Yes! You can update Upholstery with Paint.

The biggest question I here is will the fabric stay soft. The answer is YES but not as soft as it was. That's the honest truth and don't believe anyone who tells you otherwise.

The trick with painting upholstery is to use a highly pigmented chalk style paint. The reason I don't usually use latex is that it gets rubbery and may even peel over time.

The elements that make chalk paint work are the same reasons that it works well of fabric. Super high concentrations of pigment and no rubbery binding agents.

I  like to use Debi's Design Diary (5132 Baltimore Ave. Hyattsville, MD Across from Franklins)

Debi's Design Diary will require a top coat to seal the fabric if you want to use it immediately. The pigment will “set” on its own over time, without requiring anything else.  Since Debi’s paints are designed to be water soluble until sealed, this can work against you if you are in a hurry.

Debi has a famous youtube video where she painted her whole couch. She never sealed it and has used it for years BUT she waited a month for the paint to set completely.

On, the other hand, Dixie Belle paint requires no sealant so you can paint fabric without anything having to put anything else on top of the paint. This allows for a softer texture in the end.

When I want a really strong POP of color I have worked in acrylic paints but I only do this when the piece is more of an artistic staging element than a piece of furniture meant for everyday use

The first step is to assess the the piece you would like to transform. Is it a big comfy velvet couch? Be prepared for a big project! That's totally doable. 

 

If this is your first painted upholstery project here is what I recommend:

1. Start with a a dining chair cushion. You’re not gonna curl up with a book and get all cozy here. You just need to update those stained seats and be able to wipe them off easily again right.

2. Next move onto a firm chair. I say firm because tweed works really well to absorb paint and the texture will not significantly change once painted.

DIY

For more in depth “How to” please grab my Love the LIVE bundle “Painting Upholstery” It includes live examples of painting fabric AND a full edited video on how I painted this multicolor wingback chair. The good news: it's only $10. Purchase the diy painting tutorial here. 

 

Don't miss a thing

Are you a DIYer at heart? Looking for inspiration? Sign up for my projects to go straight to your inbox:  https://www.crazyasscraftcoach.com/

 

Local to Washington D.C./Maryland?

I'd be happy to get you on my list for custom-painted furniture. Just fill out this form and I'll be in touch! 

 

Stay tuned for next week! More fun inspiration and another crazy ass email to tell you all about it.

XOXOXO

Tanglewood Sue yer Crazy Ass Craft Coach

Let's connect: IG @crasyasscraftcoachn FB @TanglewoodWorksStudio