How to Paint an Old Carpet

8 Materials
Sometimes, you just have to go with a crazy idea and see how it works out! I have had this wool dhurrie in my kids' playroom for 4 years, and for 4 years, it's been bothering me. We got it as a gift to sweeten the deal on another rug that we bought in Rajasthan a few years ago - but the colours have faded and the olive, brick and mustard really didn't go anywhere in my house. So I took the plunge and decided to update it. Let me show you how to paint an old carpet!
You can tell by the paint splashes that this carpet has been in the play room for a while already!
I tested my palette on paper first, just to make sure that I was happy with the combination. At first, I wanted to throw in some turquoise as well, but in the end, decided against it. Sometimes what looks great in the pot, is not as great on paper! Besides, blue and yellow is a very trendy combination this year, so I reckoned I couldn't go wrong.
Dilute the base colour by pouring equal parts water and paint into a small bucket and thoroughly mixing with a wooden spoon. The first coat tends to soak into the carpet quite a bit, so dilute enough paint with water to cover the entire area. A 210 x 308cm rug used 1.5 liters of paint mixed with 1.5 liters of water
Cover the rug with the base coat, using a sponge roller. If you need to mix more paint, make sure that you mix it to the exact same ratio to ensure that you have a consistent colour on the rug.
Measure the total length of the rug and divide it by the number of bands you want to create. I made 14 equal horizontal bands of 22cm on the rug. Use the blue painter’s tape and a ruler or tape measure to create the bands, making sure that everything is straight.
Now, create a random geometric pattern by applying the tape diagonally between the bands, making parallelograms, trapezoids and triangles.
Apply the paint to the shapes that you had created, taking care not to go over the tape. Remember that you still want to have a hand-finished look, so don’t worry if there is a little bit of bleeding
Leave the paint to dry overnight, and then remove the tape. Finish off the carpet by applying a coat of Annie Sloan Clear Chalk Paint® Wax which will improve its durability.
Now that I've done it, I can't believe it took me so long! I hope that I've inspired you to update some of your old rugs as well. If you are still a bit skeptical, test it on a small rug or doormat first.
Resources for this project:
Paint in the colour of your choice (I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® in French Linen with Original, Napoleonic Blue and English Yellow on top)
Small bucket and wooden spoon for mixing
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Frequently asked questions
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3 of 6 questions
  • Joyce Bell Joyce Bell on Mar 08, 2018

    I have a very ugly polyester rug. Would this work on polyester or does it need to be a cotton rug?

  • Elaine Elaine on Apr 30, 2018

    Looks really good. Can you wash it now?


  • Marie w Marie w on Dec 13, 2019

    That sounds great ! I have a wooden stair with a very old carpet glue. I was thinking of painting it with chalk painting. What do you think ?

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5 of 12 comments
  • Great job! Your kids are adorable!

  • Janice Janice on Mar 08, 2018

    What a happy redo.... love the geometric design and the color choices. So great that you can think out of the box as you do.

    Almost makes me wish I had a rug I didn't like, just to try this idea. Maybe I will find a small rug and do try it out. Great job...your cuties seem to be enjoying it so it must be fairly comfortable. Enjoy! Patti's idea of cars, etc. is wonderful as well. You people continue to amaze me with your ideas.

    • See 1 previous
    • Jean Faudree Jean Faudree on Dec 23, 2020

      I have an old van with nasty carpet. How should I paint it?

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