UPDATE: This post has received a crazy amount of attention, for which I am ridiculously happy about. I did a follow up post here. It contains answers to the most frequently asked questions concerning this chair. Thanks so much for stopping by! BTW, I would love it if you would sign up to follow me 🙂
So, I know it is not Thursday yet, but I started this post last week and didn’t finish it. Then it was Christmas and I totally got tied up with other things and didn’t get back to it. Today, I saw that it was till sitting out in limbo and figured that I had better finish it. This is the way my life is lately, and I hope soon it will slow down just a bit to let me finish all my projects.
Back to business… I bought this chair at Faith Farm many months ago for $5.
Chair – before
It’s one of my favorite chairs. Super cute and and comfortable. Love all the tufting on the seat back, which is why I didn’t feel like I could re-upholster it myself. The green fabric is in good shape, but completely the wrong shade for my office.
Since I’ve been reading so much about painting upholstery, I came across Tulip Fabric Spray paint, in one of the blogs I read.
Enter Tulip Fabric Spray Paint
This is how far one bottle of the fabric spray paint got me
Forgive me for not saying which one, but I can’t remember. What I do remember is that the writer said that the piece they painted was not crunchy at all. After my attempt to use latex and acrylic paint came out a little more crunchy that I wanted, this sounded like a good alternative. So, when I stumbled on the spray at Michael’s, I bought one bottle. One bottle? What was I thinking?! This I how far that bottle got me.
Yeah, it doesn’t cover much. I ended up using a four more bottles to cover the chair, and I still have a few spots left that aren’t quite teal enough.
This is the chair now, which is not quite finished.
The chair – After.
I am going to re-do the legs and arms – not loving the black.
The legs need to be re-painted because I botched them completely. (used spray paint, and then acrylic paint to touch them up and ended up with very splotchy legs.)
I have to go buy another bottle of paint to even out the color. And I think I might paint the legs a different color all together. I don’t love the black with the teal. Maybe a silver leaf finish?
BOTTOM LINE: Will I use this again? Yes. It is not crunchy at all, which was really important to me because I will be using this chair every day in my office. But it is expensive at $6.79 for a little bottle that doesn’t cover much.
Have you tried this product? Did you have good results?
Thanks for stopping by!
Eliesa
Pinterest Addict 
Dec 29, 2011 @ 14:20:56
Looks like a successful project! This turned out so much better than my attempt a few years ago using burgundy dye and a sponge brush…Yuck! The “yuck:” didn’t come from the look but the fading every time someone sat in one of our chairs. I know red is horrible for rubbing off on other fabrics, but how is this product? If this stuff works, the possibilities are endless and garage sales represent an even more exciting frontier!
Dec 29, 2011 @ 15:32:57
I am not sure yet. It’s still in the garage waiting for the legs and arms to be sanded and re-painted. The color looks great, and I have re-touched the parts that weren’t dark enough and I love how it looks. I’ll let you know how it wears as soon as I know. Thanks for being my newest follower 🙂
Dec 30, 2011 @ 12:59:51
Did you have to sand the legs?. What type of spray paint did you use?. I have a VERY similar chair with the green fabric and all that I have been wanting to do SOMETHING to. I am so Happy that I found this idea! Thank you!!!
Dec 30, 2011 @ 21:20:14
I did do a very light sanding before just using Rustoleum’s gloss black spray paint. I love this chair and would have been really sad I mess it up if I tried to re-upholster it myself. I am really happy with how it turned out. Thanks for stopping by. Definitely come back and tell me how it turns out for you 🙂
Dec 29, 2011 @ 15:36:29
This looks awesome! I have never painted fabric- you have inspired me! I am sooo blaming you if this goes wrong!
Happy Holidays!
Kerry at HouseTalkN
Dec 29, 2011 @ 15:43:56
Uh oh! That makes me nervous! 😛 This was super easy to do. I forgot to mention it in the link, but I used a paint brush to blend in the paint. Otherwise it looked too “sprayed”, if you know what I mean. So have one ready! Can’t wait to check it out! Thanks for stopping by!
Dec 29, 2011 @ 15:38:33
Thank you so much for sharing this! My friend forwarded me your post, as I’ve been toying with the idea of painting upholstered furniture as well (I pinned the same tutorial from Hyphen Interiors). I am definitely going to check this product out.
Silver leaf would look great on the legs! Or maybe glossy white lacquer?
Dec 29, 2011 @ 15:41:36
Thanks for stopping by! Tell your friend thank you too 🙂
I was thinking glossy white too… I just sanded them down again, so I guess it’s time for me to make a decision! I’ll post it once I get to it. Check back soon!
Dec 29, 2011 @ 19:34:27
Love! Love! Love! I have 2 chairs that are the “twins” of yours and when I saw this, I just about died and went to heaven. I love my chairs, but I hate the color. I am totally doing this and will let you know the results! You have saved my…..chairs’ lives 🙂
Dec 29, 2011 @ 20:00:15
Oh, I can’t wait to see them! Thanks for stopping by – it’s still so exciting for me when people leave comments!
Dec 29, 2011 @ 20:17:52
LOVE this! Great idea and an equally great job! I would go with a glossy white for the legs. Or, if you are feeling 50’s and bold – got with a pale pale milkglass pink
Dec 29, 2011 @ 20:43:37
Thanks! I think white is the best bet, but I’m always nervous until it’s finished. I will probably get to it tomorrow, so check back soon for the update. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Dec 29, 2011 @ 21:41:37
FYI…Jo-Ann’s Fabrics (not sure if they are nation-wide store or not) has the paint on sale right now for less than $5!!!!
Dec 29, 2011 @ 22:19:28
Great – thanks for letting me know. Yes, we have a Jo-Ann’s Fabrics down the street from us. I’ll have to go pick up a few bottles of black. I just painted my son’s chair, which has a orange-ish colored seat. I tried to dye it black using Rit today, but when I washed it (as per the directions) it turned a light shade of gray. So, I’m going to use the Tulip spray to darken it some more. Thanks for letting me know. I think I have a coupon for there too.
Dec 29, 2011 @ 22:48:13
Looks awesome so far! I have an old french style chair with pink velvet on the seat – I don’t really want to have to recover it because it involves much more than just removing the seat and stapling on some fabric. This chair has double welting on it too… I’m definitely going to try this out. And I’m checking JoAnn’s since another reader said it’s on sale – Thanks for the great inspiration!!
Dec 29, 2011 @ 22:50:35
When you do, be sure to come back and show me! I would love to see how it turns out!
Dec 29, 2011 @ 22:50:10
How cool…I hope it’s sturdy and doesn’t rub off..I have some wing chairs I’d LOVE to do this with!
Dec 29, 2011 @ 22:53:54
I feel a little bad that I can’t say just yet how well it wears, but give me a few days and I’ll update you on it here.
Dec 30, 2011 @ 09:39:05
Oh, cool. So, you like this even better? I will try to note this on my blog sometime! Thanks for sharing. Love the color.
Dec 30, 2011 @ 09:57:01
I don’t know if it would have covered over the pattern on the chair. I am picking up some black spray paint for my son’s chair today and will try it on the cushions from the other chairs. I’ll post it later today.
