb[5][8][3].jpg "IMG_4611 (640x480)_thumb[5][8]")
It was in perfect condition. Well built. Great lines.
I began the painting process. First on a pillow, but I’ll skip that part, as it went well, and instead I’ll start with painting the actual chair.
Materials needed:
1 Quart of latex satin paint in the color of your choice
1 Spray bottle full of water
1 2 inch or smaller paint brush
Fabric medium (equal to the amount of paint that you use)
Acrylic craft paint in the color of your choice (should match the color of the Latex paint)
Sand paper in around a 180 grit
Tutorial:
1. Make sure the chair is wiped free of dust and debris.
2. Mix 1:1 parts of latex paint and fabric medium.
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I used Ocean Soul by Valspar. Below is a more accurate depiction of the color used:
Below is the textile medium that I used.
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Fabric medium keeps the fabric from getting too hard. Note: Some fabric mediums require that you place an iron briefly on the fabric (or a hair dryer) after the paint dries.
I wouldn’t use much paint – maybe 1/8 of the quart. I mixed mine in an old cup. A little goes a long way in this phase. This will be your base coat.
3. Water that down with 1/2 the amount of water as paint. Stir. It should look more like a glaze than a paint.
4. Remove all seat cushions that are not attached from the chair.
5. Spritz (fine mist) the part of the chair you will start with first with water. I started on the seat cushion first. Don’t be shy, you want the fabric damp.
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6. Brush on the paint slowly while blending the best you can. Work the paint into the fabric. Always make your last stroke with the grain so the fabric lays in the right direction as it dries.
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I tried it on a pillow first. If you have a pillow or if there is an underside of a cushion, start there.
7. This should give you light coverage, almost like a stain. It will also act as a primer.
8. Do two coats this way. Each should be VERY thin. Water it down even more if you have to. Let the first one dry fully before beginning the second.
It will look worse before better. This is after one coat.
9. Don’t worry, your arm won’t fall off.
10. Sand any particularly rough parts. Lightly. In the direction of the grain mostly, if possible.
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11. Once the chair was dry, I spray painted the legs in a glossy white.
Here before the legs were painted.
After the legs were painted.
11. Now, it’s time for a final coat using the acrylic paint. Mix it 1:1 with the fabric medium, like you did with the latex paint. I mixed this in a cup as well. But, this time, be more generous. I’d do a full cup this size. (See below.)
Add just a few thimbles of water to dilute it a little.
[8].jpg "IMG_4758 (640x548)")
I had to mix my own color since the acrylic paints didn’t come in the color I wanted.
Paint this layer much more generously. This will be the layer that will cover the chair more completely. Don’t glop it on, but be generous. It should provide full coverage unlike the base coats.
12. It needed a little bling, so I added some nail head trim on the arms. I got the spacing right by folding a piece of paper and taping it so as to laminate it.
[4].jpg "IMG_4767 (640x480)")
Then, I simply hammered them in! Nothing to it.
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13. Congrats, you have a new chair!
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And, here is a sneak peek of it in my master bedroom!
Is it crunchy or stiff?
It started out as a velvet fabric. It is not soft like velvet anymore, but it is also not hard, crunchy or sand papery. It’s like a stiffer rougher fabric, similar to painted canvas. If you rub it in the direction of the grain, though, it’s not bad at all. If you rub it in the opposite direction, it’s more rough.
Does the paint come off on clothing?
Not at all. I tested it out and even wet it and sat on it. No problem. Similarly, if you paint a t-shirt, the paint doesn’t rub off.
Tips?
- A smoother fabric makes for a more consistent color.
- The final acrylic paint layer is very important. It will give the consistent deep color. Be sure not to overdo it on the latex paint.
- Go light on seams. Water this down and don’t overdo it.
- Sand down any particularly rough spots.
- For a more leather-like finish, you could try a glossy paint or a wax finish.
- It seems to work with just latex or just acrylic layers. See my second painted chair and the readers pale pink chaise.
- You’ll find that the better shape the fabric is in, the better the paint will go on and the less stiff it will be. The arms on my chair were a tiny bit worn compared to the rest of the chair. As a result, they are a little rougher now. I do think that in time, with use, it will all even out in texture, though.
- It’s not a chair to cuddle in. It’s not super plush anymore.
- I’m not sure how it would be for heavy use. We use our chair(s) only occasionally.
- Someone made a good point – it’s a little like the concept of the velvet Elvis paintings.
- Best practice is to do a pillow first if you have one or the underside of a cushion if it is possible.
Hope you enjoyed this step by step look into the process!
PLEASE let me know if you try this – I’d love to see photos!
Update 4/10/11: Readers have tried it.
Update 4/12/11: Master bedroom with chair in it.
Update 4/17/11: Reader had success with an awesome hot pink chair.
Update 4/25/11: Reader paints a brown wing back chair.
Update 5/1/11: Reader paints a chair white.
Update 5/22/11: Reader sent a link to her purple painted chair.
Update 5/31/11: Painted another chair. Textured, no velvet and I skipped the latex step.
Update 6/18/11: Reader paints a pale pink chaise. Latex only.
Update 8/8/11: It does not seem to matter if you do latex or acrylic. The main thing is to do thin layers and to spritz the fabric with water. Work it into the fabric, don’t let it just sit on top.
Update 8/27/11: I found this painted sofa on another blog. It was painted using 3 gallons of primer and 1 gallon of paint. They say it feels like plastic.
Update 9/19/11: A post with highlights of successes and failures as well as other techniques.
Update 9/26/11: A reader painted a silky orange chair pink! Just took one latex coat!
Update 9/30/11: Reader painted a chaise. See her Flicker photos.
