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Painted Furniture

If you are intimidated by reupholstering but have a piece of furniture that needs a facelift, painting the fabric with chalk paint is a great option. This project is appropriate for all skill levels and you only need a few basic supplies to complete it. I'm sharing the step-by-step process to get you started on this fun and inexpensive DIY that will bring new life into your upholstered pieces.

For my project, I chose a vintage velour chair with good bones. The color of the fabric was not my style, but the chair was being used mostly for styling purposes in my mobile boutique. The fabric was stained in a few places and there was a small hole in the fabric on the back of the chair as well. With a minor repair to the fabric and a neutral paint color, I knew I could make much better use of the chair in my home.

Supplies You Will Need:

• painter's tape
• chalk paint
• fabric medium
• clear wax
• spray bottle with water
• paint brush
• soft cloth
• disposable container
• drop cloth or plastic
• sandpaper

How to Paint Upholstery Fabric: Step 1: Prep Your Workspace Use a drop cloth or large piece of plastic to protect the floor where you are working. Gather all of the needed supplies to have everything ready to go. Step 2: Clean the Fabric and Make Any Needed Repairs Use a small vacuum attachment to remove any debris or dust on the piece. Spot clean any areas and allow to dry. If repairs are needed, complete those before starting the painting process. My chair had a small hole in the fabric on the back of the chair. I was able to find the matching color of thread and sewed up the hold by hand to disguise it. Step 3: Protect the Frame Using painter's tape, tape off any areas where you do not want paint. Step 4: Mix the Paint Mix two parts chalk paint to one part fabric medium. The fabric medium allows the paint to adhere to the fabric and remain flexible. Step 5: Apply the First Coat Spray a small area with water before applying a thin coat of paint. The water allows the paint to soak in and go on smoothly. Allow the paint to dry completely in between coats. For a smoother finish, lightly sand with fine grit sandpaper (220-320) in between coats. Step 6: Repeat the Process Because of the color of my fabric, I had to apply four coats of paint to completely cover the fabric with the new color. Allow the fabric to dry and cure at least 24 hours. If the paint is applied correctly, it will remain flexible. Step 7: Apply the Wax Using a soft cloth, apply the wax in small sections at a time. The wax will help protect the top coat and ensure you enjoy it for years to come. Step 8: Remove the Tape and Admire Your Work! Helpful Information:

• Smoother fabrics usually work best for painting, but almost any fabric can be used for this project. For fabrics with a raised texture, apply the coat in one direction for best results.
• Start on the back of the piece. This allows you to test the fabric and get comfortable with the painting process before working on more noticeable areas.
• To clean painted upholstery, use a damp cloth to gently wipe down the piece.

Painting upholstery with chalk paint not only gives an upholstered piece a new look, it is a budget friendly way to repurpose items you already own and update the look of your home