Dec 30, 2011 @ 09:51:44
Looks awesome!!! The paint may get pricey but it’s still cheaper that reupholstering!! Sooo trying this as I have tons of JoAnn coupons!! Thanks for sharing :o)
Dec 30, 2011 @ 09:58:44
So true! Heading out myself to pick more up. Please come back and let me know how your project works out for you!
Jan 04, 2012 @ 09:49:57
Will do!!
Dec 30, 2011 @ 11:24:36
I love to re-cover furniture, but a chair like this (and like my couch) is far out of my skill set — this is such a great alternative. I just knew there had to be some way to do this, and I am so glad you took the leap, gave this a try and and shared it with us. Now I am wondering if there is a way to use regular fabric paint in a spray bottle and get the same result. Thanks again!
Dec 30, 2011 @ 11:47:05
There is regular fabric paint?! Tell me about it! (who makes it, where to find it, etc) I have more stuff to experiment on, and I could try it for you! I love to try new things!!
Apr 01, 2012 @ 12:47:00
http://www.decoart.com/cgi-bin/Products.cgi?So-Soft_Fabric_Acrylics Here is a link to Decoart So Soft Fabric Acrylics.
http://www.artistsclub.com/cfPaints/paints_display.cfm?id=31001 This link is to the Artist Club where you can purchase the paints for $1.13 each plus shipping.
This is a paint on fabric paint but I wonder if you added a little water, it could be used in a spray bottle?
Apr 01, 2012 @ 19:49:16
I’m going to check it out, thanks!
Dec 30, 2011 @ 12:03:15
I’m also interested if the color will rub off on other fabrics. I’m thinking of doing something similar to my entire couch, but don’t want to stain everyone’s clothing in the process! Please post an update once you’ve tested it out!! GREAT POST!
Dec 30, 2011 @ 21:14:58
I will let you know, but so far, no problems. Thanks for commenting. I love reading them, and even more tickled that people are actually checking out the blog!
May 06, 2012 @ 20:05:52
any update on the wear and tear of this chair?
May 12, 2012 @ 22:23:09
No problems so far. No rub off, no staining.
Dec 30, 2011 @ 13:01:15
This looks great, but I’m wondering what happens when damp clothes might touch it? Does it bleed? Thanks so much for the idea 🙂
Dec 30, 2011 @ 21:25:11
Good question – I’ll test it for you tomorrow. Thanks 🙂
Dec 30, 2011 @ 14:56:11
I used this on a jacket for my daughter for her dance production number. She needed a “Janet Jackson” look and had a denim military style jacket. No matter how hard I tried, the black rit dye wouldn’t take…I did it three times! However, I used two bottles of this and she did the production number twice with no rubbing off on her skin or anything. And I’m sure she sweated during the dancing! Hope it works as well on your chair.
Dec 30, 2011 @ 21:27:34
I just tried to use black Rit yesterday on cotton and it is barely gray. What a disappointment 😦 thanks for stopping by – please come back soon!
Dec 31, 2011 @ 11:02:13
Love your chair! I see al these comments about RIT dye – my favorite place to by fabric dye is from Dharma Trading company. I use the ones in the white envelope. IDye is the brand I think. They come out beautifully – and vibrant!! Much better than RIT. The company ships really fast too. Would be perfect for things you could soak – not a chair of course!! Now I want to search the resales for a gorgeous chair to spray!!
Dec 31, 2011 @ 11:34:45
Yeah, Rit is kind of a bummer. Before you wash it, it looks pretty good. But as soon as it hits the washer, the color fades to nothing. In Jo-Ann’s I saw some white packets of color, but didn’t try it because I had never heard of it. I’ll go back and see if it’s IDye. Thanks for the tip. If it is, I’ll try the black on my son’s cushion today instead of this product again. I like to try different products out, it keeps things interesting! 🙂
Dec 31, 2011 @ 01:25:59
Can you possibly say how many bottles it took to do the chair? I absolutely LOVE it!!!
Dec 31, 2011 @ 02:25:30
I just finished using the fifth bottle. It took a couple of coats to look even and cover the old color all the way. 🙂
Dec 31, 2011 @ 05:25:39
I have a tip for you that will reduce the amount of paint required and improve your results – as with all spray paints, cover in thin layers! the first pass should not cover but should have a fine mist all-over dusting. the second layer, still shouldn’t cover but provide for a solid move to the new color. the third layer will be covered and still be a tad blotchy with some peek through of the original, the fourth layer should even out the color and a fifth layer may be required. the key is thin layers!
Dec 31, 2011 @ 08:12:33
Hi Jill! Thanks for the tip! Have you used this product before, too? I loved it because it was so easy to work with, not sticky or tacky. This chair required about four coats/touch ups. Since the spray comes out of the bottle much like you are spraying window cleaner (it’s not in an aerosol can), it didn’t give me the opportunity to do light coats. So, I brushed it in using an old paint brush. It worked the color into the nooks and crannies, and spread it evenly onto the chair. Immediately after you put it on, and before it sinks in all the way, it looks very vibrant. But give it a few minutes to dry and the color fades a bit. After about four coats, the color was pretty uniform.
Jan 06, 2012 @ 03:54:55
So glad that I found this on Pinterest!! (Also love your handle on here, being a fellow addict myself) Two things: After reading the thread between you and Jill, I’m wondering if you watered down a bottle or two of the paint for the first coat if that would help with the coverage?? It might not work with darker colors but for lighter ones- your thoughts? Was also wondering if you found out how this paint works on patterns? I have this great cream colored chair that I happened to find JUST as the previous owners were putting it out on the curb. The back is tufted and the fabric has this great sort of ’50’s geometric pattern to it that I was hoping to preserve. (I mostly just want to dye it to cover a few minor stains) Thanks so much for sharing your discovery!
Jan 06, 2012 @ 12:52:20
I haven’t tried that out yet. I have only used the darker colors. Can you test a spot that you can’t see?
Jan 11, 2012 @ 11:16:49
This is such a great idea – I have a floral wingback I’d LOVE to recolor. Please do post about how the fabric paint does with patterns 🙂
Jan 11, 2012 @ 13:27:03
I just sprayed the first coat onto the pillow that came with the two chairs I painted. I’ll post about how well it covered after I get a second coat on there.
Apr 25, 2012 @ 17:00:32
Just a tip that I know….If you find paint that you want to put in to an aerosol can, take it to a place that sells paint for cars and they can put it in to an aerosol. My husband has done this for small took ups on metal.
Dec 31, 2011 @ 10:14:11
I found this on Pinterest and I’m so glad I did! I have a wing back chair that is a Hunter Green and I’d love to paint it, I found it at a yard sale for $60.00 so it is in good shape. I’ll be checking this out at Michal’s for sure! Following you on FB too!
Dec 31, 2011 @ 10:26:36
Hi Rondell! Thanks for the follow! I love Pinterest, even more now that this pin has brought so many new people to my blog! Let me know if it works on the darker colors. What color are you going to change it to? Definitely come back and show me your transformation!
Dec 31, 2011 @ 10:23:13
Forgot to say that I added your blog to my bloglist, and that I’d go for white on the legs of the chair!
