How to Paint Fabric
I’ve heard people say you can paint fabric with Annie Sloan. But never did I believe it would actually work and look good. Well never say never. Hopefully by the end of this post you’ll be ready to paint some fabric too.
I bought this patio furniture at a flea market while on a pickin trip a year and a half ago. I have been looking at these cushions ever since. Aren’t they beautiful?#! I know, embarrassing isn’t it. I really can’t believe I’ve looked at them for that long. I don’t think that in the time they’ve been on my porch they’ve ever been sat on. It’s that bad. I thought I’d break out my sewing machine and sew new ones but let’s face it…..that’s ALOT of work and I’m just not up for it these days. I was going to throw the cushions away and then I thought no wait I’m going to paint them. What have I got to loose?
Enter Annie Sloan Emperor’s Silk. This is a bold red that when it dries has just a hint of burgundy to it. Now keep in mind that while I have this “bright” idea the “hubs” is snickering in the background. Making remarks like are you really going to blow 40 bucks on a can of paint for those hideous things? I think he know s that’s just going to motivate me. Press on my friends…press on!
Sometimes I use my DIY knowledge of building and home repair (we used to be house flippers) indoors. I figured that because these cushions were so dry I’d spray a little water on them, you know like you do if you’re going to paint concrete, and that would keep them from soaking up so much paint.
It worked! The paint went on so smooth I could hardly believe it!!!!
These cushions are made of cloth on the top and vinyl on the sides and bottom. The top (cloth) took 2 coats and the sides and bottom (vinyl) took 2-3 coats.
I then took them outside and set them in the sun to dry. I also wanted to see if the paint would crack in the heat. Guess what….it didn’t. It stuck like glue. NO CRACKING!!! Whoop! Whoop! We’ve now had 3 rainstorms since I painted and awful humid heat with full sun in between and still these cushions look awesome.
So there you have it. Needless to say the “hubs” ate his words. Hee hee hee. I hope this will motivate you to go out and paint your cushions instead of replacing them with new ones.
Linking up to Jennifer Rizzo
Amazing! Doing it this weekend. As you say, what do I have to lose? No one will sit on them. Where can I get Annie Sloan paint in the USA? If you know,I’d greatly appreciate a response. The cushions look super great!
You can find stockists through this link. http://www.anniesloan.com/acatalog/North_American_Stockists.html Can’t wait to hear how yours turn out.
Blessings,
Beth
This would be perfect for my old cushions! When you look at the paint after dried, can you tell they were painted or does it look like actual red fabric??
Thanks for posting this!!
I think it looks like red fabric. They are so much better than before and now useable. I feel like I saved a ton of time and money by painting them.
Beautiful! Did you apply any wax after painting? Thanks for posting!
unbelievable!!!! ..no, you know what I mean.. a week ago I came to the used things store, right when I entered the lady had just bought a sweet vintage french royal beautiful chair, I thought … man, I could buy that… all that day I was suffering on missing such a deal… then I comforted myself saying : “well, you wouldn’t do anything with that cushion (it was ugly colour but made nicely) , plus blah blah … ” ! I almost forgot that thing and NOW I am back to that sweet chair and I am painting it in beautiful colours with chalk paint in my mind all evening…… and it turns out perfectly every time …. sigh
ok, now seriously, great job you are doing!!!!
Yes, yes, yes! For the past couple days I’ve been shopping for new patio cushions (I also did not feel up to the sewing new challenge). My furniture is slightly odd sized so finding cushions to buy is not going to work. Did. not. want. to. sew. Will definitely try painting the cushions first … what do I have to lose? I’ve read about ASCP for fabric indoors but never considered it for my outdoor fabric; mine is a “sunbrella” type fabric that repels water so I wonder if that will be a problem … if you have any thoughts I’d appreciate hearing them 🙂 Thanks. Robin
Hey Robin,
My fabric is the same (not sunbrella but outdoor type) the paint stuck right to it. In fact to this day these cushions are still sitting on the back porch, uncovered and still look GREAT! Let me know how it goes!!!!
Blessings,
Beth
These look awesome. I have the same issue although mine aren’t quite as bad…just faded from years of being in the sun. Anyway, how do you keep the paint from not soaking up into the inner foam? Mine are foam seats and just stuffed backs. Would it work with the stuff backs without soaking the batting inside? This sounds too good to be true…I’ve been wanting new ones for the last 3 years.
Hi Sharon,
This is a REALLY thick paint and I think that’s why it didn’t soak through. I’m not actually sure honestly. The paint just adhered to the fabric and there was no soaking through. Just give it a try on a pillow and you’ll see what I mean. You’re gonna love it! Thanks for your comments and question.
Blessings,
Beth
Looks great!!! Does it get on your clothes when you sit on it? What if you were wet, like from the pool?
Hi Cristine,
No, once the paint dries it doesn’t get on your clothes. Thanks for your question. 🙂
Blessings,
Beth
Love this! Great work! Only question….. Does the paint wear off into clothing when sat on? My only concern is for hot sweaty days. Thanks!!
