Painting Fabric. Have You Tried It?

Re-Picks
by Re-Picks
5 Materials
$40
4 Hours
Easy

When fabric is in good condition but just not your style any more, did you know you can chalk paint it? Here’s how!

(not recommend for the carpet like fabric)

Before. Clean the fabric.


Sweep the Fabric throughly in multiple directions.

Spray with water


Spray the fabric with water. Do not paint dry fabric. The water will help absorb the paint better this way. It will also make for easier application.

Mix water and paint together


Your consistency will vary by paint brand.

I use DIY Paint. It’s highly pigmented and can be diluted 10-1. You will want you paint/water mixture to be the consistency of a dye. Approximately a 2 parts water to 1 part paint.

Paint the fabric


Have a spray bottle handy. This will help with a smoother application. Paint the fabric in multiple directions with a thin layer. If an area is too thick of paint, spray with water and move the paint elsewhere.

Odd tool, but it worked. If you have some odd areas that the pant brush isn’t reaching, a tooth brush may help reach those lower areas.

One coat


Here's one coat. Let dry completely. It may take a few days depending on environment.

Sanding


Lightly sand or scuff up the fabric after it has dried. Sweep fabric after sanding.

2nd Coat


Apply a second coat if needed. Depending on color of paint and fabric, you may need more coats. Sand in between each coat After it’s completely dry and sweep after.

Final


Use a hair dryer or heat gun to set the paint then Spray with scotch guard. 3-4 coats. Or seal using clear wax manufactured by your paint brand (one light coat)

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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  3 questions
  • Ellen Ellen on Jun 07, 2020

    What are all the splotches on the finished fabric? Did not read anything about that being done after the last coat of paint or before you sealed it. Sorta looks like splatters. :(

  • Juel Juel on Jun 09, 2020

    Was the fabric stiff after painting?

  • Mary Monts Mary Monts on Jun 22, 2020

    Is chalk paint the only type that works? Does it take a lot of paint to fully cover and do you have to seal it with anything to keep the paint from rubbing off? I’ve never used chalk paint or tried anything like this, so I’m a bit nervous!

Comments
Join the conversation
3 of 12 comments
  • Linda Linda on Jun 07, 2021

    I am sad for this chair.

    • Jeanne Martin Jeanne Martin on Jun 07, 2021

      Don't be sad! Now it's a usable piece of furniture that gets to be out in a room with it's family that she says loves it! Yay! Before it was stained and VERY outdated so it was not usable. It was probably headed to a donation center, the dump or, even more sad than you, stuffed in a dark, damp storage area all by itself. I'm guessing it's a very happy chair now! 😁

  • 34354174 34354174 on Jun 07, 2021

    I would recover before I painted fabric. Recovering is not that hard and it will last much longer and look so much nicer.

    I agree that painting the wood was not the best idea, but we all have different tastes.


    • Teresa Teresa on Jun 08, 2021

      Painting fabric is less expensive especially if you DIY your own chalk paint (which is easy). You can also get a very custom fabric. It doesn’t affect the feel of the fabric and increases the wearability. It really is a fun project. I’ve seen 2 large chairs painted and they turned out beautiful!

      I agree with not painting the wood. If it were refinished the material would really pop. But apparently the owners love it... so there y’a go! :-D

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