Would it be okay if I did a “shout out” about your blog on mine?
Dec 31, 2011 @ 10:28:39
I would LOVE it if you did! What’s your blog’s address, so I can check you out too! I think I am going for white on the chair legs. Just don’t know if pure white, or a creamy white would be better. Maybe I’ll do one of each and see how it looks! :p
Dec 31, 2011 @ 10:27:43
I have a chair that my husband hates because it used to be white and now it’s a dingy off-white. I need to find some of this paint and give it a try! I don’t have a Michael’s or JoAnns, but a Hobby Lobby will be opening up very soon here, so hopefully they’ll have it!
Dec 31, 2011 @ 10:30:31
I wish there was a Hobby Lobby around here. I read about so many things they have that Jo-Ann’s and Micheal’s don’t seem to carry. Good luck! A white chair will be really easy to color! Let me know how it turns out! Thanks for commenting 🙂
Dec 31, 2011 @ 10:49:18
I seem to be using a lot of exclamation points… must stop that. It reads like I am super hyper. 😀
Apr 07, 2012 @ 01:09:56
I know this comment is from eons ago… but maybe it will help someone…. They carry 4 packs of the tulip spray fabric paint at my local Walmart. I bought some around Christmas and can’t remember how much I paid. They also had fabric markers….
Apr 07, 2012 @ 08:59:21
Hi Rachelle! Were they four packs of the same color? That would be great – especially at Walmart, they are usually cheaper. Thanks for the tip – I’m headed there today and will take a look.
Dec 31, 2011 @ 10:54:29
Hello! Found this on Pinterest and thought it might be a do-able project for my rather uncrafty, uncreative self. I have a hand-me-down papa san chair that has a pink cushion, whereas all the decor in my house is orange/browns/tans. It looks rather terrible and I have to keep a brown sheet tucked over/around it so it won’t stick out like a sore thumb. It’s not what I would consider ‘upholstery’, it’s soft cottony material. Think this paint would work for it? We’re newlyweds on a budget and thought this might be a more cost-effective compromise as opposed to buying a whole new cushion. Can’t wait to hear how this worked out for you!
Oh PS, what was your dry time?
Dec 31, 2011 @ 11:31:56
I would say it would work even better than the fabric that is on my chair. I would think the cotton would take the pigment better. The dry time between coats was about an hour or so, but I had it outside in the sun, and it’s been beautiful weather here (70’s and 80’s). So, depending on where you have it to dry, it could be different for you. The bottle says it is wearable/sit-able after four hours. Good luck! I would love to see it when it’s done.
Dec 31, 2011 @ 11:19:54
35$ is cheap compared to reupholstering.
Dec 31, 2011 @ 11:22:48
P.s. I think a bright yellow that has a twinge of orange would look beautiful on the legs.
Dec 31, 2011 @ 11:40:22
That would be pretty cool, but the chair is for my office and it wouldn’t match with anything in there. If I change the color palette again, my husband my go a little nuts. LOL!
Dec 31, 2011 @ 11:36:17
Yep, much cheaper! But for that little bottle, and the fact you need so many, when there are other options that are cheaper, I think it’s a little steep.
Dec 31, 2011 @ 14:47:58
Thanks so much, I’ll be doing the Shout Out in an up coming post, I’ll be sure and let you know. My blog is somethingniceandpretty.blogspot.com, leave me a comment so I know you visited!
I planned to paint it a lighter color like linen, I’ll let you know when I do buy the paint.
Jan 01, 2012 @ 09:02:08
Hi Rondell! I’ve been trying to get to your blog, but it says it has no posts. Can you send me a link? I would love to check it out! Thanks!
Dec 31, 2011 @ 19:14:59
There are aerosol can sprays that do this same thing. upholstery sprays and are about 8 bucks a big can. There is also a way to do it yourself for under 10 bucks u make the concoction yourself. Also you can use the 50% or 40% coupons for michaels to save you $.
Jan 01, 2012 @ 08:58:56
Tina – I can never get enough of those coupons! I’m going to have to make up ficticious names to get enough mailed to me :p And they expire before I can use them, mostly because I shop on a whim and the coupons are still at home – maybe I should put them in my car so I have them at all times? LOL!
Have you used the aerosol sprays? How did they cover? Does it make the fabric stiff? PLEASE let me know, I need to dye another set of chairs.
Jan 02, 2012 @ 15:08:50
If you have a smartphone, you can get the coupons straight to your phone now!
Jan 02, 2012 @ 18:25:56
I tried that. When I went to Jo-Ann’s and tried to use it, they said it wasn’t really one of their coupons! UGH!
Jan 04, 2012 @ 12:41:47
Joanns has an app with all available coupons right inside. Michaels has their own app too. Hobby lobby allows you to show one of their coupons on your phone (through your email, or one from their mobile site)
Jan 04, 2012 @ 15:53:27
I signed up for Joann’s and Michael’s, thanks!
Jan 01, 2012 @ 03:01:58
love the idea! but how would it work on a vintage velvet-like fabric? probably not so well, huh?
Jan 01, 2012 @ 08:50:59
Hi Angela! I’m not 100% sure how it would work on velvet because I’ve only ever used it on this chair, and now on some cotton material. But it doesn’t feel scratchy, and the color is very good. Is there a place to spot test it? I would try that first, especially because it’s vintage. Let me know if you try it, and how it works on velvet. 🙂
Jan 01, 2012 @ 07:56:01
I love it. I bought fabric medium that you mix your paint with. I am going to try that to see how it goes. I was going to try brushing it on but now I think I will try spraying first. I got mine at Hobby Lobby. I have purchased it at Michael’s before though. I haven’t tried this on furniture before. I used it to stamp on designs for curtains. I ironed it to set it. I am not quite sure how that would work with a piece of furniture though. I guess I could use my hairdryer or a heat gun to set the paint.
Jan 01, 2012 @ 08:55:18
Hi Joni! I used that on another set of chairs (it’s on the blog too, here) . I was thinking of doing the same thing next time I used it, especially for the hard to reach spots in the folds of the fabric. Let me know how it works out for you in a spray bottle. I have a few places in the skirt that need to be darkened, and if it works for you, I’ll try it. Thanks for the comment – I love them!
Jan 01, 2012 @ 09:25:17
Who knew you could paint fabric like this? Thanks for this tutorial and the tips in the comment section are great. I will be looking at tufty yard sale chairs with different eyes now.
Jan 01, 2012 @ 14:22:50
Sometimes when I go to the thrift shop, I’ll purposefully buy something really old and U-G-L-Y to give a makeover, just for the “ooh” factor! Let me know if you find something!
Jan 01, 2012 @ 12:30:35
OMG, you shouldn’t have! How did you know I needed a teal chair for my bedroom? Emailing you my address, LOL!
This chair is friggin AWESOME!!!
Jan 01, 2012 @ 14:23:42
You are too funny 😀 Thanks! It’s almost done, and I’ll post the reveal in the next few days.
Jan 01, 2012 @ 15:09:19
Wow Eliesa, this is amazing!! I’m so proud of you for giving this a try and for inspiring so many with this post 🙂 Congrats… hope the traffic keeps coming!!!