Update 10/4/11: A reader majorly transformed a ratty chair into something awesome!
Update 10/14/11: A reader painted a bench – from blue to pink!
Update 10/26/11: Reader’s painted dining chair.
Update 11/29/11: Mr Goodwill Hunting paints a chair.
Update 12/15/11: Reader’s failed attempt.
Update 12/27/11: Another success story and a new type of paint to try!
Update 12/28/11: Two reader’s painted chairs. One reader has some good tips!
Update 1/9/12: Other paint types to try.
Update 1/16/12: A success and a failure.
Update 1/27/12: Four more successes.
Update 2/21/12: Painted chair – pink to green.
Update 4/13/12: Painted in dark blue.
Update 5/2/12: Painted vintage sofa.
Update 5/10/12: Two more painted chairs and talking about an upcoming series with Simply Spray.
Update 5/10/12: Reader’s link to painted chair in gray.
Update 5/11/12: Painted black vintage sofa on Design Sponge.
Update 5/13/12: Kara Paslay dyes a chair. An alternative to painting.
Update 5/17/12: The intro to my series on Simply Spray upholstery spray paint and an update on how my two painted chairs are holding up.
Coming soon - A series on Simply Spray’s upholstery spray paint – does it work?!
Thank you for the tutorial! I'm so excited to try this out. Looking forward to more projects from you!
Thanks for sharing the tutorial…I'm very tempted to try it! Now to find a cute, cheap chair to makeover….
That is so amazing! I first saw your chair
redo on Modern Jane. I'm so glad I stopped by and saw the whole tutorial! Amazing job! That's so great that it's comfotable!
Wow that's awesome! I think I would be to chicken to try that.
I'm a new follower too
I still cannot get over it. I have a candidate or two in mind for this treatment. Thanks for sharing your method!
This chair look amazing!!!! I love it! And the color….my FAV!
LOVE it!Just posted it.
This is SO awesome! I've been wanting to try this for a while and you've given me the courage to do so. Thanks!
Great tutorial. I love this! I just have to find a chair to try it on!! Thank you
It's always nice to see a post about something different that not many people have tried before. The chair is awesome and so are you. And congrats on the guest post!
Emily
Truly an amazing project! Welcome to the Blogging Community!
Just saw this on "Gorgeous Shiny Things" – amazing! Thank you for sharing. Now I'm on the hunt for a chair I can try this out on!
This is amazing!! I had no idea that you could do this! Now to find me an ugly but pretty chair….
It turned out great!
SO cool! I don't think I have that much ambition. But maybe! Can't wait to start following your blog!
This chair looks freakin' amazing! Great job.
thanks for the tute! great job!! {new follower!}
blessings,
-Tracie
Just saw this on Emily's blog; this is wonderful!
This is unbelieveable! I definitely might have to try this out on a cragislist chair I found. What I have got to loose right? Visiting from Emily A. Clark – new follower too
!
AMAZING!! I can't wait to try this!! I hope I have as good of luck as you did!
What a fabulous new look. May have to try this some time.
Kristy, Thanks for mentioning this in your comment you left on my blog – unbelievable! I am so glad you shared this with me … honestly I would never have believed it would have come out so well and I'm glad you answered the questions I was thinking … can you sit on it, does the paint rub off, etc.
Great tutorial, great result and what a great vision you had with an ordinary chair. Wow! Sherri
I read this post, and adopted two ugly but steady wing chairs on the way home today…I may be contacting you for advice and therapy!!
I saw your guest post at Emily A Clark and I'm IMPRESSED! I've seen some wacky things, but never would have even thought of painting a chair.
this is awesome!!!!!! I can't wait to try it out on a pair of chairs I bought at a flea market!!!! Thanks!-vel
I am an avid dyi er. This is great news, I will try and post pics……Jackie
Wow, is all I can say! I did this on vinyl but never thought you could do it on fabric. Seriously, when I saw it on Remodelaholic's site I was admiring the beautiful upholstery job you did and then I read further and was shocked you painted it. I love the whole look you created. Thanks so much for the step by step process you gave, it was very informative and helpful for any future projects I might find I need to do this on.
I had no idea you could do this! So exciting! Thanks for the tutorial.
Terrific project. I featured it this week at my DIY decorating column on examiner.com
Love this chair! You've done a wonderful job.
Hot Diggity! This is awesome!
~Gwen
OMG! Wow, you go girl! So much creativity, it's amazing
cant wait to try it.
I still can't believe it either! that is one heck of an awesome lookin' chair! bravo! I'm loving the color and your guts to have the vision and go for it!
I wonder why you need a latex & acrylic coat? hmmm. Super great tute – I'll have to try it out when it warms up a bit. tfs!
Christy
http://www.linbrylane.blogspot.com/
Love this idea. Do you think it would work on a sofa that's frequently used?
Great question. My chair is occasionally used, so for frequent use, I'm not sure. You may have more of an issue with the rougher texture… as I'm guessing for a sofa you want something really comfy… but I *think* it will hold up alright overall, if I had to guess.
Thanks Kristy!
I hope you don't mind that I posted a link to your blog on Crisp Interiors facebook page! I just fell in love with your blog and your creativity…so I had to share !
I'm trying your idea today on an old tufted chair….I've just got the first coat on and am about to sand the rough spots. I'll send you before/afters soon! Thanks again
-Emily
Crisp Interiors
Wow! This is amazing!! I just randomly came across your blog today. At first I thought you had spray painted it, but as I read more I realized you brushed the paint on! How crazy!! I would be SO scared to try something like this, but I'm also so curious as to how it would turn out! I have a couple recliners that were given to us and they don't match. Hmmmm…
Thanks for the inspiration!
