How do I paint kitchen high top chairs different colors?

Joyce
by Joyce

I want to paint each chair different colors, should I sand them ? Also I want to pad the seats red cause they are hard for me to site on how can I do this using big techs around the sides of the edges.


  11 answers
  • To sand will depend on which paint you choose. Chalk paint does not need prep work but other paints do.

  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Feb 06, 2020

    Giving us a picture would help. What are the chairs now and are the upholstered now? Painting different colors sounds fun.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Feb 07, 2020

    It sounds like a great project. Personally I hate painting chairs unless I use a sprayer. Especially if they have spindles! With a brush, I seem to never finish painting! As for tacking upholstery, you could. It might be easier to make or buy removable cushions. Upholstery on chairs seems to always get something spilled on it. There are some great outdoor fabrics available now, that resist staining and spills. Maybe you could take pictures of at least one of the chairs before, during and after, and post a tutorial!

  • Mogie Mogie on Feb 07, 2020

    Just padded a bar stool and the difference in comfort when sitting down is huge. Here is a good tutorial:

    https://thediydreamer.com/diy/how-to-paint-a-chair/

  • Michelle Leslie Michelle Leslie on Feb 07, 2020

    Hi Joyce, it sounds like such a lovely idea. WRT sanding the chairs first, it will depend very much on whether they already have paint on them or not and what kind of paint it is. To test soak a cotton ball or Q-tip in alcohol and rub it back and forth over the chairs. If paint comes off, it's water based and if the paint doesn't come off, it's oil-based.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Feb 07, 2020

    Have to agree painting chairs is a bit tedious, always a missed spot, especially if they are fancier with lots of little areas to cover. Fot the seat, I would tend more toward the removable pad, just large enough to keep the angle of the seat edge off the back of the legs.

    If you choose to make the pads, go to Joanne's, they have a great selection of water resistant fabrics, or choose a fabric you like and scotch proof it.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Feb 07, 2020

    If they are in good shape, you can scuff with fine steel wool and clean with denatured alcohol to prep for painting. Then prime and paint.

  • Chas' Crazy Creations Chas' Crazy Creations on Feb 07, 2020

    I painted a high topped chair and created a post that might be helpful - https://chascrazycreations.com/cycling-thrift-store-chair/

  • If you're painting, you won't need to sand. If it is a dark color, I would do 2 coats of primer first and then paint 2 coat and seal. For seat pads, you could buy cushions at a store or DIY some that tie on with strings.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Feb 07, 2020

    Hi Joyce,

    Use a good undercoat and then top coat each chair. For seating pad, why not use a cushion tied with elastic underneath. Easier to remove covers to wash!! Enjoy!

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Feb 11, 2020

    You don’t say what is on the chairs now for finishes if there is a shine then yes lightly sand first get the shine off then paint.for cushions I would make a square first then model off seat then cut to fit then make a cover to tie on the backs