Jan 01, 2012 @ 15:23:22
I hope so too!! Thanks 🙂
Jan 01, 2012 @ 16:04:15
Trying not to get too excited, but I’ve been delaying a living room overhaul for more than a year because I cannot afford the desired $300 cover for my currently red IKEA Ektorp chair. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30166758/ Ugggh, I loathe that red chair.
The question your solution raises to me is, how “safe” is it to be covering a chair in paint? Having switched over to organic foods and cleaning products, but not yet carpeting or linens…. is painting an often used chair turning it into a toxic, chemical mess? Does anyone know if I should be concerned? Would you allow your baby or your pet to sit in it?
Walking… cautiously…..(optimistically)slowly… to… the…nearest……….Michael’s……..
Sincerely, Seeing Red in San Fran =)
Jan 01, 2012 @ 16:27:45
What a really great question! On the back of the bottle, it says that it is non-toxic, conforms to ASTM D-4236. I have two kids, four dogs and two cats – the cats seem to lay claim to every single chair in the place, and I feel completely comfortable with them sitting on this. This is not an aerosol based spray, it’s sprays like windex or other cleaning products. And you can actually do it in the house, with very little smell.
Best of luck with the red chair! Let me know how it turns out. With all the commenters talking about doing this, I’m hoping that I get some of them to follow up with me so I can post a follow-up to this! E
Jun 07, 2012 @ 08:30:17
You said the bottle is a pump spray. Did you use some sort of gadget to keep your fingers from falling off with all that pumping. How many hours would you say it took just to cover the fabric?
Jun 07, 2012 @ 09:03:46
No, I wish I had something for that though! Although I didn’t use all the bottles at once. I had to let it dry between coats, so it really wasn’t so bad. I also had to make a few different trips to the stores to buy more. All together, the spraying portion of doing this chair probably took about two hours. On this chair only though. The other chairs I used it on were MUCH faster because the fabric was much more absorbent.
Jan 02, 2012 @ 13:13:30
You can use rit dye and it is a lot cheaper.
Jan 02, 2012 @ 15:06:39
Hi Dolly! Rit wouldn’t have worked on this chair because it doesn’t come in a spray or a paint-on product (that I know of). I have tried Rit for other projects and it doesn’t work well for me – the color is never bright and deep. I tried black Rit on a cotton pillow cushion cover (two days ago) and the color just washed out, leaving it a dirty, dingy gray.
Jan 22, 2012 @ 13:18:35
Rit needs to be set in. It has been many years, but I do remember it needs a soak in salt water to keep from fading.
Jan 22, 2012 @ 13:23:15
I added salt to the hot water, and let it sit in the dye for the thirty minutes that the directions called for, stirring it constantly. The color just washed right out. I’ve used Rit before, and not one time has the color been good. The pillow cover that I dyed here is 100% cotton, so the results should have been awesome, not blah.
Jan 02, 2012 @ 22:40:58
Thanks SO much for the suggestion – and I’m loving the teal!! Can’t wait to try this out. I found you on Pinterest by the way. 🙂
http://www.freestylinbeth.com
Jan 03, 2012 @ 11:05:06
Thank you! I hope you will come back soon! I’ve got a whole lotta projects coming up 😛
Jan 02, 2012 @ 22:50:45
I’m so glad I found your blog on Pinterest! I have two golden orange… ummm… very comfy chairs, but I’m not sure of the style. They’re COMPLETELY covered in fabric, and sort of hug you when you sink down and relax 😀 The upholstery is in fabulous shape for how old they are, but the fabric is stained all over… Our lovely 4 year old decided to color on them with an ink pen! lol Definitely going to get some fabric spray, and slowly turn them Chocolate Brown 😀
Have a delicious day,
Sara Dunning
Jan 03, 2012 @ 23:12:41
I think it would be the perfect solution! The black Tulip fabric spray paint worked great covering the seat cushions I used it on. Let me know if you like it. Thanks for the comment!
Jan 02, 2012 @ 22:58:34
Your chair looks great! Several years ago I had some beige chair pads which I should have known better than to buy because they got so dirty so fast. I decided to try to paint them and used a textile medium additive to a blue color of paint that I already had. They ended up great and I am still using them. It didn’t make them crunchy either and probably took a lot less to use. Just an idea. Also, this makes everything easier to clean.
Jan 03, 2012 @ 23:10:57
Hi Sara! I loved how well the textile medium and the acrylic paint covered my chairs, but it made it pretty scratchy. Someone else had said they used just paint (not acrylic) and they were much softer. I think next time, I will just do multiple (more than the two I had given my chairs) coats using the latex paint.
Jan 03, 2012 @ 00:03:33
Did you ever finish it with the new glossy white legs? Is there a picture? I’d be so afraid that the paint would rub off on peoples’ bums when they sat in it!
Jan 03, 2012 @ 11:03:36
I sanded them down, and sprayed them with the white that I had. Hated it. Sanded it again, tried Heirloom white. Didn’t like that either. And then I tried to use a silver metallic paint on one leg, but I don’t like that either. I wish I had fellow DIY-ing friends around here to help figure out what the right complimentary color would be. The paint is not coming off of the chair at all, by the way.
Jan 03, 2012 @ 12:14:17
Why don’t you try a monotone look? Like a lighter hue of teal/aqua? Or have you maybe thought of doing a muted light grey (platinum) instead of the metallic look?
Jan 03, 2012 @ 16:24:34
Oh, I like the idea of a more muted metallic look! Or what about a crackle effect, using black and silver? I’m just kind of stumped as to what would look best.
Jan 04, 2012 @ 01:51:56
Teal and light grey– no metallic–
But more muted (brushed, whatever) http://www.furniturearcade.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/attractive-armchair-in-teal-leather.jpg
Or maybe even a gunmetal dark grey??
And lighter shade of the same hue–
Or contrasting color??
Good luck!!
Jan 04, 2012 @ 15:54:48
LoVe the the first and second one! Love them! Thank you so much!
Jan 05, 2012 @ 12:49:25
Hi Susane – I hope you are checking back on this comment thread, because I used your suggestion and went with brushed nickel. Posting pics now!
Thanks!
Jan 05, 2012 @ 14:29:33
Yay! Checking for pics now!
Jan 03, 2012 @ 22:18:11
Love this, and the color is beautiful, I like the black, but this the silver leaf would look fab!!
Jan 03, 2012 @ 23:16:42
If it gets a little warmer tomorrow, I am going to try to finish the chair. I have never silver leaf-ed before, whereas I’ve spray painted everything that can stand still, so maybe this would be a good time to try it! Do they sell it at Michael’s?
Jan 04, 2012 @ 12:47:52
How did you protect/shield the arms legs of the chair while you spritzed? Or did you just not worry about it since you were going to paint them anyway? I have some formal dining room chairs that have awful 80’s light blue stripey damask seat cushions. But the wood is a fine color. I’m just wondering if I’d need to disassemble the chair, tape it off, or if the spray just wipes off the wood?
Jan 04, 2012 @ 15:52:21
I didn’t do anything to protect the legs, just wiped it off after I was done. And it wiped right off, as long as it wasn’t dry. In hindsight, I would tape them off, especially if they are light colored.