I'm impressed with this project and I really admire your courage. It turned out great!
Warmly, Michelle
wow! i never would have thought about painting a fabric….i have been looking for fabric for my grandmother's antique queen anne wingback chair for years….i think you just solved my problem! will let you know how my chair turns out…now to pick a paint color
heather
thefab4ms.blogspot.com
wow, this is incredible! i never knew you could paint a chair and still sit on it. completely genius. thanks for the tutorial and the tips! [found you through life made lovely, by the way]
AMAZING what you did with this chair! I have to share this some of my friends!! I love your blog! I am now following you! I hope you will drop by my blog sometime! I am participating in my first "Before & After" with Thrifty Decor Chick!
Looking forward to getting to know you!
~~~rhonda~~~
My before & after:
http://bit.ly/hFEJgJ
Follow me on Twitter: Twittle__Dee
this is wonderful makeover & such a great idea. I am wondering does it have a paint smell, because I might do this.
what a great make-over! thanks for sharing all the details.
traci
thanks for sharing it at my party! coolest chair redo ever!
I am seriously amazed!! I never knew you could paint a chair! That deserves a huge knuckle bump! I am so excited to test this out! I would love it if you linked this up to my party so I could feature it too! Thanks so much for the awesome tutorial!!
Have a great night!
Tasha
http://www.dotdotdotthis.blogspot.com
That is amazing!! I never would have thought to paint a chair! Wow! Love the pillow fabric too, where is that from?
I did it!!!
http://www.gwens-nest.com/home-and-garden/painted-chair-cushions
Amazing! I am your newest follower
Wow, I have never thought of painting the fabric. I am anxious to try this out. Thanks for sharing.
Serious greatness. That's about all I have to say about that. Oh and maybe serious love. And I should also add, must do.
Thank you for sharing your amazing epiphany with us and the tutorial. It turned out pretty darn good looking. I have seen painted fabric before but I had forgotten about it.
I did not know you could paint fabric! It looks great!
Thanks for linking up this GENIUS idea at Try it Tuesday! I will also be featuring this!!
Thanks so much!!
Tasha
That is insane!!! I have a chair that is boring beige in my bedroom, and I see me and that chair doing this in the future!
I would never have thought to paint a chair. It looks incredible!
Wow wow wow! I saw this transformation c/o younghouselove, and I really love the chair color, nailhead trim, & pillow. I think this is inspiration to use that deep teal as my new accent color.
GORGEOUS!!!!!!!! Have never tried this process before, but you can bet I will now!
Wow – that's really awesome! Came to you via younghouselove. I'm digging your teal color – what an awesome pop in your master!! great work and helpful tutorial. thanks!!
I also came hear via younghouselove and I absolutely love this! I love the shape of wingback chairs but usually don't love the fabric! This is going on my to-do lists! Thanks for sharing your process:)
After seeing your fantastic results, I'm seriously considering doing this to my old living room couch. One question. How long did you wait between coats? A few hours… or a few days? Thanks so much and congrats on the beautiful piece!
This is amazing! I have 2 wingback antique chairs in the basement because the upholstery on them is so UGLY but my husband can't part with them. I think perhaps I will try your tutorial! I even love your color!
This is amazing. I just had to feature it on my blog.
I just finished this (actually still need to do a final sand) and LOVE it!
I posted a sneak peak I was so excited.
http://rustichic.blogspot.com/
Just getting into blogging (like tonight) so my page isn't really "put together"
1. The chair looks AMAZING!
2. Where did you get your pillow? I've been searching for contemporary accents, but I'm having a hard time finding pillows!
Great job! I was thinking about doing this for my old furniture set. Now that I've seen the process, I might try it for the chair that I wanted to cover. Waaaaay cheaper…:o)
This is an amazing transformation. I'll be following you to see what else you have up your sleeve. Man, that sounded stalker-ish.
This is awesome. I have an off-white loveseat that is in desperate need of a facelift but I'm not inclined to go the route of slipcover or reupholstery. I'm going to be brave and try this out!
Ok people. Let me tell you about Pebeo Setacolor Fabric Paint. This is a product that is water based and paints fabric beautifully. There is no need to use latex paint or make your furniture feel like burlap. this is what artists use to paint on silk scarves or tee shirts or to block print fabric. 6 years ago I painted my blue club chairs red (simple process, mixed the fabric paint with water and brushed it on, one coat, let it dry, apply heat with a hair dryer to set the paint) There has been no wear on the fabric in 6 years. The fabric is just as soft as before I painted them. No need to sand your fabric anymore.
L.
L. again – I forgot to tell you to use the Transparent Pebeo Setacolor fabric paint, rather than the Opaque. Opague will make your fabric a bit stiff. Transparent will not.
Have fun…L.
well done, i found this article on apartmenttherapy.com. i really love the colour of the chair and actually didnt know you could paint fabric! check out my blog about baking. http://www.sparklecooking.blogspot.com
have a great day.
I just can't believe that worked out to amazing!!! I just got a velvet chair and I've been going back and forth on the reupholster…Maybe this is option #2??? (c:
I am sooo impressed! Wow!
It's stunning, Kristy! Velvet thrift store chairs will get a second look now!
Great project, beautiful result! I love it! Perfect for the space.
Roeshel
I have a fabulous traditional wood desk chair that I picked up at a thrift store for 25 bucks, and its only major drawback is the forest-green upholstery. It is a super dark color, but I am thinking I could pull off black or navy with it. This is amazing, and so much better than paying to reupholster it! I can't wait to try this out!
Whoa… that's incredible looking! I never would have guessed it was paint! I would love to link to this if you didn't mind.
