Die Fabric ON a chair

Tammie S
by Tammie S
Hi, I have a similar chair that I want creamier. I need ideas on how to die it (myself). I'm thinking of tea/coffee dying, but that will probably give a splotchy finish, which may be okay as were are using it in a shabby chic type baby room. I've used fabric spray paint before, but it did leave a harder finish. Any ideas?
  8 answers
  • Maria Salcedo Maria Salcedo on May 11, 2013
    Hi Tammy, Last year, my metal rocking chair was placed under a tree that was "shedding" bark moss which is brown in color. Needless to say, this substance also fell on a cushion which was on the rocking chair. The cushion had a pattern of dark green leaves and beige background. The brown mushy stuff stained the cushion so bad I almost threw it out. So, I believe in recycling and trying new ways to restore items and behold "Hydrogen Peroxide" AND a Natural Resource called the "SUN". I painted the areas that were heavily stained and placed outside for 1-2 days. I guess you can leave out as long as you want until you get desired result. I just wanted to fade the brown color from beige. I suppose you can use bleach too, however I felt that bleach can be harmful to critters. Squirrels etc.and to harsh maybe for baby room. But, if you wash thoroughly, it shoild be fine too. I would'nt use full strenghth bleach. Part water to bleach amount. But Hydrogen Peroxide did the trick for me. Hope it helps. The sun intensifies chemical reaction. Good Luck
  • Tammie S Tammie S on May 11, 2013
    Actually, I'm wanting to do the opposite. ;) I want to stain it darker. More of a cream/antique finish.
  • Kelle Arvay Kelle Arvay on May 13, 2013
    I've seen fabric furniture that is painted with chalk paint. I've never done it myself but you might try testing it by painting a piece of scrap fabric, letting it dry and seeing how you like it before trying it on the chair.
  • Michela Shoemaker Michela Shoemaker on May 13, 2013
    I read something about painting the fabric but it said to make sure and spritz the fabric with water first. According to them that keep it from getting stiff. Haven't tried it yet but I'm planning on it.
  • Tammie S Tammie S on May 13, 2013
    Great idea Michela! I'll try some samples
  • Michela Shoemaker Michela Shoemaker on May 14, 2013
    Let me know how it works. When you give me good news maybe that will be my kick in the pants to try mine :)
  • Tammie S Tammie S on May 23, 2013
    Thank you. What is the process. Is it sprayed on, brushed, etc? Is there any stiffness to the fabric? ...and where do I get the paint in the Atlanta area?
  • Jackie Crouch Jackie Crouch on Sep 01, 2014
    I used several coats of old white chalk paint for my chair cause they had black on them. I did not want any of it to ghost through. I waxed the chair and it has a soft leather feel to it. Just did them so I don't know yet how much abuse they will take. I use a mister spray bottle to apply moisture to the chair for each section as I painted.