Saturday, April 12, 2014

The Painted Chairs (Painting Over Fabric)

Y'all, I seriously couldn't be any more excited than I am right now.  I have finally finished my new (old) chairs.  Let's start off with this, I found these at Goodwill 2 years ago.  Yes... 2 years ago!  They were UGLY and only $10 each.  I really loved the look of the chairs and thought I would give reupholstering a try.  Once I got them home I knew that I had bitten off more than I could chew.  There was NO way me and my beginner self would be able to reupholster these.  So I did what anyone would do, I threw a blanket over them and ignored them for 2 years...lol.  Every time I looked at them they were screaming out to me...MAKE ME PRETTY, I HAVE SUCH POTENTIAL!  Once we moved into our new house and I had a Parlor (really it's an Office/Craft room but Mark insist that we call it the Parlor) I knew they would be perfect for a sitting area in front of my Desk.  I decided that because I didn't think I could reupholster them that I would paint the fabric just like I did on my Painted Couch

Chairs Before




So, here's what I did.  :)  I used an old Tupperware bowl and mixed 2 cups of paint (just flat latex), 2 cups of Textile Medium (got from Hobby Lobby with my coupon) and 2 cups of water.  Make sure you spray the material with water before you start painting so the paint doesn't soak into the material as much.  Then I just used my favorite paint brush and went to town painting.  I didn't really worry about getting paint on the wood because I knew I would be painting the wood anyway. 

This is after 1 coat of paint



It only took 2 coats of paint!  I made sure to keep some paint for mess ups that would happen when I painted the wood and I'm glad I did!  Next step was to prime the wood.  I used 2 coats of Zinsser Primer Bulls Eye 123 which is my favorite primer ever.  Once I had the primer on I knew that the final product would be amazing.  The dark gray painted material looked so great even against the white primer!

2 coats of primer



I used Valspar Latex Enamel (interior/exterior) Paint.  I had used that on the Bookshelves as well as the Desk and loved the finish it gave me.  I did 2 coats and it was perfect!  Last step was just to do a coat of Minwax Polycrylic to seal it. 

I love the final product!







I love the process of painting fabric and it's so easy anyone can do it.  These chairs are a little firm right now, the feel of them is something very close to leather.  Plenty comfy enough to sit in!  When I painted the couch it had the same feel (leather like) for around 2 months and then it felt just like any other normal non painted fabric.  I love them and I know from my experience with the couch that they will hold up great! 

I also wanted to share a beautiful chair from 11 Magnolia Lane!  This beauty was the inspiration behind my gray and white color scheme.  So beautiful!  It is also a painted fabric chair with another great tutorial.  Hop on over and show 11 Magnolia Lane some love!



What do you think?  Would you ever consider painting fabric?  I would love to hear your thoughts on the before and after of the chairs!  Happy Painting! 






17 comments:

  1. I have a very large fabric ottoman that will be my first fabric painting project. Going to start it this week. Can't wait!

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    1. Good luck! It's very easy! I would love to see your before and after pictures!!!

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  2. This post is timely for me. I started recovering some Ikea chairs with cloth dropcloths but I am not thinking I like the look. Just yesterday I told a friend I thought I was going to put the covers back on and just paint them to match the new room. A couple of questions though if you don't mind...

    For the fabric - you didn't use any chalk paint right? I just need to make sure the fabric sizing is mixed in with the regular latex paint?

    You used brush on primer, paint and sealer for the wood right? No spraying. And no sealing of the fabric right... just the wood?

    Thanks-
    Stacy

    www.anygirlcandoit.com

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    1. Hi! First off I love your blog! I'm right now working on a window that I just may have to turn into a mirror! Great job!

      Fabric - I didn't use chalk paint, just regular latex flat paint, water and textile medium. I brushed the paint on, no spraying.

      Wood - Primer and sealer were only used on the wood. I used a brush, no spraying at all.

      Let me know if you have any other questions at all! I'm happy to help!

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  3. Your chairs are beautiful. I'm thinking of painting my dining room chairs this is really encouraging. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. Good luck! I would love to see before and after pictures!!!

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  4. I have only painted my chair with one coat and it feels like sandpaper what can I do ? if I put on more coats will that help or sandinf it then painting again will that help?
    I NEED HELP

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    1. Hi Sara, Did you use 1/3 paint, 1/3 water and 1/3 textile medium? I didn't have that same issue. I have seen other post where people didn't use as much water and textile medium and said they used a sanding block in between coats as well as a much more watered down mixture for 2nd and 3rd coats. I might would try that. My couch wasnt the soft texture that normal material is but feels similar to leather. Let me know how it turns out!

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  5. Do you think this would work on a larger item like a sleeper sofa and love seat?

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    1. Yes, the first time I did this I did it on a couch (http://www.blissfullychicdiy.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-painted-couchyes-i-said-painted.html) It is still the main couch that we use now. :) I would love to see your before and after pic's!

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  7. Hi Heather! Love, love LOVE the look of the chairs! I have two that were given to me by a heavy smoker, the lines are beautiful, but the color doesn't go with anything I have. Plus, after heavily spraying with a smoke odor-removal product, and significant 'airing out' time, the cigarette odor is still noticeable to my sensitive nose (although greatly reduced). I'm wondering if painting the upholstery will help seal the scent, by reducing the air flow of the fabric. Also, the cushions are in great shape, so can I paint them intact, or do I need to remove the inserts?
    And, I noticed that when you did the couch (another project with fabulous results!) you used half paint, half textile medium, but for the chairs, you used 1/3 paint, 1/3 textile medium, and 1/3 water. How did that change in formula affect the process and the results? Thanks so much!

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    1. Hi Sheila! Thank you!!! My chairs are still doing great, they are in my office and I still love them. I changed the recipe and added water because if you water down the mixture it goes on a lot thinner. It requires more coats but I like the final outcome a lot more. The feel of the material is softer and more comfy. I may even try a little more water the next time I try this. My couch softened up after daily use but the water still helps the process. As far as will the paint help with the odor? Honest answer is I don't know. I would think it would help "seal" the material but I've never tried this so I'm not positive. Good luck! I would love to see before and after pictures.

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  9. Would this technique work on velvet? Thank you

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  10. How does it feel after being painted, is it stiff or rough?

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  11. Here are some good tips for choosing new chair slip covers. These tips include choosing the right material and the best colour for your needs and design ideas sedie anni 50. We hope that you find these tips helpful for choosing your new slipcovers.

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