I would have never guessed! It looks amazing. Great color too! I am a new follower. Congrats on top ten at DIY Club.
Holly
504 Main
DIY Club
This is a great idea! Can't wait to try.
i just scored two amazing chairs on craig's list for $75. they are covered in a beige mohair, and although i love mohair, the color is off for my space. i was going to have them reupholstered, but do you think this could work? i wasn't sure about painting mohair fabric. thoughts?
I think it's worth a shot. The good thing is that painting does not keep from reupholstering later. So, if it gets messed up, you can save them with new upholstery.
I am about to start the final acrylic coat of my chair transformation. Did you wet the hair before that stage as well? Thanks!
Yep, sure did! I always wet it before painting. Great question.
Well I'm next. I just went and purchased all my supplies. I'm going from pink to lush purple. I will be sure to let you know when I am finished.
Love it!! What a fabulous idea!
Hi Kristy. Glad I found your tute (via google). I have a custom-mixed latex wall paint in a pea-green on my dining room walls (below the chair rail.) I have lots left over and I want to use it on my dining room chair cushions. It's Benjamin Moore satin finish latex.
I don't think I can match it by mixing acrylics. Can I just use the latex without adding water for the final coats?
The chair seats are now covered in a burgundy damask. do you recommend sanding or a brush as Kara used?
What was that tool with a handle in your picture illustrating the sanding technique? Where can I get one?
Many thanks, Diana
Diana, thanks for stopping by! I'll try to answer your questions the best I can.
- I found the acrylic paint coat to be the most important part of getting a rich color. Can you use just non watered down latex? Perhaps. I think the difference may be the stiffness in the end, but that is just speculation. If you have any extra fabric, I'd do a test run first and go from there. If nothing else just play with mixing acrylics and let it dry, look at the color and keep mixing until it looks right…
- I haven't tried the brush, but I'd think it'd work best on fabrics like velvet.
- The tool I was using was just a tool that holds sand paper and helps you to sand. I got it at Lowe's in the paint section.
Let me know if you try it and what methods you use!!
Thanks so much! I'll send pix when the chairs are done.
This is an awesome website!
Diana
I can't believe you painted a chair! It's mind blowing and awesome at the same time.
http://laurathoughts81.blogspot.com/
Interesting concept. I have a wingback arm chair that I want to redo, but it's not in the same color family as I want it to be finished. I will keep this in the back of my mind, though. Maybe I will have to change color schemes to make this work.
You can purchase actual fabric paint online. I've never done it but they say it works..and fewer steps I think. Still, this is GREAT!
Yep, you definitely can! The reason I did not use Simply Spray (I think that is the name of the one I considered) is because of the limited colors they offer. I wanted a custom color, so I went this route.
http://thejacksonseverydaylives.blogspot.com/2011/05/painted-upholstery-part-1.html
Here is part 1 of my painted chair. Thank you for the inspiration!!
I had no idea there was a way to paint upholstery like this! I'm so excited to try it, I have a whole boatload of ideas in my head for using this, now to find just the right amount of time and money. Enjoyed perusing your blog…
Karajeanne
Hi Kristy! I am comin from Alamode via Kellys Korner blogs! You have won my heart with the painted chair tutorial! I have never heard of this before. I bought 2 awesome chair at an estate sale for $10 each ( can you say bargain!!) that have a beautiful textured pattern but the color will not fit in my color scheme. I originally bought them to have them re-upholstered but I knew it would cost a fortune. My second option was to have a lady make slip covers for them. She does really good work with a very tailored finish but it is just as pricey. I think the “Painted Chair” option will create an interesting conversation piece…..not to mention its a budget saver!! I cant wait to get started on this project….I will send pics your way of the finished product!!! Thanks for sharing this tutorial…..just genious!!!
Aw, yay! So glad you enjoyed the chair tutorial. $10 for two chairs?! Sweet. If you do it, be sure to show me. I JUST bought a second wingback yesterday. I plan to paint it the same color as my first one.
Visiting today for the first time and thanks for the tip! Can’t wait to try it!
Blessings!!
Would you recommend this on a couch? Yes an entire sofa. I’m so sick of mine (color) and this sounds like quite the solution. I do plan on replacing the couch within the next year or two, so if there’s a screw up I guess I only have to live for a little while. It’s velvet, though, and the roughness scares me. Opinions, please!!!
Hmm… I think it really depends on the usage level, if you like to cuddle on it, and so on. It will be more like painted canvas (a little stiff, but not horrible) so not the best for cuddling on. But, if it’s just to sit on and is also for looks, it may be a great solution. My two chairs are sat on, but not more than a few times a week, so this solution worked well for me. If you are going to replace it anyway, it may be worth a shot. But, overall, you’ll have to judge it based on how the piece functions in your household, what you expect from such a solution, etc. Hope that helps a little.
I wonder if this would work on my patio cushions? They are still in great shape, but pretty sun faded. We don’t use them that often and plan to buy new ones at the end of the season, so I may have to try it out. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
I bet it would! I think it’s a great idea! I may try the same thing when mine fade. I hate how leaving lounge chairs out year round (which we do use… we live in Phoenix) ends up fading and dry rotting them.
Kristy,
WHERE DID YOU COME FROM….lol??? I have been trying to figure out what to do with my light beige dining room chairs. I love the heavy metal frame so much, but I am so tired of the color. I am going to try this. I have nothing to lose since my chairs are 10 years old. I am so happy to have happened upon your blog. I am now a subscriber. God bless you Lady, may you go far. I can’t wait to get started on my project.
Sincerely,
Janet
WOW !!! You Did An Awesome Job !!!