Jan 05, 2012 @ 23:08:02
My favorite chair in the entire house has been in the family for decades (70’s) and has been passed around to everyone. It is still in great shape and must have been expensive originally because it doesn’t show its age at all except that it is sea foam green. We finally put it in storage because it didn’t match anything and there is no way I’m paying a few hundred bucks to re-upholster it.
I hope I dig it out of storage soon and attempt this.
Jan 06, 2012 @ 08:32:10
Good luck with it! I hope it works for you as well as it did for me. Before I started my chair, with it being so old, all I kept repeating to myself was that even if it didn’t work perfectly, it would be an improvement to what was on there now. (And, I could always re-upholster it later!) Please let me know how it works out for you!
Jan 06, 2012 @ 11:41:36
I was so excited to see this pin. I too, have 2 wingbacks that I bought at a thrift store for $35 and they are in great shape, just really ugly upholstery. I bought slipcovers, expensive, and they are so tacky. I am going to try this painting technique! Thank you soooo much for sharing!
Jan 06, 2012 @ 12:51:33
Let me know how they turn out! Thanks for stopping by!
Jan 07, 2012 @ 10:54:42
Michael’s also carries a kit you can make spray paint out of Martha Stewarts new paint line out of any color. And you can add the fabric medium to it. I wonder if that would work as well?
Jan 07, 2012 @ 11:05:35
That’s awesome! I will have to try that!
Jan 07, 2012 @ 19:38:12
This looks like such a great, and easy idea, although I’m a little hesitant. The chair that I’m thinking of dying is an antique-it’s pink (it’s even made with horse mane hair and hog hair!) and doesn’t match anything I have. I treasure this chair and am nervous that I might ruin it. Do you think it would be OK?
Thanks,
Kelly
Jan 07, 2012 @ 19:45:00
Hi Kelly! I painted this chair knowing that I didn’t spend a lot for it, and I could always re-upholster it if it didn’t work. I would hate to say yes it will work because I would feel HORRIBLE if it ruined your chair, or didn’t turn out the way you hoped. Can you test a small, unnoticeable spot?
Jan 09, 2012 @ 11:57:49
That would be a smart idea! Yes, I will try a small spot first! Thanks you!
Jan 08, 2012 @ 15:59:58
This is so cool!!! I didnt know there was such a thing! I saw 2 old chairs that caught my eye in Goodwill yesterday for $5 each. i should have got them. I just wasnt sure what to do with them and now I know! As soon as Im able to go back there, I will get them if they are still there. Thanks!!! You did a wonderful job!
Jan 08, 2012 @ 16:10:43
Let me know how they turn out!
Jan 08, 2012 @ 20:50:41
Use your 40% michael’s coupons. If you have a smartphone, there’s apps for michaels and jo-anns and those have coupons that the checkers scan right off your phone at the register. And both stores match each other’s coupons! Thanks for posting this, the chair looks great!
Jan 08, 2012 @ 22:58:57
Do you think this will work on my dining chairs, they are like a corduroy fabric and same for my couch and love seat, I so want to change them, but can afford to. My couch and love seat are black and needed some cheap ideas, 2012 is my year to decorate my house, had been ill for awhile and wanted some change and hobbies to have. Oh and feel sooo Blessed to have found this site, my coworkers say that Pininterst is CRACKINTEREST….LOL So is the chair okay to sit on and is it scratchy at all and did any color come off?
Jan 08, 2012 @ 23:06:11
Hi! I’m glad you found it too! The chairs are not scratchy at all. The only thing I’d worry about is what color you plan on covering it with? I don’t think the lighter colors will cover over black.
Jan 09, 2012 @ 09:56:49
Just posted about your chair today! So, what’s the verdict – is this one or the latex painted one softer? 🙂
Jan 09, 2012 @ 11:00:35
Looked at the post this morning – cool! Definitely the Tulip spray paint is softer. Not scratchy or hard when it dries. Thr only downside is that it’s definitely more expensive.
Jan 09, 2012 @ 15:30:59
Any thoughts on how the paint might work on velvet? I have a chair that is almost Identical but I can’t tell if your upholstery was velvet or something with less texture. Also the aqua blue and a coral would give you something really unique.
Jan 09, 2012 @ 20:15:44
Hi Michael! I recently purchased a velvet-ish couch at the thrift store that is desperately in need of recovering. I tried it on the part under the cushions, and it covered well, but because it’s not the cotton kind of velvet (more like polyester) it didn’t soak it up as well. It feels just the slightest bit crunchy. But, if you have the soft cotton velvet, it would work. Test a spot before you do the whole thing – I would hate it if you didn’t have the results you want. Let me know how it works out for you!
Jan 12, 2012 @ 16:23:45
WOW, love the teal you picked! I am on the lookout for a chair like that, that I can spray paint a Victorian Lilac color and white legs. I think that white legs would look AMAZING on your chair with that stunning teal, really make it pop! Thanks so much for sharing!
Jan 13, 2012 @ 08:01:32
Faith Farm in Fort Lauderdale? I used to live there, now I am on the Space Coast. My daughter & son live down there so we visit often. I haven’t been to Faith Farm in years, I should check it out on my next visit. I like your chairs. I painted a couple of winged back (upholstered with a smooth fabric) about 8 yrs ago with latex paint and no fabric medium. They came out like vinyl and look like leather. We are still using them, and they held up. I will paint them again soon when I change the color scheme.
I love Pinterest too!
Jan 13, 2012 @ 09:39:30
I haven’t been to that one yet, I usually go to the one in Boynton. I can’t imagine how they do it, but they consistently have great solid pieces that just need a little love. I would love to see pics of your chairs! I love how much better mine look (the ones that I used paint and fabric medium on), but I’m not loving the way they feel (a little too scratchy), but the throws take care of that. Painting them has made them usable in the space for now, and that’s all that really matters.
Jan 13, 2012 @ 22:42:59
I am so glad I found your page! I have a chair that absolutely love but the fabric color just doesn’t do it anymore……I want to paint the fabric in a chartreuse color…the spray paint may be a little expensive because of the quantity needed but it will be more expensive to upholster and will never look the same….think of it as an investment. Thanks for the idea….
Jan 14, 2012 @ 09:27:53
Thanks!
I stopped by your blog and I LOVE it! Going to visit, and often 😉
Jan 16, 2012 @ 15:05:16
Would this hold up and cover an outdoor deck chair. I want to change colors there. It is a plastic fabric. Not in a covered area.
Jan 16, 2012 @ 15:57:20
I haven’t tried it on anything plastic, but I wouldn’t think it would take the color very well. If you try it, let me know 🙂
Jan 19, 2012 @ 10:29:31
Would you recommend going darker than the chair’s original color? Or do you think a lighter color would work if I used more coats? Great insight by the way! I have this ugly old pink chair my mom passed down to me and I’ve been searching blogs for a cheap/easy way to recover it!
