Buzz
Revamping your home's interior doesn't have to break the bank—paint is a versatile and cost-effective solution. With just a few layers, you can breathe new life into a space or rejuvenate old, worn-out furniture.
Expand your painting projects beyond wooden shelves and metal tables. Fabric chairs and sofas can also be transformed with a fresh coat of paint. Discover the essentials here.
Which types of upholstered furniture are suitable for painting?
Most upholstery fabrics can be painted, but fabrics with a tighter weave yield the most favorable outcomes. Materials like velvet, suede, and microfiber are also suitable for painting.
Before diving into the project and investing time, money, and effort into painting upholstered furniture, conduct a thorough inspection. While paint can mask stains and old colors, issues such as holes, sagging cushions, or broken springs will persist. If these problems exist and you choose to proceed, address them before applying paint.
Which type of paint is most effective?
Various paints can be used on upholstery, depending on the fabric and personal preference. Popular options include highly pigmented chalk paint, latex paint, or a blend of latex paint and fabric medium.
Charlie Leanna Murphy, an interior designer and owner of The Pink Penthouse in Kyle, Texas, frequently paints upholstered furniture to complement her pink-themed interiors. Through experimentation, she discovered that a single coat of interior latex paint works best. “Latex paint dries to resemble faux leather,” she explains to Mytour. “It’s easy to clean and maintain.”
Murphy previously experimented with chalk paint on upholstery but noticed it tended to crack. She also found that fabric spray paint often wore off over time.
Preparing the Furniture for Painting
Begin by removing any detachable cushions or pillows and vacuuming the entire piece. Use tape to cover areas that won’t be painted. Then, lightly dampen the fabric using a spray bottle filled with water.
“This ensures the paint penetrates the fabric more effectively, reducing the number of coats needed,” Murphy advises. She also recommends priming the fabric, although some opt to skip this step and apply multiple coats of paint instead.
Steps for Painting the Furniture
After preparing the furniture, mix your paint if needed and conduct a patch test on an inconspicuous area to ensure the desired outcome. If satisfied, proceed with painting.
Paint in small sections, ensuring the paint is thoroughly worked into the fabric. Pay attention to seams, buttons, corners, and other hard-to-reach areas.
Watch Murphy demonstrate the process:
If you’ve skipped priming and are applying multiple coats, use a sanding sponge or sandpaper (around 220 grit) to help the paint adhere better between layers.
Allow the furniture to dry completely. Some prefer to apply a top coat of wax or liquid patina to seal the painted upholstery, though this step depends on individual preference.