I totally ended up using your tutorial and painted my settee.. check out my blog for details! Thanks so much!!
http://brigittepatton.blogspot.com/2011/07/new-vintage-dining-room-with-painted.html
That’s awesome! It looks so good. Thanks so much for sending a link!
It looks great and definitely something I would consider for decorative upholstery. My only concerns are over how long will it last (ie would it crack or peel over time) and how well the base upholstry, if quite dark or had a pattern, would be covered considering not all acrylics are opaque… Especially cheaper ones and the original colour may seep through. In that case would it be worth applying a White gesso layer first to get a true colour coverage or would that be too heavy do you think?
Hi Lianne. I’ve wondered about gesso and if it’d be suitable at all. I’m not sure as I haven’t tried it nor has anyone I know. If you read this and you have tried it, send photos, please!
As for cracking and peeling. That doesn’t happen because (at least with my chairs) the color is soaked into the fabric due to the water being applied at the same time. So, it’s not like just a top layer. Therefore, there is nothing there to crack or peel. I hope that makes sense.
Coverage… I’ve had great coverage on both a velvet chair and a chair with a textured pattern. It can be done. I’ve seen one chair recently (see link in comments under my second painted chair) that is more of a stain than a true opaque color. I would assume it may depend on the paint, but moreso on the fabric, how much you water it down and how many coats you apply. Each situation will be a little different.
Feel free to check out the examples here and even contact those who painted them to get their feedback. Let me know if you paint a chair!
I was wrong about the location of that link. It’s on this post, above. Here it is again: http://brigittepatton.blogspot.com/2011/07/new-vintage-dining-room-with-painted.html
I’m making a slipcover. Can I wash and dry it using this method?
Interesting question! I *THINK* so if I had to guess, just based on painting shirts and such. However, be sure to use heat to set it. And, note, I have not tried it. Just guessing. But, I’d love to hear how it goes!!
SO fabulous! Thanks for the effort and work! And sharing it with us!
Wonderful instructions. Thanks.
b†
@madreminutes
please help…. I am in the middle of painting my sofa chair that was cream coloured. Good quality- it was a good deal when I bought b/c it was a display model and had some marks/dirt on it. I thought I could have it professionally steam-cleaned but it still didn’t get it clean.
Because of this and with a toddler, I didn’t worry about how we used it and it got pretty grungy. I just steam cleaned it again and got a slipcover. But the slipcover is less than chic and I thought I had nothing to lose painting it in a nice neutral grey. If it’s too crunchy, I’ll just try my hand at making a new slipcover.
But I am trying what another reader did and am just using the fabric medium with latex (1:1) and water to thin. I have used 1/2 a quart of latex and equal amounts of medium- with that I’ve barely got 2 coats on (it is pretty patchy at the end of the 2nd coat as I ran out). I have to keep going back for more fabric medium (they only sell them in those itsy 2 oz bottles). I have to go to the nearest city for it (no Michael’s in our town) but I don’t know how much more I need to buy. This is getting frustrating b/c I have to stop progress and wait for the next trip to Michaels.
I know my chair is bigger than yours but in your tutorial you mentioned using 1/8 of a quart of latex for the base coat but no mention of how much acrylic paint was needed for subsequent coats. I am about 1/2 a quart of latex and 9- 2oz bottles of medium into it and barely have 2 coats on the chair and only 1 coat on one side of the seat cushion.
Can you clarify how much latex plus acrylic it took for 3 coats? I believe you said it was 14- 4oz bottles for the 2nd chair using only acrylic?
thank you in advance for your response.
Wow, that is frustrating. I actually bought just three large bottles of textile medium and returned one and still have half of one left. So, for each chair I used 1-1.5 8 oz bottles of textile medium. I managed to find the 8 oz size at Michael’s, by the way, but had to ask an associate as it wasn’t right next to the small ones. Anyway, I didn’t do 1:1 fully. It was a little less textile medium than paint. And, honestly, I’m not certain it matters that much because I did a little less on the second chair (2 or 3:1) and saw little difference. I used maybe 1/8 – 1/4 of a quart of latex on the first and about 5 bottles of acrylic paint. So not a ton… but it did take several coats. I hope some of that information is helpful. Feel free to email me if you need anything!
just a big thank you for your quick response- this helps me make a fair guess before I head into the city this week. Really, really appreciate how fast you got back to me. (also I’m in Canada- unfortunately, Michael’s has no competition here. So from what I read in blogland, Michael’s in the US has far better coupons and selection) I can only get a 40% off coupon for a single item- doesn’t save me much when I’m buying 10+ tiny bottles (I only save $1.40). Now if I could buy it in the 8 oz bottle then it would be worth using my 40% off coupon. I did ask where to find it the first time but perhaps if I ask about the 8oz I will get lucky.
Oh well, I just appreciate you replying so quick- now I know before I go.
Cheers,
Cindy
So glad it helped! Thanks for letting me know. I’d love to see photos when you finish. I hope it turns out just how you hope! And, if you have a minute, feel free to enter the stencil giveaway I have going on. Just click on the top header graphic to get to the main page or the Giveaways link will work as well. Good luck!
oh and btw- I will let you know how it turns out. For the record, even the thin coats of grey latex covered the stains/dirt that the steam cleaning wouldn’t remove. I just need the 3 coats to get nice even coverage- 2 coats is looking pretty good where I started, just splotchy near the end when I was running out. I suspect it may not be as soft as it was as it’s drying up a little stiffer than the original texture BUT we always use this chair with throw cushions and often a cozy throw when we cuddle up with a kiddo for a movie. I will let you know when I finish.
