It all started with a chair
(painting upholstery chairs)
I have had a problem. I have these bergere chairs. Have you heard of them?
Bergere:
According to the New Oxford American Dictionary:
French in nature….a long-seated upholstered armchair fashionable in the 18th century.
Now that we got that cleared up…
Here was the problem. U G L Y. Your Mama says “you’re ugly”. That kind of ugly. I loved that they had red in them, and that sufficed for a time. That time, was over. I couldn’t stand it any longer. It just, no longer mattered that they were “fine” because they had red in them. They were no longer “fine” that they were the MOST comfortable chairs EVER. It just didn’t matter that “someday” they would be marvelous, when I had them recovered. Problem #2? It just simply isn’t in the budget to have them re-upholstered. Let’s just say…..It wasn’t gonna be in the budget for a while. You see, I need new floors and I want them first. Those aren’t in the budget either..SIGH…..what’s a girl to do? Solution: I’m gonna get both. SORT OF ~
YUP…. here’s how…
I’ll start working on the flooring…AKA DIY, and paint the chairs. So…I bought a floor nailer…and some textile medium and acryic paint.
Is it ideal? Heck no… No, ideal would be hire someone to do the floors, AND get the chairs reupholstered….BUT, I’m happy with the solution. Isn’t that what counts? That I’M happy? lol
Today….I’m gonna show you the solution to the chair problem…and it’s a pretty simple solution to a problem that many suffer from: Furniture that has good bones, but ugly clothes.
Here’s what you need:
- Paint brush. I use chip brushes. They’re cheap (less than $2.00). They work great for so many things.
- Something to mix in. I use a can that I bought several years ago that has a handle…and a magnet on the side to hang the brush on.
- Textile medium. You can get this where the painted clothing section is in any hobby store. It’s expensive there, so I got on Amazon, and ordered mine. You’ll need more than you think….so get extra. You can always use it on something else…or sell it to a DIYer like me. It comes in handy. I think I used three or maybe four bottles of it for the two chairs and ottomans.
- Acrylic Paint
It takes some time…don’t get in a hurry…it won’t do you any good.
Find a place, out-of-the-way, where you can let all the parts and pieces sit and dry for several days. Each coat dries over night…but it takes several coats….and they you have to flip it, and start over for the other side.
Begin by mixing your paint with the textile medium. I also add just a tiny bit of water to mine…just a little. You don’t want it runny..but it needs to flow well. You can also opt to spritz your fabric with a spray bottle. You just want the first coat to get into the fabric. The first coat always takes the most paint. Don’t freak out….the second coat…takes about half. And the third…even less.
Every textile medium (TM) I’ve ever used says mix 1 part TM to 2 parts paint. I added about 4oz of water to 16oz of paint and 8oz of TM. The water is optional….and it really depends on how runny your paint is. Mine was really thick. I’ve also do this with latex paint. I seriously can’t tell any difference. So…my opinion is…if you really want it to cost very little…use some latex you have sitting around. Either way…you’re gonna have a “leather like” finish. (like I said….no the PERFECT solution, but cheap cheap) I guess the way I look at it: You can have ugly….fabric or pretty “leather-like” fabric. I guess that is the best way to look at it. You decide…but keep in mind….you can’t come back from this. I have done it before…so I knew what I was looking at. I’ll put a picture of the other chairs I did…
So…what do you think?
Do you have some UGLY upholstery that could use some updating on a budget?
How bout a quick fix…..
Before you leave….I’ve teamed up with several others for a $300 gift card give away….wanna join…and try to win…..well get down there and DO it!!! 😀
Have you joined our gift card give away? If you haven’t….get down there below…and enter for Pete’s sake!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I also have a Yummy recipe over at LCI today for a childhood FAVORITE dessert…made with all the wonderful apples that are getting ready this time of year. Have you ever heard of Apple Flautas? Better go check ’em out!