Hi Tonya~nope it doesn’t wear off. Once it’s on there, it’s on there. 🙂
Blessings,
Beth
After MUCH internet searching for an easy way to cover my patio cushions, I’ve finally found it! This sounds perfect for my furniture. My only question is “How does it feel?” It seems like it may feel scratchy or stiff. I want to be sure it is not just pretty, but comfortable because I plan to use be sitting on it every morning with my coffee!
I think they are very comfy. In fact since this post I’ve painted an indoor chair that I sit in all the time. It’s very comfortable. It really depends on what you paint. If the fabric is soft I think you’ll be fine. You could also wax it to soften it. There are a lot of schools of thought on the subject of waxing outdoor furniture. If you paint them and they seem rough or hard try waxing the backside of one and see if that helps. Thanks for your questions and comments!
Blessings,
Beth
Hi Beth,
So this blog post inspired me to paint the cushions on a used patio set I picked up! I used Annie Sloan Graphite, and it’s looking great so far. They feel a bit rough though, and I’m wondering if you waxed yours to soften them up? Or will they soften up with use? I’m a bit nervous to wax outdoor furniture.
I didn’t wax mine originally but did a few weeks later because I wanted to soften them a bit. They’ve held up really well. Just make sure to work the wax in and let it cure/dry before sitting on it. 🙂 Thanks for letting me know that you’re trying it too!
Blessings,
Beth
Hi hi, I am doing my patio that sits in the sun this weekend. I will paint them with Annie Sloan. I am worried, I was told to not wax, but here it says yes. On inside fabric, I sand then wax to soften fabric, but is the process the same for outside patio? Good information.. ty so much.
Hi Mayte,
When I painted my cushions I did wax them and they were outside. I know lots of people say not to but mine held up well.
Thanks,
Beth
I have a lot of fabric paint that has gotten to thick to use, is there something I can use to make it thinner so I can use it again?
Hi Sharon, You could try adding some water to it. If test it out on a pillow or something small first. Hope this helps.
Beth
What wax works best for indoor then outdoor Thant THill
I like Miss Mustard Seeds or Annie Sloan waxes for either.
I have the exact same set ,with 2 chairs . Same type of cushions too. I wish I would have seen this 3 years ago when I threw out the old cushions and bought new ones . I would have saved $300.00 .Now my so called NEW cushions are faded . So guess what I am going to do to them ? Thanks you for sharing this . I am inspired .
Hi! These look amazing and give me SO much hope for fixing up my pretty-much-ruined outdoor cushions. The Annie Sloan pain is expensive, but way cheaper than new cushions or even new cushion covers (which I’d have to sew – no thanks!). I’m just wondering whether one 32oz can was enough for your 3-seater? I have a 3-seater and an L-shaped sofa to cover and I’m wondering whether 2 cans would do the trick?
Hi Bekah-I used every bit of one can but could’ve used too. I now paint with DIY chalk type paint. Be sure and check it out. You can purchase here on my site if you like as well.
Thanks for all your information. Will the wax get sticky in the sunshine?
Hi Gayle,
Wax shouldn’t be in direct sunlight. Since I painted these cushions I’ve started using another product to seal. It’s called patina and it’s by DIY Chalk and Clay Paints. You can purchase it and the paint here on my site through this link http://farmfreshvintagefinds.myshopify.com/
Thanks for reading!
Beth
I contemplate painting the fabric on metal framed outdoor chairs. Will that meshy fabric dry as quickly after the chalk paint app?? Thanks.
Hi Bill,
It should dry just the same.
Thanks,
Beth
Hi there, I have an indoor lounge suite that looks bad. Moving to a new house this weekend and wondering if I can let it sit putside (wicker frame) and paint the cushions with ASCP ? It would be partially covered on the porch. What do you think ?
Hi Minette-Sounds like you don’t have much to loose. If it looks bad already, painting it will definitely help. I’d give it a try for sure!
🙂 Beth
I’ve heard you can use regular outdoor paint to do this. Is this true? What is the difference in Sherwin Williams and Annie Sloan?
Hi Patsy,
I don’t have experience with using SW on fabric so I can’t speak on that. The main difference in SW and AS is that the base of SW is latex while AS is not. I hope this helps! Thanks for reading!
Thanks,
Beth
Hey! I am doing my rounds of research on painting my cushions. I read a blog where someone used spray paint and said it peeled off where the cushions touch the frame of the patio set. Does this paint peel at all? From reading through the comments I don’t think it does. Also, am I reading correctly should I use something other than Annie Sloan? I’m so thankful for the ladies like you who attempt these projects and share them! I’m brave enough to do them, but I have to do my research first!
Hi there,
I have had lots of experience with many paints and I’ve found that the Debi’s Design Diary DIY Paint works best for painting fabric. You can purchase it on my site or search there site for a retailer near you. Debi has a great video about painting fabric here; https://youtu.be/kwEz633cwQQ
Hope this helps,
Beth