Jan 19, 2012 @ 11:50:45
Yes, I would definitely go darker, but then I haven’t tried going lighter. If you try it, let me know if it works. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Jan 20, 2012 @ 19:41:26
I’ve pinned your picture of this chair…I have two chairs that will be perfect candidates for this treatment!! So excited to try it. I know I’ll go through a lot of paint but it’ll be waaaay cheaper than having them reupholstered! Great post!
Jan 20, 2012 @ 20:28:51
Come back and tell us how they turn out! Or post pics on my Facebook page!
Jan 22, 2012 @ 16:04:58
FYI: you can use Minwax Polyshades without sanding. You do need to apply with a brush, but it’s less mess than sanding and the a few coats spray paint.
Jan 23, 2012 @ 00:23:13
I would like to try this. My only worry is will the paint rub off on clothing when you sit in chair?
Jan 23, 2012 @ 00:30:36
This is fantastic as I am a lover of all things easier! Ive been puttjng off reupholstering two chairs because of expense. You think this would work on velvet??
Jan 23, 2012 @ 00:34:24
Sorry didn’t see your previous post on velvet.
happy decorating!
Jan 24, 2012 @ 20:21:53
This may have been said, didn’t have time to read all the lovely comments. Did you think about doing the arms and legs in white? Would give the gorgeous chair a very airy/refreshing look. The black looks good via camera, but I know that doesn’t always show everything. Thanks for posting on pinterest. Didn’t know about this spray. Very exciting. I work at an auto shop. Might work for a quick fix for interiors. Where did you find it?
Jan 26, 2012 @ 12:22:19
Hi Laura! I finished the arms in a silver-ish finish. I bought it at Michael’s. It’s about $5.69 a bottle, and it took a few bottles to finish this chair. But, when I used it on my son’s cotton chair, it used less than half a bottle.
Jan 26, 2012 @ 21:29:29
Thanks for the info. Talked to our cosmetics guy today and he was very interested. Guess it’s a good thing we work across the street from a Michael’s. 😀
Jan 26, 2012 @ 21:35:40
I read that someone used it for car interiors on Pinterest. Let me know how it turns out!
Jan 25, 2012 @ 15:18:05
How well do you think this product would do to achieve the over-dyed look on a rug? Do you think the product would rub off with people walking on it?
Jan 26, 2012 @ 12:18:50
I don’t know about that, I haven’t tried it. If you try it, let me know. Sounds interesting 🙂
Jan 25, 2012 @ 15:32:29
I have 4 dining room chairs that are a cream color. I want to use the brown color or even something like egg plant which is my accent color. Do you know if the color stays once dried. I wouldn’t want to have people unable to sit because it rubs off? This was a great idea by the way! Thanks for sharing…
Jan 26, 2012 @ 12:17:36
The color has stayed on the chair I did, so I’m going to say yes 🙂
Jan 26, 2012 @ 22:44:40
Hi! Sorry if I am asking a repeat question, I read thru so many comments I was exhausted! anyways, 2 questions for you…
Do you think that a “color” perhaps an olive green or some type of plum would cover the existing black fabric on my chair?
Also, you mentioned using a paint brush, what kind did you use and do you think a foam brush would work?
Okay, just thought of a 3rd ?… how long would it take a chair to dry before you would actually use it? Thanks for the great info and tips! Happy painting!!!
Feb 02, 2012 @ 13:19:21
Hi Diane – sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I don’t know whether it would cover over black, I haven’t tried that. Let me know if you do, so I know for the future. And I just used an old paint brush, but I think a foam brush would work too. I let it dry overnight before I used it.
Jan 27, 2012 @ 23:13:02
I love it and had no idea you could do that! I like the black-just not the shiny finish 🙂
Jan 28, 2012 @ 21:24:49
I have a wheelchair that has a sort of nylon seat and back. The actual fabric is in good shape but was left outside so it is very faded. Do you think this paint would work to restore the color. Or what do you suggest?
Jan 28, 2012 @ 22:19:06
I’m sorry, but I have never tried this on nylon. If I were going to paint something nylon, I would try acrylic or latex paint, mixed with fabric medium to keep it from being scratchy. Let me know how it turns out, however you decide to go 🙂
Jan 28, 2012 @ 22:46:20
I was just getting ready to drop off an unwanted chair of mine to the Goodwill. It looks similar to yours. I think I’m going to paint the wood white, maybe even paint the chair white, and use a pink cording to the edges for my pink, and very girly, office. I’m thinking that painting both the wood and cloth the same color, this will make it a simpler process.
Feb 08, 2012 @ 14:39:55
What if the fabric has a floral design? Would the paint cover that too?
Feb 10, 2012 @ 12:36:47
It really depends on what you are trying to cover, and with what color. Black covered the floral design on my pillow, but it took a few coats. I’m not sure about other colors.
Feb 13, 2012 @ 08:58:50
Amazing….going to HAVE to try this…..like others, my attempt at “painting” upholstery was a dud! Thanks for the tips & info!
Feb 13, 2012 @ 14:40:24
OK so i think this might be a little late but I have been thinking of spray painting an old couch. It would be very expensive to do it with those little bottles running at $7 a bottle. I have been searching for a solution and I think I found one that would say some more money!!!! I came across another blog that was talking about using Fabric Spray Paint, except they made their own! Here is the link to the website tutorial!!! hope this helps everybody save just that much more money!!! 🙂
http://www.sewambitious.com/2010/05/make-your-own-fabirc-spray-paint.html
It will also help with getting the exact color you have been looking for!!! I can’t wait to try it!
Feb 18, 2012 @ 08:56:20
How cool is this?! Thanks for the idea! I know everyone is always looking for new and easier – not to mention cheaper – ways to do things! Going to have to try this one out!
Feb 13, 2012 @ 17:12:55
My Grandma just gave me a really cool, old chair. The upholstery is in excellent condition, but the pattern does not match anything in my house. It’s a big floral pattern with a lot of black. How well do you think the Tulip paint you used would cover it? Do you think there are certain colors that would cover better than others? If I decide to give it a go, I’ll be sure to test it underneath the cushion, but I’m a little nervous to take the plunge. This method looks much easier than some of the others I’ve come across on Pinterst. Thanks:)
Feb 13, 2012 @ 17:54:01
I would think the darker the color to be covered, the darker the color the dye needs to be. Let me know how it works out for you!
Feb 15, 2012 @ 00:24:20
What a fabulous transformation! I have a chair that I painted the woodwork on (I used a Martha Stewart sample of “Sea Glass” that I decided not to use on my bedroom walls), but am still deciding if I like the combination of the colours together. The upholstery is a faded olive tone. Here is the link to the pic of it on my blog… http://transforme-cc.blogspot.com/2011/10/long-time-no-see.html… what is your opinion of the colours?
if I end up painting the upholstery, I will definitely credit you as my inspiration on my blog!
~ christajean
p.s. I’m glad you painted the arms and legs of your chair silver. I was going to suggest a vintage gold paint to really glam it up! White just seemed so “safe”. Way to be risky!
Feb 17, 2012 @ 18:49:08
Have you tried alchohol inks. More imporatant, DIY alchohol inks. Mix dye power with cheap drug store rubbing alchohol, in a spray bottle and spray away! I have made some great totes from old sheets and the colors don’t fade.
