Transform Your Thrift Store Find: How to Paint and Restore a $5 Chair
, by Ryan Casuga, 4 min reading time
If you’ve ever come across a piece of furniture at a thrift store that had “good bones” but needed a little love, this tutorial is for you!
Join Amy Howard as she walks through the process of transforming a $5 chair from a local thrift store into a timeless, elegant piece that could easily pass for a high-end, designer chair.
With just a few essential products and techniques, you too can rescue, restore, and redecorate pieces for your home!
Materials Needed:
- Clean Slate – Essential for prepping the surface and removing any old waxes or residues.
- One Step Paint in Bauhaus Buff – A creamy, neutral tone that works beautifully as a base coat.
- Toscana Milk Paint in Central Park – Adds depth and a subtle aged look over the base coat.
- Mind Your Own Beeswax – Protects the finish and brings out a soft sheen.
- Dust of Ages – Provides an authentic, antique look by settling into crevices and adding character.
- Fabric Softener – Used to dilute the paint when working with upholstery to keep it supple.
- Synthetic and Chip Brushes – For applying the paint and creating different textures.
- Spray Bottle with Water – To lightly mist upholstery and assist with paint application.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparation with Clean Slate
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the chair with Clean Slate. This powerful cleaner removes any wax, polish, or grease buildup that could prevent the paint from adhering properly. Wipe down the entire frame and any upholstery fabric to ensure a clean surface.
2. Applying the Base Coat
For the wood frame, apply One Step Paint in Bauhaus Buff. This soft, creamy color provides a perfect neutral base. Paint one coat evenly across the chair, making sure to get into any carved or detailed areas. If needed, use a pouncing motion to work the paint into crevices.
3. Painting the Upholstery
Mix two parts One Step Paint in Bauhaus Buff with one part water and one part fabric softener. This diluted mixture ensures the paint penetrates the fabric without making it overly stiff. Lightly mist the upholstery with water using the spray bottle, then apply the diluted paint mixture with a brush. Work in thin coats to avoid saturation and maintain the fabric’s flexibility.
4. Adding Depth with Milk Paint
Prepare Toscana Milk Paint in Central Park by mixing one part water with one part milk paint powder. Apply this milk paint glaze over the dry Bauhaus Buff base coat on the frame. The milk paint will deepen the color and add a subtle aged effect. Use a chip brush to lightly brush the milk paint on, then immediately wipe back with a lint-free cloth to create a natural, striated look.
5. Creating a Subtle Patina
Once the milk paint layer is dry, apply a coat of Mind Your Own Beeswax to the frame. This wax not only protects the paint but also provides a beautiful, soft finish. After applying the wax, sprinkle Dust of Ages onto the surface, especially in crevices. Buff with a cloth to remove excess dust and reveal a rich, antique patina.
6. Fly Specking Technique for an Authentic Touch
To mimic an authentic aged finish, use the “fly specking” technique. Load a synthetic brush with Scandinavian Gray Milk Paint and flick it lightly across the frame to create tiny specks of color. This adds a layer of visual texture and character to the piece. Gently pat down larger specks with a rag for a subtle effect.
7. Final Wax and Buff
After the fly specking is dry, apply another light coat of Mind Your Own Beeswax to the entire frame and gently buff with a soft cloth. Focus on areas where natural wear would occur, such as the armrests and edges, to create a realistic worn look.
8. Admire Your Masterpiece!
Step back and admire the transformation! This once-neglected thrift store chair has now been given new life with a classic, high-end look. The combination of the creamy Bauhaus Buff, the aged effect from the Central Park milk paint, and the finishing touches with wax and dust make this chair look like a true antique.
Tips for Success:
- Always test your paint colors and techniques on a small, inconspicuous area or sample board before applying them to your entire piece.
- Take your time with each layer, allowing paint and wax to dry fully between steps for the best results.
- If you’re new to painting upholstery, start with lighter coats and build up to avoid stiffening the fabric.
This project is proof that you don’t need a huge budget to achieve a designer look. With a little creativity and the right products, you can turn thrift store finds into statement pieces that fit perfectly in any space.
