Transform Fabric Chairs: Girl Upcycled Painting Guide

Painting a fabric chair is a great way to upcycle an old piece of furniture and give it a new lease of life. It is a cost-effective alternative to reupholstering and can transform a piece for very little money. There are a few different ways to paint fabric chairs, such as using DIY fabric paint, mineral paint, or chalk paint. It is important to prepare the fabric before painting, such as by spraying it with water to help the paint soak in, and to allow enough time for the paint to dry between coats. With the right tools and techniques, anyone can upcycle a fabric chair and transform their furniture into a functioning work of art.

Prepare the chair

Before you begin painting your fabric chair, there are a few preparatory steps to follow. Firstly, ensure you have the right tools and materials. You will need paint, of course, and you may also want to create your own fabric paint by mixing paint with fabric softener. This can give the fabric a luxuriously soft feel. You can also use chalk paint or mineral paint. If you want to create a vintage look, you will need an aged glaze and clear wax. Gather your painting tools, such as paintbrushes, a paint sprayer or a spray bottle, and sandpaper.

Next, choose a suitable chair. Consider starting with a thrift store chair or a second-hand piece rather than a family heirloom. Look for a chair with fabric that is in good condition but may be outdated in colour or pattern. If you are nervous about the outcome, it is advisable to practice on a smaller project first.

Once you have selected your chair, clean it thoroughly. Use a vacuum or a handheld Dyson to remove any dirt and dust, paying close attention to the crevices and folds of the fabric. This step will ensure that the paint adheres evenly to the fabric surface.

Before painting, protect the parts of the chair you want to keep paint-free. Tape the legs and any other areas that should remain untouched. If your chair has removable cushions or components, you may want to detach them for easier painting and drying.

Now, you are ready to begin the painting process. However, remember that preparation is key, and taking the time to properly clean and protect your chair will contribute to a more professional-looking result.

Mix paint and fabric softener

Painting a fabric chair is an excellent way to upcycle old furniture and give it a new look. You can use a mixture of paint and fabric softener to achieve a smooth and even finish on the fabric. Here is a step-by-step guide to mixing paint and fabric softener for your upcycling project:

Prepare the Work Area

Before you begin mixing your paint and fabric softener, it's essential to prepare your workspace. Cover the surrounding area with a drop cloth or newspaper to protect it from any paint splatters. Ensure your work area has good airflow to help with the drying process.

Gather Your Supplies

You will need high-grade acrylic paint, fabric softener, water, a plastic container, measuring cups and spoons, a paintbrush, and a spray bottle. It is recommended to use a mixing container separate from your spray bottle.

Mix the Paint and Fabric Softener

Now, it's time to create your fabric paint mixture. In your mixing container, combine one part fabric softener and one part water with two parts acrylic latex paint. Stir the mixture thoroughly until you achieve a homogeneous blend. You can adjust the ratios to achieve your desired consistency and colour intensity.

Test Your Mixture

Before applying the mixture to your chair, it's essential to perform a patch test. Take a scrap piece of fabric similar to your chair's fabric and apply your concoction to it. This will allow you to ensure that the colour and texture meet your expectations.

Prepare the Chair

Once you're satisfied with your mixture, it's time to prepare the chair. Use a spray bottle to lightly mist the fabric until it's slightly damp. This will help the paint adhere better and create a smoother finish. You can also use a sponge to apply the fabric softener mixture to the chair, ensuring it is fully dried before painting.

Paint Your Chair

Now, you can begin painting your chair. Apply the fabric paint mixture to the chair using a paintbrush, working in sections. Allow each section to dry before moving on to the next. You may need to apply multiple coats to achieve the desired colour depth, especially if you are painting over a darker fabric.

Remember to allow your chair to dry thoroughly between coats, and always work in a well-ventilated area. With these steps, you can transform an old fabric chair into a vibrant and unique piece of furniture.

Apply the first coat of paint

Before applying the first coat of paint, it is important to prepare the fabric chair. Clean the chair with a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt. If the chair has any legs or parts you want to protect from the paint, use tape to cover them.

Now, you can start applying the first coat of paint. If you are using store-bought paint, you can dilute it with water to make it easier to apply and help keep the fabric soft. Mix the paint and water in a 1:1 ratio, or adjust until it reaches the consistency of crepe or pancake batter. You can also make your own fabric paint by mixing paint and fabric softener.

Use a medium-sized brush to apply the paint in thin, even strokes. Work in sections, ensuring that you cover all the fabric. Use a paintbrush to reach the areas where the fabric folds, such as where the seat cushion meets the side arms. Avoid using too much paint in these areas, as they could stick together.

Once you have applied paint to the entire chair, use a piece of rag or sponge to rub the painted surface gently. This helps the paint soak into the fabric. Allow the first coat of paint to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Sand the painted areas

Painting a fabric chair is an excellent way to upcycle it and give it a new lease of life. Once you have painted the fabric, it is important to sand the painted areas to ensure the chair remains soft to the touch.

Use a fine grit sandpaper, around 320-400 grit, or a sanding block, to lightly sand the painted areas. You are aiming to gently remove any roughness from the paint and create a smooth finish. Be careful not to over-sand, especially if you are using chalk paint, as it is easy to sand off too much paint.

Always sand between each coat of paint. Allow the paint to dry fully, then lightly sand the painted areas until they are smooth. Wipe away any dust from the sanding with a damp cloth before continuing with the next layer of paint. Repeat this process with as many layers of paint as needed until you are happy with the result.

The fabric will feel much softer after sanding, and you will notice a big difference in the finish.

Add finishing touches

Once you have painted your fabric chair with a girl design, you can add some finishing touches to make your project shine. Firstly, consider adding a coat or two of paint to the legs of the chair for a cohesive look. If you want to add a polished look and hide any imperfections, you can add decorative stud trim to the chair.

If your chair has a cushion, you can recover it with a new fabric of your choice. Pull the sides of the fabric over the cushion and staple them into place, pulling the fabric taut to avoid wrinkles. For the corners, fold them in neatly as if you are wrapping a gift, and then staple.

If you want to add extra comfort to your chair, you can add batting to the seat and back. Cut a piece of 1/2-inch-thick batting to size and staple it down, pulling gently on the batting around each staple to prevent visible indents.

Finally, consider the placement of your chair in your home. You can use an old chair as a unique side table in your living room or a planter in your garden.

Frequently asked questions