Feb 18, 2012 @ 08:55:21
Shut the front door!! I can’t wait to try this! What dye do you recommend? Have you tried it before?
Feb 18, 2012 @ 09:20:50
I love the color you painted the wood, it’s gorgeous! BTW, I have Benjamin Moore sea glass in our family room, but your color seems more lively and fun. I am thinking of repainting it because it seems so drab. Back to your chair – I think it’s lovely the way it is, but what color are you imagining the fabric to be? I can see it in white, or even a darker blue/green.
Feb 26, 2012 @ 10:56:04
So excited to try this… Been looking for something like this! Also for the cost doesn’t your local craft store have 40-50% coupons! Haha yes I’m Dutch!
Feb 26, 2012 @ 11:13:18
I’m so going to try this. I have a giant fabric headboard that’s stuck in the 90″s, and I want to move it into the 2013’S.
Mar 01, 2012 @ 23:25:38
Found you on Pinterest. Did you ever say if the color faded or came off on damp clothes? I would love to do this to a chair I have but would hate for the color to come off on people clothes.
Mar 02, 2012 @ 20:22:55
It doesn’t rub off once it’s dry.
Mar 02, 2012 @ 13:05:38
I love the idea! I was wondering if it would work on suede chairs, if it would effect the outcome and maybe become crunchy? if you have tried it on suede or velvet chairs let me know or anyone else who has used it, Thank you so much for your posts! Very inspiring!
Mar 02, 2012 @ 20:25:45
I’ve only tried it on a velvet couch (just a little) and because it’s not a cotton velvet, more like polyester, it dried a little crunchy at first, but eventually got softer with use. Let me know if you try it!
Mar 03, 2012 @ 11:42:28
I just saw this stuff in a flyer from Michaels, and am really interested – there was another pin some time ago about using a spray paint on t’s and hoodies for a scrunchie type of look, let’s see… here! http://www.livingwithpunks.com/2010/04/tutorial-punk-rocked-tyedye.html I wonder if the Tulip paint is too “thin” and might bleed too much? For $5, and a thrift store hoodie, guess I can afford to find out! Thanks for this tutorial, I just saw it on Pinterest this morning. And I grew up in South Florida, the “Faith Farm” reference caught my eye. My mom would get furniture that just needed reupholstering, and do a great job with it.
Mar 04, 2012 @ 08:14:24
Let me know how your hoodie turns out! The Tulip paint is thin, but it worked great on this chair with a little help from a paint brush. On the cotton things I’ve done, it just gets soaked right up, so the thinness actually is a benefit to it. Great product for small projects. Faith Farm is amazing for finding great quality furniture that just needs a little love.
Mar 03, 2012 @ 16:15:05
Sorry if I’m asking a question you’ve answered there are so many comments! I saw someone else asked you if it faded when you sat on it and you replied you didn’t know yet you hadn’t finished it. I was wondering, since it’s now March, if you had the opportunity to sit in it. If so did it fade at all? Did it rub off on clothes?
Mar 04, 2012 @ 08:15:39
It hasn’t faded yet and hasn’t rubbed off onto any one either. It’s wearing like a champ!
Mar 04, 2012 @ 00:19:18
I purchased two wing back chairs a few months ago since my father taught me how to upholster when I was a kid. Then I went and looked up the price of fabric! I about fell out…I had all good intentions of upgrading them and I was just thinking about going out tomorrow and buying the slip covers. Thankfully I saw this post and just jumped on the Darmah Trading site and purchased myself some paint! 🙂 For 86.00 I think I can handle it over the $500 plus it was going to run me for the fabirc I really wanted! This is going to be AWESOME!!!!
Mar 04, 2012 @ 08:20:46
Yeah, I was shocked at the price of fabric too! I have tried a couple of different ways to cover bad upholstery without re-upholstering because I just couldn’t swing that cost for ALL the projects I’ve brought home. I tried fabric medium and acrylic paint on two slipper chairs, and that worked out pretty well too, but they ended up pretty scratchy. The Tulip paint isn’t scratchy at all. Please let me know how it turns out!
Mar 12, 2012 @ 08:20:36
For some odd reason I never thought of this before!
A solution to the expense of the fabric spray…
There is a textile medium sold almost anywhere you buy acrylic paint. Once mixed into the paint It allows the paint to soak into the fabric so it isnt stiff, or clumpy. I think you could just put the mixture into a spray bottle and spray it on that way?. I think I’ll have to try this! I’ll let you know how it comes out.
Mar 12, 2012 @ 10:04:23
Hi Rebekah! I used the textile medium to paint these chairs… but I didn’t use a spray bottle, so I don’t know if it would work. The paint is pretty thick, so it might be a little difficult to get it to spray evenly. But I did notice that the fabric medium smelled very similar to the Tulip Fabric Spray paint, so you might be on to something there! Let me know how it works out for you if you try it!! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Mar 15, 2012 @ 20:33:49
Still no wear information……please. Very intrigued!
Mar 15, 2012 @ 21:21:30
Hi Jo – I have answered this a few times, but I’ll answer again because I love this stuff and I want to make sure everyone knows it works fabulously!! So far, it’s been wearing great. No rub off, or fading, BUT, this particular chair has been very lightly used. My son’s chair, however, has been used almost daily, and it’s held up perfectly! I would recommend this any day of the week!
Mar 20, 2012 @ 15:53:10
What about outdoor cushions? Do you think this would work?
Mar 20, 2012 @ 21:29:25
Hi Shannon – I am sorry, but I have no idea. I haven’t tried it, and I am not sure I would. It has been holding up great inside, however I’m not sure how it would do with rain/sun/etc. If you try it, please report back and let us all know how it holds up. 🙂
Mar 24, 2012 @ 15:46:40
Will this paint work on fake leather chairs? I have some dinning room chairs that I would like to work on.
Apr 03, 2012 @ 05:19:56
Michaels has a coupon they put out every sunday that is good for the whole week. It’s good for 40% off one item but one per person per day. Print out as many as you want and hit up a couple different stores with a friend in one day (took me and the hubby about 1 hour), or just stop by on your way home from work/school/etc each day until its project time! It’s a good way to stock up and save money for future projects.
Apr 06, 2012 @ 08:24:07
thanks for your post! i have done a chair with the latex/acrylic method. i was happy with the results but it was such a multi-step/timely process that i am happy to streamline and i have my tulip spray paint all ready to go! did you spray the fabric with water to make it damp before starting with the spray paint? all the other methods stress doing that and i was wondering if you did it as well. thanks!
Apr 06, 2012 @ 10:19:02
No, I didn’t spray it with water first – it’s not necessary for this product. It’s pretty runny/thin, so the fabric sucks it up. Hope it works well for you – I’ve really had great success with it.
Apr 08, 2012 @ 17:30:34
Love the richness of the color you used. Forgive me if someone has already asked you this. There were sooo many (lucky you) comments, that I didn’t read all of them. How long did it take to dry and did you have any issues with mildew? I live in a very warm climate and am wondering if this would become an issue for me. Want to give this a try, but will have to find a chair first!
