Painted Ikea Sectional
I’ve always loved the look of faux leather sofa’s but couldn’t justify spending $4000+.
A while ago we purchased the ikea ektorp sectional and initially had white sofa covers which were dreamy but totally ridiculous with kids haha.
We then switched to grey slipcovers which worked better with kids but were kind of bland.
After looking online I saw a tutorial using paint and fabric softener to create a faux leather look, and wondered how it would work on Ikea canvas slipcovers.
So I didn’t have a wet couch with a toddler and a baby, I decided to paint the white slipcovers separately.
Well it worked and I am in LOVE!!!!!!
Best paint!
The grey looked nice but it was definitely time for a change. The nice thing about painting the extra white slipcovers, is that I still have the grey if I ever change my mind.
I started with the cushion covers and ended up stuffing them with cushions I had laying around.
Then I mixed up the magic ingredients. I used Fresh Baked Pumpernickel in Glidden Premier Paint. I ended up needing two cans to do the whole sectional in 2 coats.
As for the fabric softener, I used snuggle in original scent.
5 Tbsp softener in 2 cups of paint, stir until it rubberizes.
Once it turned to a rubber like consistency, I began brushing it on. I did a thick first coat.
Once the first coat dried, I did a second coat and then flipped it to begin the second side.
I found the first coat covered nicely but the texture wasn’t great. Once I did the second coat, it really did have the look and feel of faux leather.
I wanted to also staple gun the white slipcover up so that it looked a little more mid century.
I then painted the white slipcover on the couch. Again I did two coats.
This project was a little time consuming but I absolutely love how it turned out. It’s been about 6 weeks and it is holding up great. I have a busy toddler who likes to jump on the couch, a baby who has had accidents on the couch, and spills wipe up nicely with with a baby wipe.
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Will do.
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Oh sure I absolutely will use this. I’ve been saying I’m going to I’m going to I’m going to I just love the turn out of this. I love the idea of doing the slip cover. And yes I want the faux leather suede to look. Thank you so much for publishing this.
mspenelopea yes
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Question please:: Can I try to paint the fabric without it being on the cushion ??
the paint does t go through the fabric, right onto the cushion fabric ??
thx !
What made you think to add fabric softener to the paint? It came out great.
Love this so much! I have the exact same sofa only my extra slipcovers are red. I have had it since 2016. The shape and colors went great in my old home which was farmhouse. It’s still in great shape, but doesn’t fit my mid century modern look of my new home. Currently I can’t afford a new sofa and assumed I would just have to live with it. Thanks to you there is hope.
How long ago did you do this? Has it held up to normal family wear and tear? Have you regretted doing this in the long run? Thanks again!