Painting upholstered furniture really IS possible!
Several years ago, I had a pair of mauve wingback chairs that no longer "worked" in my living room. Basically, the year 1991 called and said it wanted the chairs back.
I considered having them reupholstered, but when I discovered how costly it would be, I thought I'd just donate them to a local charity instead. The mauve just HAD to go.
As a last-ditch effort to do something with them, I decided to try painting them! I mean, what did I have to lose, right?
That was over ten years ago...and the painted finish has held up so well that I recently RE-painted them! What I once imagined as a temporary fix, turns out, is perfect for outdoor living in my breezeway.
Materials:
- Latex Paint - Flat or EggShell finish (I used Behr Lap Pool Blue) 1 qt is plenty.
- Textile Medium - there are several brands out there, but used this one.
- Spray bottle with water
- Brushes - This is my favorite brush for everything: Wooster Shortcut
- Mixing container
- Fine grit sandpaper, possibly
Directions:
1. Clean dust and stuck-on Cheerios from the fabric. Say goodbye to the stains, because you'll never see them again.
2. I know you're anxious to start, but go ahead and tape off wood and/or trim that you don't want to get paint on. An ounce of prevention and stuff.
3. Mix paint and Textile Medium 2:1 - two parts paint to one part medium.
4. Some DIYers add some water to the mixture to thin it out, but I didn't do this.
5. Spritz the upholstery with a bit of water before you begin....it will help the fabric not soak up the paint and make it difficult to spread. Don't make it drippy, just damp.
6. Brush an even, light coat of the paint mix over the fabric.
7. Let dry completely.
8. If the fabric has balled up or piled, take your sandpaper and knock off those little bumps.
9. Add a second coat of paint, let dry.
10. Peel tape and congratulate yourself on your resourcefulness; yea, even your creativity, which runneth over.
The first time I did the chairs, I painted them a cream color. I actually added a subtle faux finish over the top of the paint because I was into that then. I used a slightly darker paint mixed with glaze and sort of ragged it on. These chairs looked purdy darn good for almost A DECADE!
OUTSIDE!
IN THE BREEZEWAY!
OUTSIDE!
Small note:
For this second go around, I was ten years older and twice as lazy. I did not mix the paint with fabric medium...I just opened the can and slopped it on. Okay, I was careful not to drip and all that, but I definitely did not use extreme caution. Also, guests were coming the next day and I just wanted to get it done. Behr Lap Pool Blue (oops, it was Satin, oh well!) happened to be on hand...so I ran with it.
The chairs look great.
Yeah, they might feel a little bit plastic-y, but I really don't mind. They withstand the occasional bird poop from visiting wrens who sometimes perch on them, and they never get mildewed,
Most importantly, the chairs say, "you don't have to be pretentious to sit here."
I like that.
Now, let's have some iced tea, shall we?
What is your favorite DIY makeover with paint? Tell me about it! (Have I mentioned I love paint?)
Do you have questions about doing this project??
