If your old fabric chair looks worn or outdated, there is no need to rush to replace it—paint it! You can learn how to paint a fabric chair with a couple of hours and a little elbow grease. It’s an affordable and creative way to refresh your space. Whether refreshing the color or transforming the chair entirely, this DIY project is simpler than you might expect. Just follow these easy steps to give your fabric chair a fresh, new look!
What You’ll Need:
- Latex paint and fabric softener
- Cup of water
- Paintbrush or foam roller
- Sandpaper (fine-grit)
- Painter’s tape
- Clear wax or fabric sealer and brush
- A drop cloth or newspaper to protect your workspace
Step 1: Prepare the Chair
Clean the fabric thoroughly to remove dust, dirt, or stains. Vacuum the chair first, then spot-clean any stubborn areas with mild soap and water. Baby wipes work well, too. If any part of the chair is wood or any non-fabric parts, cover the areas with painter’s tape to avoid accidental paint smudges.
Step 2: Prepare the Paint
Place the chair on a drop cloth or old sheet. Mix 1/3 paint, 1/3 water, and 1/3 fabric softener. (Any brand will do.) I used unscented. Remember, if you use scented, it will most likely linger for a long time, so be sure you like the scent.
Test a small inconspicuous spot on velvet or any fabric with a nap, and leather before painting. These types do not always yield good results. It’s a good practice to test all fabric, to tell you the truth. Use long brush strokes and don’t overload the brush with paint.
Step 3: Apply the First Coat
Mix your fabric medium with latex paint. Use a brush or foam roller to apply a thin, even coat. Be sure to cover all the nooks and crannies, especially if you use a dark color as I did.
Let it dry completely for 24 hours to be safe before moving on to the next layer. I left a small space heater running on low to speed up the drying process.
Save your brush in a tightly wrapped plastic bag so it won’t dry out while the first coat is drying. No need to clean it until you are finished painting.
Step 4: Add Additional Coats
Apply 2-3 more coats, allowing each to dry fully. Surprisingly, I painted a dark blue over a light color and only needed two coats. Sand lightly between coats with fine-grit sandpaper for a softer, more natural feel.
Be careful when you sand the last coat so as not to remove the paint. I felt for any roughness and found that sanding on the final coat wasn’t necessary for my chair. Give the chair a light vacuuming to get rid of any flakes. Let it dry for three days to be sure it is dry.
It’s not worth someone seeing somo one with paint across their derriere.
Step 5: Seal the Paint
Once fully dry, apply a clear wax or fabric sealer to protect the paint and keep the fabric flexible. This ensures long-lasting durability. I used Jolie clear finishing wax with a brush that you can get right here.
You can also use outdoor Scotchgard whether or not the chair will be used inside or out. Take the chair outside and sit it on a drop cloth. Spray with a long even coat, spraying in both directions. One coat should do it. Let it dry for 24 hours. You should finish with a smooth, almost leather-like surface.
Finishing Touches
Painting a fabric chair is an easy and budget-friendly way to transform old furniture. Experiment with bold colors, patterns, or even stencils to create a unique look. You can always paint over it if you’re not pleased with the first endeavor.
With a little patience and creativity, you’ll have a refreshed chair that looks professionally done!
Catch the video on YouTube if you want more info!
