Updating Wingback Chairs for Under $50
How I did a very budget friendly makeover on 2 thrift store wingback chairs.... Using a garden pump sprayer, 10 boxes of RIT dye, a large pot to boil water, 1 (5) gallon bucket and plain old water from the tap.
Below is a pic of the chair, before we dyed it. I saturated it with a garden hose making sure the fabric was totally saturated.
I boiled water in a large 5 quart pot, added the dye (stirring thoroughly) and poured the hot liquid CAREFULLY into the garden sprayer. I took OFF the tip so the dyes water flowed smoothly. Pumped up the pressure and sprayed like I was spray painting. Slow and smooth trying to evenly cover every inch.Below is one coating and it is still wet in most areas.
The darkness around the arms shows where there used to be those old fashioned arm covers.
below is a shot of the 2nd coat-still wet.
After I let the de sit for an hour I rinsed the entire chair in cold water straight from the hose and left it outside to dry for at least 12 hours in 85 degree weather.
Closeup of the back. Still wet in some areas but drying very nicely!
10 packs of dye later for both chairs and the included cushions. Chairs $30 for both, dye $20. And even if this doesn't work out upholstery is still a possibility at the price I paid for the chairs!
I don't think they came out half bad at all :-)
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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3 of 25 comments
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There are better lasting, more intense, commercial type dyes available. Dharma trading sells a wide variety AND has lots of detailed tutorials.
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I love the gutsieness of this redo! I am a lover of purple! The crewel embroidered fabric is beautiful done like this. What a great save.
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I have some hunter green wing backs that have barely been touched in their lives, but are badly faded in portions by the sun, Do you think they will die evenly? It would be the answer to my prayers.