How to Use Chalk Paint on a Fabric Chair
To say that I am skeptical about painting
fabric with chalk paint is an understatement!
But in the name of science and all that is crafty,
This is the chair...
Don't get me wrong, I like the chair. It's Polynesian-funky with an autumn leaf flair.
Today it is the sacrificial lamb.
I began by mixing Annie Sloan Pure White with a little bit of French Linen, about a 3/1 ratio, then I added about 50% water.
I painted it on all over the chair, fabric, wood and all.
While I was painting I was thinking...
"if this doesn't work out the chair can be tossed to the curb..."
(In a black garbage bag so the neighbors don't see it)
I let 2 coats of the light gray dry and then I went back over just the fabric with Pure White with just a hint of gray this time.
I am literally talking to myself the whole time I'm painting... "Do I like it?"
"Is it going to be crunchy when it dries?"
"Will it crack?"
"Is anyone ever going to want to sit in this chair?"
"Where can I dump this chair when I'm finished?"
When the paint was dry... about 12 hours later with the dehumidifier next to it, I waxed the fabric... yes I did!
I researched Annie Sloan's paint for fabric and most people suggest waxing the fabric when the paint is dry to give it a "leathery feeling."
When the wax was semi-dry I hand painted red grain sack stripes.
I didn't use painter's tape this time because I wanted the stripes to look natural on the fabric.
Now after all the skepticism and all the talking to myself during this process... I am thrilled!
The painted fabric looks like painters cloth and feels like a soft leather!... even close up!
The fabric is not hard and crunchy like I thought.
It actually does feel like a thick painter's cloth.
Even the Polynesian-funky looks a lot better painted gray.
I put the chair in my bedroom because the stripe
matches the pillow on my bed.
I'm not sure about the chair but I do like the painted fabric and the stripe!
What do you think?
Will you ever try chalk painting fabric?
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