Tammy…beautiful job! I’m curious, how did the paint affect the comfort of the chairs? You said they were really comfy before. Still? And how does it hold up? Does it crack? Peel? Rub off on the person sitting in it? This is a terrific option for those, like you, who want to beautify ugly pieces.
Dana. The paint does eventually crack…after several years. It’s not a complete fix…and certainly not permanent. I don’t mind the way they feel now…it’s very much like leather….you do stick to them when it’s hot etc. I can most certainly live with it….until I can afford the alternative.
I would be so nervous about the paint chipping onto people’s clothes!
Kimberly, No…it absolutely will not rub off on anyone. It does crack over time…and isn’t a permanent fix, by any means…but it sure does make them look better till you can reupholster them.
Hey, I found your site via the Daisies & Crazies giveaway. I had the same question. How are the chairs holding up? No residue on butts? Thanks, thinking I might to do this to my “chaise”, I’m sure it really is called something else, I just don’t know the french name 🙂
Hahaha Vicki. French or not. It doesn’t rub off on butts! lol It will crack over time…and it isn’t uncomfortable….but it is a lot like leather. It is cool to the touch…and will feel like that in the summer too. BUT…no your guests will not get paint on them….or chips! 😀
That is such a smart idea!!!! I too, we thinking of the same questions the other readers asked. We all have that elephant in the room that just doesn’t fit and this would definitely be the answer. Please give us an update on how it’s holding up and if there is any butt dust or such. Such a smart idea… that’s why I love checking out what you are up to! 🙂
The chairs I painted before….They have cracked out a little…but that paint is 7+ years. old. NO…no butt dust! lol It’s sort of like sitting on leather….as far as feel goes. And no, your guests will not get paint on them….even when the furniture begins to crack out. 😀
Tammy recently posted…I Had a Problem (Painting Upholstery)
Every time I see someone write about painting fabric furniture I read it. Not sure I am brave enough yet. Best wishes
Nancy…do it on a thrift store find…just an inexpensive dining chair. This will let you know if you like it…and give you the confidence to try it on a larger piece.
I pinned the upholstery paint, looked at it, read several articles even held a jar of it in my hand LOL I’m just not brave enough yet~ hopefully soon!
I hope you do…You could always try it on a small chair…like a dining chair or a little footstool. Let me know if decide to try it…I’d love to see your creation!
I have re-covered furniture but not painted upholstery! You are brave! Love your chairs!
Thank Deborah. I have recovered a few things too…but these seems like a bit more work than I really wanted to tackle… Thanks for stopping in!
No, I don’t have ugly upholstery, just ugly furniture. period.
hahaha…well, paint might help that. Have a great week Ann!
I have been wanting to try this on an ugly chair that I have
Awesome! Let me know how it turns out! I’d love to see it!
I am pleased to find your blog… I can’t wait until I have time to paint some side chairs.
That’s Wonderful Patricia! I’m so glad you found me too! Let me know how they turn out when you do. Have a great week.
Tammy recently posted…I Had a Problem (Painting Upholstery)
I am in love with this project! Definitl;ey going to give it a try!!!
Awesome Angie…let me know how it turns out! I’d love to see pics! I have a “reader’s picture” section. For pics of project inspired by something I’ve done! 😀
Didn’t turn out like a problem!! You go girl!!!
Thanks Taramarie, No…I like them…and it will certainly get me by till I can budget reupholstery! Have a wonderful Day!
Often thought about doing this, but never took the plunge. They look really nice.
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Thank You….I hope you do some day! Have a wonderful week!
Your chairs look great. I think you did a great job and painting them was a great solution!
Thanks Sue. It was really the only option right now…but I’m content with them. Thank you so much for stopping by!
I would never be able to tackle this! I think you did a great job 🙂
Oh you could…you might just want to start on something small…like a dining chair seat or something. 😀
This is such a cool idea! I seriously did not know you could paint fabric like that. I have a few I need to try that on now!
Good deal Taylor….keep me updated on how your project turns out. Have a great day!