I love this!! I can’t wait to try it!
Wow! I’m so excited to try this! I have matching pink wingbacks found for CHEAP on craigslist and painting would be so much easier than making slipcovers. Thanks for such detailed directions and links to similar experiments. I’m saving a link to this post so I can check back when it’s time for me to paint my chairs. Yay!
I just had to say that your chair looks fabulous ! LOve th e new color it really updated this chair.
I wanted to share another painting technique.
You can also paint upholstery with Liquid Rit dye! I have done it with a satin like fabric on 2 slipper chairs and a chenille type fabric on mid century style chair. Both projects were coincidentally dyed black. For other colors I think you have to plan accordingly, you would not be able to make a dark fabric a light color for example. Just mix according to package instructions, wear rubber gloves and use a sponge to apply (not a synthetic foam sponge but the traditional kitchen sponge) try to only dip half the sponge in the dye and apply working in one area at a time till the whole chair is covered, let it dry overnight between coats. This will not dry hard or come off as Rit dye it is actually made for fabrics. I wish I had pictures to share of the process.
Thanks for sharing! I had thought about that when I was researching what I wanted to do. But, I was concerned about even coverage and messes. I had tried Rit Dye on just a shirt once without a ton of success. And, there are limited colors. So, I was too scared to try it. But, it’s awesome to know it works! I’d love to see photos of the afters.
This is incredible! I’m in love with the color. I can’t believe you painted it. I am featuring this tomorrow at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com. Grab my “featured” button. Your blog is beautiful. I’m your newest follower.
Aw, thank you so much! I’m so excited to be featured tomorrow! I’ll add you to my feature page as soon as I’m able to get a link tomorrow. So honored that you’d want to follow my blog.
The pale pink chaise and the white chair were absolutely awe inspiring. Now I am going to have to find me a chair on Craigs List to paint. Thanks to you for the great idea and to all who shared their photo’s.
Thanks, Mary
I’m featuring this on my blog today! Feel free to stop by and pick up a featured button : )
Yay! Thanks so much for documenting your upholstery paint project! I’ve been thinking of painting an upholstered chair (as well as some bolt fabric) for a LONG time but never felt like I knew all the steps. Got them all–in wonderful detail–here in your post. My husband and daughter will be out-of-town on Saturday; sounds like a good day to give it a go!
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a message. I’d love to see how it turns out! Have fun. Hopefully they will return home pleasantly surprised.
wow, never knew you could do this!!! I heard there is a new pray paint for this, but this seems much more cost effective for a large piece of furniture!!!
There is Simply Spray and Rustoleum has a fabric/ vinyl spray paint. But, those color choices are limited. So, it depends on what you want to achieve. And, as you may have guessed, with spray paint, you are talking a number of cans to complete one piece. I actually posted about a sofa that was pained with spray paint this week if you look at more recent posts. It’s not linked in this post. It went from navy to white. Let me know if you try it!
I have began on my chair today & super excitied, I have one questions I have applied the first layer and was wondering do I spray to dampen the fabric again while appling 2nd layer?
How exciting! Yep, def dampen with each coat of paint. It helps it go on more evenly. I’d love to see a pic when you are done!
OMG…. i like it alot…and i liked the piece of paper so you can have an even space between the nailheads my nailheads are always looking like zigzag
check out my new modest blog
http://mychampagnetaste.blogspot.com/
I do need to try this! Just bought a wing back chair and had thought I would need to sew a slip cover for it.
I saw your post a month or so ago…showed my daughter and we decided to go for it. We used the same color.and did two chairs and two ottomans. The chairs were green with a print and the ottomans blue with a white floral print. I used just the latex mix with water and textile mefoum. After it dried, I ironed it to set the medium snf have given strict instructions…no one is to set on them for 7 days. I am absolutely thrilled with how they turned out!!!
Thanks so much for telling me about your experience! Would you mind emailing me some photos? I’d love to see them!
Wow… I came by your site through Emily Clark’s blog and thank goodness I found you! You saved me time, money and a ton of work by following your fabulous tutorial. I did it! Here’s the link to my chair and again a big THANKS to your ingenuity! http://pennyforpenny.blogspot.com/2011/09/my-go-at-painting-over-upholstery-chair.html
How fun! It looks fabulous and now readers can follow your link to find it. I love it. You guys are just “right up the street” in Sedona! How fun!
Thank you so much for sharing this project and technique with us! I am absolutely in love with that color!
I loved it so much, I had to share it on my blog here:
http://shelovestocraft.blogspot.com/2011/09/chair-redo.html
I’m totally trying out this!!!! I have three green chairs I wanted to reupholster, but now I’m trying painting them, I guess it’s cheaper!
Thanks for the tutorial!!
Your chair looks great!
Thanks a million for sharing such a great idea!
I just finished rehabbing a chair in my studio and it came out GREAT!
I did wind up using quite a bit more paint, somehow my chair seemed to really suck up the paint.
http://captaincrafty.com/2011/10/painting-upholstered-furniture/
Cheers,
Zoe
Would this be able to be used on a faux suede couch?
I’m not sure as I can only share what I’ve tried it on. It’s all about risk and giving it a shot. If you have a pillow, I’d start there. Good luck!
I am currently following your instructions and have painted my first “glazing” of my chair. Question is, do I have to wet down the chair again for the second coat? Thanks for the idea!!
Yep, wet it down each time you paint. This helps to insure it goes on evenly. I’d love to see how it turns out!
This is such a great idea. I have never liked the color of my couch maybe I will try this.
http://www.feedingnineonadime.blogspot.com
fabulous! I’ve painted alot on fabrics but not a whole chair…yet!
