Did you know you can paint almost anything? Even a fabric chair? I recently gave a tired, old upholstered chair a very big makeover and I want to show you how to paint a fabric chair, a super easy way to transform a piece of furniture with very little skill!
This chair started as a solid upholstered piece with a great shape. The chair belonged to my great grandparents and was passed down to me, carrying great sentimental value with it. While I love the chair, the upholstery was a bit dull for my color-loving style …
… and the fabric had worn in a few places. I had considered doing a DIY reupholstery job but just didn’t feel like I had the skill set for such a big project. I opted to paint the fabric instead!
I used chalky finish paint in three bold colors and watered it down so it was about half paint, half water. I brushed two coats onto the fabric, letting each coat of paint dry in between.
To create the stripes on the back, I painted two coats of the base color, let it dry completely, then used painter’s tape to create stripes and filled those in with the contrasting color. The paint did seep out of the lines in a few spots but I just used a small brush to touch up those areas.
When the paint was dry, I brushed a coat of clear wax over the fabric and let it dry. Before waxing, you can use a sanding sponge to lightly sand the fabric. It will soften the fabric a bit but may also change the tone of the paint a little. The wax will sharpen the color of the paint and make the fabric a bit more supple.
Will the fabric be stiff? Honestly, a bit. But no more than a new leather couch or a tapestry chair.
You’ll still see the texture of the fabric through the paint and I love the dimension that it adds.
I really love the contrast of the striped back …
… with the orange front and sides and I’m so happy with the way this makeover turned out.
This old heirloom chair got a fabulous and fun new life …
… and has quickly become one of my favorite pieces of furniture in our home!
Would you ever paint fabric furniture?
I love the painted fabric on your chair! What a brave and fun thing to do! Love it! I have all my friends looking for upholstered chairs so I can do a green and yellow one. Thank you! 🙂
Randi – I painted a couch and it felt like a hard, plastic, crunchy, nightmare. How is yours still soft?
What kind of paint did you use? Did you use any type of wax on top? Mine isn’t necessarily soft but it’s the same texture as a tapestry chair.
How do you clean it. Do you recommend a chair you don’t use much? What kind of paint
Honestly, I have no idea how you’d clean it. I’ll be cautious not to get it too dirty … as I am with any upholstered chair. The wax does act as a bit of a seal so you can likely take a damp cloth to any spills or spots. I used chalky finish paint … you can find a link in the post. I think a chair you use often is fine … it will hold up to use.
Love it!
Looks great! I’ve painted chairs before. Such an inexpensive way to make a big impact!
I agree with the brave comment!! This turned out pretty, I wonder if I could do it…lol. I love chairs like this and my house would be full of them if I would let myself! Pinned and I would love if you would come and share at my Monday of Many Blessings Link Up!
This looks great! Thanks for sharing. Hi, I’m Anita visiting Creative Ways Link Party.
Randi this is so enchanting! Looks fantastic just pinned and following 🙂