Painting the Cushions for My Lawn Chairs

Heidi Burks
by Heidi Burks
$60
2 Days
Easy
A friend recently gave me some lawn chairs and cushions. I wasn't very fond of the flowery pattern and knew I wouldn't be able to afford to replace them. I researched painting fabrics and found a recipe for making my own chalk paint. 1 cup of flat paint and a tbsp of unsanded grout. I used olympia brand paint with my cushions. My daughter and I spent about 2 evenings total painting the cushions. They took two coats of the paint. All said and done we used about a gallon and a half for the 6 cushions and the 2 foot cushions. I don't recommend letting the unused mixed paint sit around for any length of time. It was about two weeks between the 1st and 2nd coat and the first cushion we started painting on was extremely bumpy. I don't know if that was because the paint sat mixed with the grout for an extended time or if the last mix wasn't mixed well enough. Overall I am pleased with the finished results. We'll see how long it lasts.
This was the original pattern. 6 cushions and 2 foot cushions
a close up. I did wash some of the cushions before doing the painting
This is the first try with one side painted.
As you can see there is some damage on the side of the cushion. We did paint this as well.
I think that I made the paint too thin.
After this cushion I started adding just a bit more grout to my paint
This is with the thicker paint
Finished results. Two coats of paint
Close up of the chair.
We often use stumps as side tables. Cute little grouping.
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  • Laila Laila on May 18, 2019

    Have they held up ? Do you store them when not in use? I leave mine out the whole season... & store just in winter. Great job!

  • ConnieA ConnieA on Mar 09, 2020

    I HAVE A LOVE SEAT AND CHAIR , THAT DEFINITELY NEED RE-UPHOLSTERY OR PAINTING. IT WAS ENCOURAGING THAT YOU SAID IT TOOK MORE THAN ONE COAT. WHAT IS THE BEST PAINT ?

  • Lyn52877975 Lyn52877975 on Sep 17, 2021

    Looks great. Was latex or oil based flat paint used?

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  • Rosie Rosie on Feb 10, 2019

    I think you did a terrific job and I am amazed none of the pattern shows through? They look great considering how much new cushions cost? I have some that need to be done also, may try it this spring. Thanks for sharing.

  • Gra55078605 Gra55078605 on May 28, 2023

    How rough are they? I tried a different recipe at the trailer for some material and it’s super scratchy and rough to sit on wearing shorts

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