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Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Painted Chair Makeover-Before and After

Well I finally tried my hand painting an entire chair with chalk paint and I have to say... I will totally do this again!!! It is a lot of work, but I was very happy with the results!!!

As you can see it started out with wonderful bones. I love these channel back style chairs but the fabric was dated and well,  just not my style!

It had a raised chenille type texture so I wasn't sure if it was going to work because I had always heard that flat weaves work best.

After a lot of research on line and many opinions on paint formulas I decided to forgo the fabric medium method and just dive in with my home made chalk paint. I was hoping to achieve a leather like appearance so the fabric medium wasn't needed to keep the paint soft.


This is what it looked like after the first coat of paint. As you can see, the fabric really sucked up the paint on the first coat. I did use a lot of water though because I read that was better than applying really thick coats of paint.

This is after 3 coats of paint. As you can see, the texture of the fabric really came up. At this point it was very stiff and uncomfortable to the touch. The next step... sanding!!!!

I took my hand sander and went over the whole think using an #80 grit paper to start and then switching to #120. Some of the green fabric started to show through, the the texture of the paint completely changed. It really started to feel like leather at this point.

I put one more coat of paint on it and used AS clear wax, and then dark wax to bring out the texture. I love how it looks and feels like tooled leather now!! I worked the wax in well and made sure to wipe off all the extra so nothing would come off when someone sits in it!

Here it is in my space at Rusty Saturday!! I painted the wood an off-white and I just love the finished result. If you have been afraid to try painting fabric chairs, I say go for it!!! (Just don't use your grandmothers heirloom chair!!)

18 comments:

Betty said...

WOW WOW WOW it turned out Beautiful! What a great transformation. I would never had guessed you painted the upholstery. When I first looked at the photos I thought you had reupholstered it. How well do you think it will hold up with use? Will it eventually get chippy peely?

Joy Junktion said...

What a beautiful piece, Karen! I have the same questions as BettyJean about how it will hold up, but it is gorgeous!! I'm sure it will sell quickly! Have a great weekend, aren't you enjoying the weather right now?!?! Blessings, Cindy

Wendy @ Ravenwood Whimzies said...

How gorgeous! Love how the chair turned out. It was worth all the work and gives me inspiration to maybe try this myself. Thank you for sharing!

suziqu's thread works said...

Oh Karen what a beautiful result! It looks magnificent! I admire your bravery in tackling this and also your perseverence to achieve the desired result!
Well done! I'm sure it will sell quickly!
x Suzy

Mimi said...

Wow. What a great result!! I have the same query. Will it eventually chip like 'real' paint? And is it comfortable to sit on, or is it now more ornamental. Looks fabulous! Mimi xxx

Bevy @ Treasured Up and Pondered said...

Karen - that is awesome!

LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! wow.

Karen B. said...

OMG .... your chair has turned out beautiful! It looks so much better now than it did before. I wish I would dare myself to do something like this, maybe one day.
Love your creativity so much.
Many hugs,
Karen B. ~ Todolwen

gracie said...

Certainly looks lovely....

Art and Sand said...

So many people are painting cloth these days. I don't have anything to give it a try on though.

Your chair turned out great!

Unknown said...

Karen, WOW!!! you are fearless, woman!!! LOVE how the chair turned out! xo teri

Christine LeFever said...

I too have painted an armchair and loved the end effect, but your techniques far surpass mine, so I'm up for a repaint! Thank you! Your work is simply beautiful! As ever!

Rhonda said...

I love your projects! They give me strength to try it in my home.

This N That said...

Beautiful Karen..Looks a little labor intensive? love the results..

Jasper's Cottage said...

Absolutely beautiful! I love the texture of the flocked fabric showing through and the color is amazing. You transformed that chair and you've inspired me to try it for myself. Thanks for sharing!
jonni

Wilma said...

The chair is looking so beautiful now, Karen. I love it !!
I so much want to paint an old wing chair I have for many years.
Think I'll go for it. Thank you for sharing !

Natacha said...

I didn't know this was possible. It turned out really beautiful.

Laura Cain said...

Hi Karen, can you share your chalk paint "recipe"?

Allison said...

Your post is really good providing good information.. I liked it and enjoyed reading it. Keep sharing such important posts. décor

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