I Painted My Couch!

Hi friends! Have you ever started a project and thought “What have I gotten myself into?” I had met my Waterloo. I could have started with a small upholstered chair seat but no, I had to paint my huge living room sofa that we use every day. Well, you know what they say about painting a couch, once you start there is no turning back.

This is how the couch started out, it was all the rage back in 1988, and while I like the shape of it the colors were not my cup of tea.  Also, the skirt has to go.

And after a few hours of labor (and skeptical looks from my family) this is what I ended up with:

Watch the video to see the transformation and learn what to do and what no to do when painting your fabric furniture! The step-by-step tutorial is about 14 minutes, after that I go over troubleshooting and frequently asked questions so if you are considering painting a couch stick around til the end.

Video!

Supplies from Heirloom Traditions Paint SAVE 10% with coupon code FRUGAL
Fab! Tinted and All in One Primer/Sealer
Chalk Paint in Basque and A La Mode
Chalk Paint Brushes

Other supplies: Kraft paper bag, fine grit sanding sponge, vacuum

Directions:
1. Apply a coat of Fab tinted primer on clean and vacuumed fabric. Let dry and sand with a paper bag.
2. Apply a coat of chalk paint, do not dilute with water. Let dry.
3. Sand fabric gently with a sanding sponge, then follow up with a brown bag.
4. Repeat sets 2 & 3 if desired. I did one coat because I liked having the strips show through.
5. Apply one coat of Fab! All in One sealer and let dry. Finish with a light paper bag sanding.

ALWAYS vacuum after sanding and before proceeding with another coat of finish.

By using these supplies and following these steps your painted furniture will not peel, crack or transfer color to anyone’s clothing. the FAB! makes your water based paint more flexible and durable so it can move with your fabric upholstery. It also makes your fabric easier to wash which would be great for a playroom or outdoor furniture! Honestly my couch is a bit stiffer than it was originally but the final coat of FAB! softened it noticeably so see the project through to the end!

Project estimates:
Large couch:3 fab kits (more if porous material) 2 quarts paint
Love seat: 2 fab kits, 1 quart paint
Chair: 1 fab kit, 1 quart paint (you will have leftovers so make accent pieces!) If you have a set of chairs with upholstered seats only a quart of paint and i FAB! kit should suffice.

Let me know if you have questions in the comments below and good luck!I want to thank Heirloom Traditions Paint for sponsoring this post and thank you for stopping by! Til next time happy crafting!