I first learned how to paint fabric a couple years ago when I painted my green sofa in my front room. You can see that transformation in THIS post but here is a refresher:
You can read all about the before and the color combo I used to get this color, but basically, after 3 years now, the sofa is still holding up excellent and it has gotten softer with time!
Long anticipated (by me) and much requested, here is my first video tutorial! Get comfy (it’s over 8 minutes), watch it, laugh at me (heaven knows I’m laughing!), and comment!
Here is a quick phone shot I did of the chair in my living room:
Leia says
Agghhh!! You are amazing. I loved the video, made me miss you even more!! 🙂 The chair looks awesome!
Camille says
What a great tutorial! I love the blue you chose and it was fun to see a video from you! Turned out beautiful!
Jaime says
I thought it was an awesome, informative video. Well edited too. My favorite part was when you got excited about painting fabric. That reminded me of the good ole days at BYU 🙂
Danielle says
Brilliant! LOVE this video Rache, and of course, seeing your pretty face! I NEED to try this again. I tried the wrong fabric and had a fail. Ooooh, so excited. Will share tomorrow and pinning!!!
Miranda says
There’s a BEAUTIFUL velvety chair at the thrift store by my house. I wanted it so bad, but didn’t want to reupholster. This might be the perfect solution. I may have no choice but to go get that chair!
FranceGeek says
Thank you for the excellent video! Do you know if microsuede can be painted? I just got a beautiful brand new ottoman covered in something like fine velvet – surely it’s all polyester – think the paint would adhere? I need to return the piece pretty soon if painting wont work, so I’d be very interested in your opinion.
Rachel says
Yup! Microsuede and microfiber can be painted… Go easy on the wax… Too much will make if stiffen too much once the wax dries. Microfiber tends to feel like leather once waxed.
FranceGeek says
Fantastic! Many thanks for your quick answer. I’ll give it a shot. Should I skip the wax all together? I thought I saw in the video notes/comments that you would forgo wax for velvet next time.
Rachel says
Yes, so I would def forego wax with velvet… Is that what you have? I thought you said microsuede, which the stuff I’m familiar with doesn’t have a nap, so would be okay to wax. If it is more like velvet then don’t wax.
Lucy says
Hi thanks for this tutorial. The chair looks amazing. I have an old ornate velvet bed head that’s screaming for this treatment. Just one question, after sanding did you use a damp cloth the pick up any dusty bits? Thanks.
Rachel says
Nope I didn’t! I think you could get great results with a vacuum!
Minette says
Thanks that was really nice to watch. Question….. Do you dilute the second coat of paint as well, and do you spray again before you paint another coat?
Rachel says
Yes and yes.
Jamie says
Hi Rachel,
I’m starting to paint a set of chairs exactly like the ones in your video. This is my first time painting upholstery with chalk paint. I started with the back of the chair to test it. When the paint dried it looks cracked in places. I have not moved forward with the rest of the piece yet. Any tips? I used a 1:1 ratio of water and paint and have only done one coat. Am I putting too much on in one coat and overloading the fabric?
Rachel says
I’m not sure what you mean by ‘looks cracked’. Could be normal, could not. The painted fabric does feel stiff until you sand it. Every time you do a new coat it will feel stiff. The watered down paint mixture should soak in to the fabric. Maybe, if you have too much water, it is dripping down instead of soaking in, so in that case I would increase the paint quantity. Feel free to take a pic and send it to me: shadesofblueinteriors@gmail.com
Susie McDonald says
Love this blue chair. Could you tell me the name of it please.
Thanks
Kari says
Can you use chalk paint on corduroy? I have a huge corduroy armchair in forest green (thank you 1997) and would love to use this method on it. Any thoughts?
Sherry says
I love Annie Sloan chalk paint, I too painted a chair, but it was more crunchy then soft, not sure why, I waxed it, but to biggie I will do another chair, I love your decorating ideas, Thank you so much for sharing all your ideas and plans for making tables and things.
Mari says
I love this chair, I want to know where do you buy the chalk paint ?
Rachel says
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is sold from independent retailers, so if you go to anniesloan.com you can click on find a retailer and put in your address to find the closest stockest to you!
Joanna says
Hi Rachel,
This is a fantastic video! Thank you!
Can this technique be used on outdoor furniture as well? Will it hold up outside?
Thanks in advance!
Joanna
Eva says
Hi!
Wow, love the chair, great result. I have an old velvet sofa group, similair to yours from Ikea (No one believes it as that is not the kind of furniture you think of from there, but my grandparents went to Ikea in the 50 or 60s and bought it) anyway it is faded in color so it needs a refresh. Will do it as per your tuition but Im wondering how much paint you used for 1 chair?
Thanks and great blog!
Helene says
I wish I’d be sure of myself doing such a project.
I have 2 living room reclining armchairs that need a huge transformation !
You did such a great.
Cara Campbell says
I am getting ready to do a chair myself. Can I use any brand of Chalk Paint or do I have to use the Annie Sloan? Thanks!