Would you like to share the names of the colors you used? They are Fabulous!
Hi! I have a chair that I’ve been wanting to try this on that looks EXACTLY like the “before” picture! I was wondering where you found the silver nail head? I’m having trouble finding it! Thanks
How fun! I found it at Joann’s as well as at my local fabric store called Fabric Depot. Hope that helps!
Great idea! Just tweeted & shared over on FB – And also enJOYed reader comments about other products to help fabric stay softer (not as stiff as burlap.) Thanks for sharing – Going to have to try this out!!
xo Lynda
Thanks!! I appreciate that, Lynda! Let me know if you try it! Hope you are loving AZ.
oh my gosh……i will be saving these directions for sure……..fab.u.lous.
Hi Kristy! My attempt at this is posted on my blog
http://apinterestaddict.wordpress.com/2011/12/19/painted-upholstery/
I would love it if you would check it out!
By the way, thanks for this tutorial – super easy to follow and I loved that you included all the other examples and other ways to do it (no latex/no acrylic, etc). Loving your blog too!
they also make a spray paint for furniture like couches etc so cool!
They sure do! I think it’s called Simply Spray. I didn’t choose to use it because it didn’t come in the color I wanted. But, if any of you have used it, I’d love to hear about it.
Hey im really interested in doing this, I have a couch and a loveseat that my sister- in- law gave us its a nice set they are just faded on the cushions so instead of the red its suppose to be they look like a burnt orange so would this be okay to do , we do use these couches everyday for now they have covers on them but everytime someone sits down they get all pulled out and messed and up and just do not look good at all!
Since you have covers, why not try it. You could always cover it up again, right? It won’t be as soft, so keep that in mind if you cuddle on them. On Monday, I’m posting on another type of paint that you may be interested in trying… it MAY have a softer finish. I haven’t tried it myself, so I’m not sure. Start with the underside of a cushion if you can. I’d love to see photos when you finish!
Just wondering your thoughts on if the original color of the chair should steer which color the new and improved chair should be? I have an almost identical 80′s wingback velvet mauve-colored chair and ottoman with wooden legs. I wasn’t sure if the chair would turn out best if I 1. Go Darker and 2. Stay in the same color family. I’d like to go with a green to match our bedroom but was questioning the success of your chair because you stayed in blue family. I’d love to hear yours or anyone else’s thoughts before I tackle this project!
I think it’s fine to go outside of the color family as long as it’s not drastically lighter. There are lots of examples of that if you go to the bottom of the tutorial post – the light pink chaise is a prime example. Another is the white chair. Another is the pink chair. Hope that helps!
I just finished my painted chair today! Thanks for the tutorial – it was perfect!
Nice! I have never seen this done. I do have to say, though, Ocean Soul is quite possibly my favorite Valspar color. I have painted both my guest bathroom with it, as well as my front door! Good job.
YOU are amazing, and I now LOVE YOU!!! I ALWAYS see these gross chairs on craiglist and conversely ANY of the ‘good’ chairs always get snatched up in the first hour of being posted, and at a much higher price!!! NOW, I am going to take the plunge and buy TWO, and paint them. Think I will go glossy black on the wood, though, since I don’t have any white anything in my house…. I am very excited, but since it is 2a.m. – I cant call and go buy my craigslist chairs just yet…..
THANK FOR SHARING!!!!!
would this work on Microfiber??? I love the idea and color you used.
I am not sure since I’ve never tried it. Theoretically, yes. But, I’d try it on the underside of a cushion first. Good luck!
I have been looking for a way to do this FOR SO LONG NOW!! I love, love you for this post! Can’t wait to try it! Thanks soooo much!
I have an over-sized living room set that I have been wanting to reupholster but the cost is thru the roof, even slipcovers wouldn’t work because they would have to be custom made…I am so going to try this. Thanks for the idea…will post pic soon.
Oh wow! Check out all the paint choices that I posted. Many have color limitations, but experiment. Now, for the size of the project, the latex is the least expensive. One lady did add fabric softener though. So, yeah, read through all the suggestions. I just say that because I want it to stay as “cuddly” as possible. I use mine for sure. It’s not bad at all. But wouldn’t cuddle in it.
Thank you so much for this tutorial! I bought a wingback chair for $20 on Craigs List (that ironically was the same olive/lime green color of my couches, which the guy I bought it from said was hideous lol) and all the supplies and went to it! I can’t believe how well it turned out because I was a little aprehensive after the first 2 base coats! But man is it royal purple now! It is so me! I would definitely do this on other furniture, I just wish I could have found fabric medium in containers larger than 6oz because that was the biggest expense!
Original Chair:
http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/87257311500104163_WJ6BXeWz_c.jpg
First Coat:
http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/87257311500212705_Wae8vZDx_c.jpg
Second Coat:
http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/87257311500212708_jmxFxc2d_c.jpg
Final Coat:
http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/87257311500209840_Ih74wr9P_c.jpg
I still have the nailhead trim and a couple tan painted details but I am thoroughly pleased with it!
Wow, thanks for the links!! That’s awesome. I love that shade of purple. Send me another pic when you finish the trim and all.
You have no idea how THRILLED I am to have come across your project!! I have a chair very similar to the one you started with, except for the fact that it’s a dark green. I’ll have to wait until it’s a little warmer to embark on this project but I can’t wait! Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting this!
Yay, can’t wait to see how it goes! Send a pic when you finish. Good luck! And, thanks for the comment.
Hi there,
I tried this out over the weekend and I am so tha-rilled with the results. Thanks so much for posting your tutorial – I was able to prove more than a few naysayers wrong!