Apr 08, 2012 @ 19:56:46
Thank you – the color is even better in real life!! 🙂 It took a couple of hours to dry each coat, but I had it outside in the Florida heat, so depending on where you are it could take longer/shorter to dry for you. I don’t have any problems with humidity – but I use this chair inside. I did another seat cushion with this, and it is outside and I’ve had no problems with that either. People sit in it almost daily, and we have not had any bleeding or rubbing off.
Apr 08, 2012 @ 17:32:03
OMG I never knew about fabric spray. Can anyone else let me know how heir fabric spray worked out? I want to spray a couch.
Apr 08, 2012 @ 19:58:13
I would love to hear back from people who have tried this too!! I’ve had great success with this product – hope you let me know how your sofa turns out if you use it!
Apr 08, 2012 @ 20:22:56
I just did a sofa a couple of days ago and I am really happy with it. It wasn’t super light in color to start, so the color change wasn’t drastic, but the mini face lift makes it look brand new! It was a faded maroon (sort of mauveish) when I bought it, and I sprayed it with the grape color. Now it it somewhere between a berry and a plum. I found that it works better on dry fabric than wet (some other painting techniques work better wet) and it seemed to use less paint that way as well. One full coat over the whole thing used 7 little bottles. I kept buying them one by one with coupons at Michaels, until I stopped by A.C. Moore and they happened to have a handful on clearance for $1.50. Score! The only thing I haven’t decided is if it would be worth it to add a second coat to make the color richer. It certainly isn’t the grape color on the bottle, but again I assume that it is because of the original color. I will try to take to remember to take a couple of pictures of before and after to post tomorrow. Good luck!
Apr 08, 2012 @ 20:34:16
That’s awesome! What a great deal you got too! Thanks for letting me know you tried the paint – so many people have stopped by and commented but no one has let me know they tried it!! I would love it if you would send me those pics – and would you mind if I shared them??
Apr 08, 2012 @ 21:17:10
I will send pics. Where do I send them to? The widest lens I have is 50 mm so the pics won’t be great unless I drag the couch outside… which I don’t want to do :o) You are welcome to share any pics I send. I am a big supporter of the product after seeing how much less work it was than the latex/acrylic route. I am going to try and get a queen anne chair tomorrow for $10 to try again with a different color spray. Did you spray more than one coat on your chair?
Apr 08, 2012 @ 21:41:25
I sent you an email… I did put a couple of coats on this chair, but it wasn’t necessary for the cotton ones.
Apr 09, 2012 @ 12:34:59
Beautiful! Love the new color. I think silver legs would look fantastic, but I might tend to go for copper. Can’t wait to see what you do with the legs. 🙂
Apr 12, 2012 @ 11:40:08
Does paint come off after sitting in chair? Silverleaf sounds beautiful especially if you wipe some off and black comes through.
Apr 12, 2012 @ 11:43:37
Hi Tina!No, it doesn’t wipe off at all. It gets absorbed into the fabric, so it’s not sitting on top or anything.
Apr 15, 2012 @ 07:13:26
Thanks so much for sharing. So the concensus is the tulip fabric paint is the best ? I am going to try 3 kitchen fabric bar stools that I love, but will wait till probably middle of May. I live in Cleveland and the weather has been cold & rainy and I want to do this project outside. Will let you know and send pictures if I can figure out how.
Apr 15, 2012 @ 09:50:19
That would be great if you send me pics!! I really would love to show off some successes!
Apr 24, 2012 @ 20:55:25
I love your blog- I found it about a week ago and am completely inspired. I got the coolest chair on Craigslist (it’s so ugly, I almost hate to paint it) and am so ready to get started and then so very afraid. Mine has a pattern so I am going to try to paint the Tulip Soft Fabric Paint in White first so maybe it will cover the pattern better and use less fabric spray paint. I would do the whole thing, but like you I am in love with the Teal color and can’t find anything like it except in a paint that is far more expensive. I have lots of before pictures so we’ll see how the white helps or doesn’t… I have found several other actual spray paints for fabric in the last week just none of them in a teal color. I LOVE your chair- You did an amazing job!
May 07, 2012 @ 15:51:57
I actually like the two-toned picture when you first ran out of color! Kind of funky! I don’t know how it looked in real-life, but I love the picture. It caught my eye on Pinterest!
May 10, 2012 @ 08:54:29
Hi. I was wondering if there is any color transfer onto clothes when you sit on the chair?
May 12, 2012 @ 22:22:29
Nope – at least I haven’t have that problem!
May 21, 2012 @ 18:31:56
So cute!! I bought the same color for my chair and it’s coming along swimmingly!! Unfortunately they’re discontinuing this color, and it’s been an adventure trying to find enough to finish my chair!!
May 22, 2012 @ 11:58:03
Gave this post a shout out!
http://4you-withlove.blogspot.com/2012/05/painting-and-dyeing-upholstered.html
Marilyn
May 22, 2012 @ 13:49:14
I used Kristy at Hyphen Interiors method to paint this chair. http://bellascraftymom.blogspot.com/2012/05/painted-upholstery-pink-chair.html and your method to do this one. http://bellascraftymom.blogspot.com/2012/05/from-dull-to-dazzling.html Thanks for the inspiration. The tulip paint chair is softer but I am not sure it would have worked for my pink chair.
May 24, 2012 @ 11:34:23
Hi Kelli! I checked out your chairs and they look fabulous! Thanks for reporting back – I love to see results like that!
May 23, 2012 @ 12:33:19
I just wanted to let you and your readers know that I posted your chair on my page with examples of painted upholstery! I linked right to you so they could find more information on your blog. Hope you don’t mind.
http://www.hypheninteriors.com/chairs
May 24, 2012 @ 11:30:25
Has anyone ever tried this product for painting furniture. Found it online.
http://www.simplyspray.com/product/simply-spray-upholstery-fabric-paint/
May 24, 2012 @ 11:31:59
I know that Kristy at Hyphen Interiors has started a post series about just that fabric spray. Check her blog out. http://www.hypheninteriors.com
May 25, 2012 @ 14:00:47
Hey there! Just wanted to let you know we featured you in our Favorite Find Fridays post over at Whimsically Homemade. We used one of your pictures. If that’s a problem let us know and we’ll remove it immediately. Thanks for your great inspiration!
May 29, 2012 @ 00:05:52
I don’t know if someone has suggested this already but if you’re willing to be a little patient you can use a 40% off coupon and buy it one bottle at a time (or take friends with you and have them help) then the $6.79 becomes $4.08 per bottle (if my math is right) I have just the chair I want to try this on! Can’t wait! Thanks for the great tip!
Jun 03, 2012 @ 14:44:27
You can make for own with rit dyes and alcohol
Jun 07, 2012 @ 10:42:43
I tried this, but the color just rubs right off. Is there a setting step I don’t know about?
Jun 05, 2012 @ 12:05:55
Great Job, Looks awesome! I found your blog through Pinterest. I have a wool rug that was pretty pricey. I hate the colors in it now and I’m wondering, do you think that this paint will work on my wool rug? Thanks
Jun 07, 2012 @ 06:02:29
I am not sure how it would work on wool – I would probably try it on something similar before doing it on something that important. I find cheap, throw away test subjects at thrift stores or garage sales to experiment on. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help!