I found you via My Soulful Home. What a project! Those bergere chairs are a classic and it’s well worth it to keep them in great shape. Congrats.
Thank you Cathy. Yes…I love them! One day I’ll have them recovered…but till then..this will keep me loving them!
It’s amazing how how these chairs turned out, this is a really neat project. I will have to try this one day.
Thank you Kelly. I would love to see your project when you do it!
Wow! The chair looks great! I just may have to try that. Thanks!
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Great! I’m so glad you stopped by! Have a wonderful day!
OMG what a neat idea!
Thanks Amy! Have a wonderful week!
Ah! I saw an upholstery painting tutorial several months ago and would love, love to try it out. Just need an ugly chair 🙂
Yes…it’s kinda fun. You could even buy a small cheap chair from a thrift store…like a dining room chair, and try it first. Thanks for stopping by!
WOW! So awesome. I have wanted to paint fabrics in my home, but I not had the courage. This looks easier than I thought it would be! Thanks for Sharing!
You’re very welcome. Nope…it’s pretty easy. Takes a little time, but not difficult. Thank You!
That’s amazing! I never would have thought to paint the fabric. It looks good in the pictures!
Yes…it worked good. A nice change till the budget allows for reupholstery. I’m so glad you stopped by!
I’ve painted upholstery with AS Chalk Paint basically the same way but also lightly waxed the fabric afterwards to give it a softer more supple feel. Worked like magic.
I’ve often wondered about that…but haven’t ever tried it. Thanks for the tip Staci!
Wow – this is a really great idea and project. I don’t have any upholstered furniture, but will pin this so that if I come across something I like at a flea market, I can try this out.
Yes Kristine…that’s my suggestion. Thanks for stopping by!
I’ve never tried anything like this. I hope it turns out like you hope it will!
Thank You Marilyn. I think they’ll get me by till I can afford new upholstery. Thanks so much!
This is brilliant! I have an old thrift store chair that I can’t wait to try this on now. I wasn’t sure what to do with it.
That’s awesome Caitlin. I’m glad you like it. I hope you enjoy your chair when you’re finished…I’d love to see pictures when you’re done!
I’m not sure I could do this or convince my husband its a good idea, but it might be amazing to pick a bright fabulous color to set off the color in the patterns on my throw pillows.
I agree…I think it would be really pretty in a bold color…I just did white because I have so many other colors already in my room.
I would be terrified to do this! You’re braver than I!
I’m not that brave…I’ve done it before. The upholstery was super ugly on the first set…I didn’t have anything to lose! lol
I’d heard of doing this, but never saw a pictorial on the subject until now. Thanks! (Stares at old ottoman, wonders…..)
Thank You…DO IT!!! You’ll love it! I hope! lol I do!
lovely transformation. you are a true inspiration. thank you for sharing.
Thank You so much…I’m glad it inspired you. Have a wonderful week!
I would never have thought about painting the chair, I would have attempted (probably failed at) re-upholstering it. It came out great!
Thank You…It was sure cheaper than having it recovered. Maybe it will get me by till I do.
Looks great! I painted my patio chairs and they look good and have held up really well.
Great…I’m glad yours turned out well.
I never even considered painting fabric on anything larger than a t-shirt. What a cool idea!
Thank You. I’ve painted chairs before, and really enjoyed them.
You can also do this with chalk-based paint. you don’t need the textile medium, you just have to water it down and be prepared for extra coats this way as well. If you wax it it supposedly doesn’t crack either, I haven’t kept any of them around long enough to find out personally. Your chairs look fantastic! I have heard that style is very comfortable. I need to find some!
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Thank You..Yes…that’s one of the reasons I didn’t use the chalk paint. I hope to get them recovered before too long. They are the most comfortable chairs I’ve ever owned!
YOU DID A BEAUTIFUL JOB!!
Thank You Lisa! I’m so glad you stopped by! Have a wonderful week! 😀