DIY: Painting Leather Furniture
by
Jeanette @SnazzyLittleThings.com
(IC: blogger)
3 Materials
$75
3 Hours
Easy
I revived a misfit piece of furniture in my house using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. The combination I used: Cocoa, Paris Grey and Old Violet. You can read more about this misfit's transformation on the blog :)
BEFORE: leather seat cushion up close. Below are some tips about about maintaining a natural looking leather with chalk paint:
1). Use two colors! Using two colors achieves a more natural effect. Make sure they are two colors that blend well.In my case I applied one as a base coat, then layered on the second color of paint in a cross-hatch pattern. If more color variation was needed I would repeat by adding the two colors again in a cross-hatch pattern. (Meaning, apply paint in an “X” pattern).
2) Keep a wet edge. This means you should have water and spray your piece, or dip your brush to to thin the paint and eliminate brush strokes (Tip: remember using water color paint kits as a kid? Treat the paint like that).
3). Apply many, thin layers. Apply thin, but many layers. (don’t try to achieve 100% coverage on the first coat). I used a cross-hatch pattern throughout the entire process (see below).
4). Use a foam roller. Use a clean foam roller before your cross-hatch application (above) dries for additional blending.
After each coat I would decide if it looked natural. If not, I’d add some variation of color by layering or “dotting” additional paint onto the chair, and work it in the cross-hatch pattern again. (Basically repeating all the steps above several times). I always had water on hand and use the dry foam roller to eliminate brush strokes. I used water to keep a wet edge to help with blending.
One you like the look and feel the leather looks natural, WALK AWAY and let it dry.
After the cushion dried, I decided to add a ticking stripe down the center. I used a third color, for this–Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Old Violet. (I had not yet waxed the cushion, that was the last step).
Step 5: Apply Wax. Which reminds me to tell you….I used clear wax on the leather, and a combination of clear + dark wax on the wood.
Enjoyed the project?
Suggested materials:
- Annie Sloan Chalk Paints in a variety of colors (Your local stockist)
- Painter's Tape for ticking stripe (Home Depot)
- Clear Wax (Annie Sloan Stockist)
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Published November 10th, 2013 8:35 AM
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Carole on Apr 01, 2015I cannot tell you how much I LOVE what you did to this chair! 100 per cent improvement! Genius!
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Frequently asked questions
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I have a leather couch that is 18 years old it is in perfect condition but the leather needs to be refurbished can I paint with chalk paint the couch and cushions?