Jennifer
Hi! Im going to paint my couch and a wingback…a few questions…1. I have the same medium as you, did you use heat to set it and wait 7 days? (thats what it says on the label, but the proportions of the medium to paint were diff too) so I assumed you tweaked it a bit. 2.Will this work with a metallic or pearl type paint? Either all metallic or maybe just the last coat??? I’ll send pics too! Thanks in advance!
1. I used a blow dryer for a few minutes on it, on the first one. Nothing major. I dont’ think it mattered since the second one turned out fine as well with no heat. 2. I am not sure. I haven’t tried that. I don’t see why not, but I suppose it depends on the ingredients and chemistry which I am no expert with… so I’d just try it on something you don’t mind ruining first.
Good luck!!
I have a set of dining room chairs in white that i would like to paint. I live in the Caribbean and white fabric tends to get dirty pretty quickly, no matter how much you take care of it. I want to paint my chairs, but I am not sure it will work on linen-like upholstery fabric. Should i give it a try?
I can’t really tell you that. I try to only speak for my direct experience. I have not painted linen-like upholstery, but I THINK it’d be fine. Now, it will be stiffer in the end. So, if that is alright with you, then I’d go for it, especially if you can then just recover them or get slip covers should it not work. The biggest thing I emphasize is being generous with the water – both when you wet the chair down and when you water down the paint.
Kristy,
I am doing this to a chair my mother in law gave me. I am using the same color you used because my master is Gray, white and my throw pillows have teal and yellow in them. I have the first two coats on and it looks awesome, but when i went to mix my acrylic paint it is much lighter than the latex color. So i was wondering if you could tell me what acrylics you used to match that Ocean Soul.
Thanks,
Robin
Ha! I have no idea. That’s bad, I know, but I just eye balled colors at Joann’s and mixed them to match. I mixed a tad of dark green, a bit of dark blue and a bright teal. Maybe a touch of white. I hope that somehow helps.
I am hoping you can answer a technical question for me. I just got a new/used chair and am considering painting but I am confused why you used both acrylic craft and latex house paint. could you not just use one or the other? I am sure you have a good reason I just cant figure it out.
Thanks!
No reason… just what I tried first. But, if you look at the links at the bottom of the tutorial, readers have tried it both ways. Works either way! The important thing is using a lot of water and thin layers of paint. Hope that helps!
Hi Kristy!
I had no clue we can paint upholstery! This is awesome! I love your article and am happy to have stumbled across your site. I would love to feature your site and this article as a guest blog post on my site, HomeSavvyAtoZ.com if you are interested!
I can’t believe I found this! This is fantastic! Wow! We found 2 blue velvet wingback chairs at Salvation Army and I cannot wait to try this. But I’m kind of scared too.
Wow that’s alot of comments! Very well deserved praise for this awesome makeover!
Love this chair! I wanted to let you know that I am featuring it on my Fabulous Furniture Finds this week at http://chase-thestar.blogspot.com/2012/04/fridays-fabulous-furniture-finds-2.html
Barbara @ Chase the Star
Can you paint leather furniture the way you painted fabric furniture. It’s a $6,000 couch that my kids sat on right out of the pool.—chlorine lightened an area. Please help. Shoe polish creme in the same shade doesn’t work.
Oh no!! That is a tough one. I really don’t know. I saw this link this week, but it involves shoe polish. http://theboatwrightfamily.blogspot.com/2011/07/fixing-leather-couch.html
Otherwise, you could try paint. What about flipping the cushion over? Or, seeing about trying to match and replace that one cushion? I’m not sure I’d paint it because then you’d have to paint the whole thing… and I’ve never tried paint on leather… if you are desperate, try such possible solutions on the underside.
I just wanted to let you know that your tutorial was great and I DID IT!. I painted my 25 year old green chair bright pink to go in my craft room and I love it. You can check it out here http://bellascraftymom.blogspot.com/2012/05/painted-upholstery-pink-chair.html
Thanks for your tutorial. I followed the first one and it worked out great.
A friend just emailed your website. Wow! You can actually paint a fabric chair? That is totally amazing and now when I look at chairs in thrift shops, I will be more open-minded. That blue chair looks adorable. Wow! What a great discovery! I’m soooo excited.
Your tutorial is exceptional. Thank you. I do have a question though.
Has anyone commented about painting microfiber? I noticed the fabrics on the posts
have either been slick or velvet. I have a dark forest green microfiber loveseat
that I would like to paint an off white and wondered if anyone has had any
experiences with this fabric. Your chair looks amazing. Thanks for sharing.
You know, I haven’t had any microfiber examples sent to me. I’d be interested in seeing one, though! I’d just try a pillow first! I know simply spray would work on it, but there are caveats which I will cover in a series I’m doing soon. Or, you can email me for more info.
YOU SOLD ME, I’m gonna give this a shot! I discovered you on Project Queen, drop by for a visit when you can. Thanks
Sorry, I discovered you on Bella Crafty Mom (who showed off her chair on Project Queen). Thanks
will this work on my patio chair cushions? would i use the same stuff or exterior paint? they faded so bad and 12 cushions are so expensive.
Lora, that is exactly why I am trying Simply Spray on my patio cushions (see today’s post)! They have faded so much, yet other than color, they are in good shape. And, since cushions are expensive, I’m trying this paint first. So far, it seems to work, but I’ve only done half of one. It will depend on how water resistent the fabric is, if you can go to a darker color, etc, whether Simply Spray upholstery paint will work or not. See today’s post for a bit of info. However, I’m doing a series and will show mine soon. This other method should work, but know that they will be stiffer, while Simply Spray is more of a dye and doesn’t stiffen the fabric. Hope that is a little helpful.