Sunday, September 21, 2014

Chairs In The Making




I've been having quite a painting party
here in the cottage. Nothing finished, but
lots of starts.





My main effort has been painting this table
and four chairs that I bought for $20 at a garage
sale when we visited middle daughter last June.
$20...Who could resist?


Do you think Wild Bill was thrilled to learn
we had to haul them home? ...yeah, right!
The seat covers were pretty good, just a few
water stains. Painting them seemed easier than
removing and recovering them.

You can see the type stain they had in the upper
right corner of the chair seat in this picture.

I used an old can of Behr paint in a white color
called Popcorn and a quart of Ben Moore's paint (in
a buttery yellow color) to make an off-white color.

I added a 50/50 mix of Plaster of Paris and water
to make the paint chalky, using about 3 tablespoons
of each and mixing it up in a disposable paper bowl
before pouring it into the paint in the pint jar.

To paint the chair seats, first I wet the material
with the water I cleaned off my brush in.
I'm nothing if not lazy thrifty!

Next I dipped the wet brush in a little paint and
kind of water-washed the paint on.

You need to let the thin coats dry between
coats, and it helps to use a piece of fine-grade
sandpaper every couple of coats to make the
material smoother and less stiff.

If you try this, be sure to paint the seat's material
first, as the watery paint will drip onto the legs
and you can then just spread that out in a
thin first coat on the legs as you go.


When the seats are completely coated and dry,
I'll smooth them with a little more sandpaper
and finish them with Annie Sloan's soft wax.








Hope you'll join the "progress party" at...



Monday party here:

and also at Distressed Donna's





11 comments:

  1. You can call the color "Buttered Popcorn."

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  2. lots of starts sounds about right for me too. I swear varnished.tomorrow I'm going to finish my mailbox

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  3. Your chair is quite lovely. Great tutorial on how to paint the fabric.

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  4. This is the perfect post for the progress party! Thanks for joining. I love your tutorial on painting the fabric!

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  5. Rivercrest Cottage,
    You have a great find in your table and dining chairs, dear friend!!! I wouldn't have attempted to paint the fabric, I'd have re~upholstered. You're one brave lady, dear friend!!!
    I must admit. . .they already look amazing!!! Anxious for completion and the reveal!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  6. I've always heard about homemade chalk paint, but haven't seen anyone make it or use it.....nice job! Thanks for sharing your projects at Make It Monday!

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  7. I've painted a lot...A L.O.T. , of things but never fabric. Yours looks fantastic.
    I am about to paint 2 mirror frames and some shutters.
    just waiting for a calmer day so I can spray the shutters.
    People call Mr. Sweet Wild Bill, too. :)

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  8. Hi Dear,
    the chair is absolutely adorable! And oh yes I know this phenomenon having painted or half painted things in my house and garden :)! But, isn't it fun!
    Waiting of a "finishing post"
    All my best from Austria and a happy happy time
    Elisabeth

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  9. I've been wanting to try homemade chalk paint, so I appreciate you going first and showing us how. :) You'll have to let us know how the painted fabric holds up-- I've heard good things about using the wax on them.

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  10. Looking good! Can't wait to see the end results...
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  11. Hi, I so enjoyed seeing your process-I had no idea you could paint fabric for chairs. The table and chairs will look great when you are done. Have a wonderful weekend.
    Hugs, Noreen

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