How to Paint Fabric Upholstery: Step-by-Step Guide for Furniture Makeovers
By
Mary Kate King
Are you tired of looking at that old, outdated couch or chair in your living room? Before you go out and spend a fortune on new furniture or re-upholstery, why not consider giving your existing pieces a makeover with a coat of paint? Painting fabric upholstery is a surprisingly easy and budget-friendly way to give outdated furniture a fresh, modern look. Whether you're refinishing a thrift store find or refreshing an old armchair, this DIY fabric painting technique delivers a stunning transformation without reupholstering. In this video, we'll show you just how simple the process can be, and how you can achieve amazing results with just a few basic tools and a little bit of creativity. Get ready to be inspired!
Amy and Gene found this outdated chair at the Haven House Thrift Store in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. It was outdated and worn, but still had great integrity. Keep reading to see the process and reveal!
Step One: Painting
Take your One Step Paint, fabric softener, and water and mix together in a ratio of 1 part water, 1 part softener, and 2 parts paint. Mix until well combined. Take the spray bottle and mist the area of the fabric you will be working on first. You will mist the fabric before painting as you go. Using a synthetic chip brush, begin applying fabric paint evenly across the surface. This DIY upholstery painting technique ensures good coverage and color saturation. Don't use too much paint or worry about any spots or colors still showing through. You will come back and add a second coat that will cover it. Continue to mist the fabric first, then paint until the piece is completely covered with the first coat. Allow to dry completely overnight.
Step Two: Sanding
Once the fabric is completely dry, use a high grit sandpaper to lightly sand all over the piece in the direction that you painted even if you see some cross hatching appear. You will instantly feel the difference in the softness. You might also see some white scuffs appear as you sand, but don't worry about those.
Once the piece is lightly sanded all over, take your paint mixture and begin the second coat.You willnotneed to mist the fabric with water before painting the second coat. Once fully painted with the second coat, allow to dry overnight. Once fully dry, repeat the sanding process, remembering to sand in the direction that you painted.
Step Three: Stenciling (optional)
Take the Birds in the Garden Mesh Stencil (or your chosen design), and line it up on the chosen area of the piece (Amy added hers to the cushion of the chair). Burnish (rub firmly) the stencil to the fabric, making sure it is well adhered. Using a ChalkArt Spreader or Artist Brush, apply a small amount of the Metallic Silver Gel Art Ink to the stencil and push through the mesh of the stencil, coving the whole design. Once done, peel the stencil from the fabric and wash it in lukewarm water, rubbing all the paint out of the mesh with your fingers, and laying adhesive side up to air dry.
Once the stencil is dry, repeat this process for the remaining area you want covered with the design. Note: if using a repeating pattern like Birds in the Garden, you will need to line up all additional applications very specifically to the one before. Make sure the very edge of the mesh of the design is lined up directly beside the previous, or you will be able to see the line/discontinuity.
Step Four: Waxing
Add a quarter size amount of Mind Your Own Beeswax to a lint free cloth and apply to the painted fabric in a circular motion. Apply evenly all over the piece, adding more to your rag as needed. Once dry, after 20-30 minutes, buff all over the piece with a clean part of the lint free rag.
Finally: Enjoy the Bragging Rights!
Now you can enjoy your newly restored fabric piece for years to come.
AFTER
Can you believe this transformation?! What was a $12.50 thrifted old chair is now an intricately detailed and modern piece you will be proud to have in your home. You can do it too! Painting fabric chairs or sofas is easier than you think—and this method works beautifully on everything from velvet upholstery to canvas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Fabric Furniture
Can you really paint fabric furniture?
Yes! With the right technique and products like One Step Paint, you can paint fabric upholstery to achieve a durable, soft finish. It’s a great way to refresh a chair, sofa, or ottoman without reupholstering.
Will painted fabric feel stiff or crack?
If applied correctly with misting and sanding between coats, painted fabric remains soft and wearable. We also recommend sealing with Mind Your Own Beeswax for flexibility and protection.
What fabrics work best for painting?
Tightly woven cotton, canvas, and polyester blends work best. Avoid very loose weaves or delicate fabrics like silk or velvet unless tested first.
How do I seal painted fabric?
Use an all-natural sealer like Mind Your Own Beeswax to finish your piece. It conditions the fabric, prevents cracking, and adds a soft sheen.
Looking for more ideas?
Check out more fabric painting tutorials and get inspired by real projects from our community. See how others are transforming their upholstery and start planning your next makeover!
Want to see more stunning transformations? Join the Before and After Facebook Group to see how people just like you are flipping furniture, saving money, and Enjoying the Bragging Rights. You can also follow us on Facebook and get alerts when Amy goes live with her next project!
Love the chair with the Birds in the Garden transfer. We have 2 chairs that we love but the no longer go with the rest of our furniture. I will be looking for ideas as to painting tuck point chairs.
Teresa Bryan
Can you paint leather chairs?
Betty Pratt
Love the chair with the Birds in the Garden transfer. We have 2 chairs that we love but the no longer go with the rest of our furniture. I will be looking for ideas as to painting tuck point chairs.