But for all of you who have been asking about how to paint an upholstered chair, this is the post for you!
Catch-up on on dining room update with the plans for my tiny dining room makeover, how to make an inspiration board, wall colour update, how to DIY a roman blind, how to choose a rug, The Reveal
*Behr Paint, Rugs USA, Wayfair & Parima Studios sponsored this post, but all thoughts are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make PMQ for two possible.
How To Paint An Upholstered Chair
Painting upholstery can be a dicey ordeal, but if you use the right products and technique you’ll get some quality results. It’s an affordable stop-gap for when you can’t re-upholster, and it takes a fraction of the time as well.
I had considered reupholstering the set of 6 chairs, but I’m uncomfortable with the technique that was used on these chairs, so I felt that painting them was a better option.
I looked to all my craft paint brands for this project, but at the end of the day BEHR paint had the exact colour I was looking for, which isn’t crazy because they’ve always got the colour I want.
What do you need to paint an upholstered chair
- Latex paint – I went with Behr Marquee samples in Emerald Forest MQ303
- Short angled brush
- FAT Wax
- Painters Tape
- Fine grit sand paper (180+)
- Cotton rags
*You can grab paint samples at Home Depot for about 2.50$ each
** In week 3 I started painting the chair and experimented with a mix of paint options: paint and fabric medium, watered-down paint, and just straight paint. You can see the difference on week 3 // here // I chose the “just paint” route since it provided the best coverage, and the chairs aren’t too plush, so a stiffer fabric doesn’t matter
How to paint an upholstered chair
Start by cleaning the upholstery. I used a lint roller on all the surfaces to collect pet hair and dust, but if there was anything more substantial I would have used a wash cloth.
Tape any wood surfaces or parts to the chair that you don’t want to get painted. Since these chairs are quite nice, I took the time to tape every nook and cranny.
Start painting! Using an angled short bristle brush, generously apply your paint to the fabric. if the fabric has a particular grain to it you’ll want to brush in all directions to ensure the fibre is covered. Don’t be afraid to use lotsa paint!
Once the first coat is dry, using your light grit sandpaper, go over all the painted fabric. It will make the fabric more supple and get rid of any painted imperfections.
Apply a second coat. If you need a 3rd or 4th for complete coverage, don’t forget to sand in between coats.
Once you’ve applied your last coat, let the chairs dry completely over night. You want them to be dry before you remove the tape.
I suggest doing a test patch first, but if everything is good to go, start applying the FAT Wax to the upholstery. It will keep the painted fabric from cracking, keep it looking slick, and eep it from transferring to any clothes
You apply it using a cotton rag, in kind of a “wax on, wax off” kinda vibe. You leave the wax on for 3-5 mins before wiping off with another cotton rag. I then let them sit overnight before sitting on them.
Voila! You have successfully painted upholstered chairs! It takes about two days from start to finish (including dry times) so it’s the perfect weekend project.
You’ll also save a fortune on upholstery, and if you’re having a hard time finding the right colour, going for an interior paint like Behr’s Marquee line perfect because of the range available. Painting upholstered chairs is easier than you think, and totally worth the effort.
I painted a total of 6 upholstered chairs this past weekend, and now the entire set is complete.
To Do List
- Paint the walls – CHECK
- Instal new light fixture – CHECK
- Paint (or maybe reupholster) the dining room chairs – CHECK
- Acquire and instal art – IN PROGRESS
- Lay new rug
- Make roman blind for the window – CHECK
- Swap light switch-plates – CHECK
- Accessorize
It turned out great!!!! I am going to do it!! Mustard yellow is my color choice, so we shall see how it goes 🙂
ooooh I love that colour. Can’t wait to see how it turns out.
I cannot believe how nice the painted upholstery looks! I will keep this in mind for future projects!
let me know if you have any questions 🙂
Love the shape of those chairs and the color is perfection! Painting fabric is amazing, isn’t it? I love the look and can’t wait to see more! ~~ Susie from The Chelsea Project
it sure is amazing!
this looks SO GOOD! I love how it turned out.
me too! They instantly changed the space
being able to paint upholstered furniture really opens up a whole new world of repurposing doesn’t it! I love how the animal print looks against that pretty green!
it sure does! I’m not sure I’d do it for pieces that get everyday use, but for our dining room it’s perfect!
That green paint is such a gorgeous shade! I can’t wait to see everything come together for week 7! Thanks for the recommendation of the “fat wax.”
isn’t it?! I went for something darker but more rich. I think it balances the wood beautifully!
i am seriously amazed at the power of paint and Love the color of green you selected!! Your chair looks so good!
praise be to the power of good paint!
The chairs turned out amazing!! So good to know that painting upholstery is possible. loved this one!
thanks friend!
Wow, I would never have thought to try painting upholstery for fear that the fabric would get crusty, but these look like they turned out great! Nicely done! Your spaces are always so bright and fun. I have no doubt that your dining room won’t disapoint. 🙂
So far so good! I think the key is that we don’t use these chairs everyday, and I sanded + waxed them. I don’t know if I would have done this for chairs that would get everyday use.
Wow! I learn something new everyday and love the chair. It looks amazing!
right?!
wow I have never thought of painting upholstered furniture before. How’s the texture like by touch? does it feel like painted canvas? 6 chairs painted in total … hats off to your DIY talent and patient!
With the wax on top it’s quite nice, like an odd velvet almost. I can see how it would feel stiff if you didn’t sand between coats or wax it at the end, but when you do all those things it all comes together nicely.
i love the green you chose with the fun animal print pillows! your tutorial is great so now i have to scour the house to find some fabric to paint 😉
Best,
Kelly
Try it out on a sample first, just in case! I’m loving the chairs so far.
The chairs look great! I love that color of green with the wood!
same! I think it’s a nice balance to the warmth of the wood
Love the way the chair turneD out. I HAVE BEEN WANTING TO TRY THIS AND THINK I AM FEELING CONFIDENT ENOUGH TO TRY IT ON MY OWN.
Try it out! Test it on the back of the chair or something 😉
LOL. NOT SURE WHAT’S GOING ON WITH MY CAPS UP THERE ^^
it’s all good! You’re not the only one.
Love it! It’s amazing that it’s only paint! I’d love to know how this holds up in the future
I sure will! I’ve got a “one year from now” update planned already
I love the green! This would be fun to try… and I love that it could be a weekend project!
That’s right! It’s a perfect weekend project! Let me know if you try it out.
Great idea painting over fabric, The chairs look amazing! I love the green paint you picked out.
Thanks! I’m very pleased with the results so far.
Looks great with the black and white garden stool (which I LOVE!)
I love that stool! I’ve gotta see where it fits in this new space.
First off, I LOVE the color! Second, I’m so impressed with that idea! I’ve never thought to paint upholstery before!
You and me both! The painted upholstery is holding up beautifully so far. I think the FAT WAX was the magic key to keeping the fabric supple.
i applaud you for taking on this project- the green looks great against that warm honey wood- yum! And awesome tip about sanding between coats- I’ll keep that in mind if I ever take on something like this!
Your chairs are looking very cool, great update. And, I love the print. Can’t wait to see the whole room!
Looks great! I’ve painted upholstery before too. You definitely have to get used to the texture but as you mentioned it works well if you don’t have the time or resources to actually reupholster. LOVE that art print!! Gorgeous!