Sometimes I really get tired of being a rule follower. I mean it’s ok, but is always just soooo….borrrrr…..ing.
So for this challenge, I was itching to do something totally and completely radical. Rebellious even.
I wanted to think outside the box ……. operate off the grid….. and rock it completely off the rail.
Yep, it was time to pull out all the stops…..go all Captain Kirk…..and take this metallic paint where no metallic paint had gone before.
Disclosure: I received free paint from Country Chic Paint in exchange for writing a review on the blog. This post does NOT contain an affiliate link, which means that if you click on the product link, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Although this post is considered sponsored, all opinions are 100% my own.
To make this happen, I placed two Queen Anne chairs at my side. One to the left and the other to the right. And oh, I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that, for a moment, I did ponder how thrilling it would be to share a wonderfully witty story about an amazing curbside conquest or awesome Craigslist coup. But sadly, this isn’t my story.
The truth is, when I learned about the challenge, I simply took a long walk through the house and surveyed which of the numerous outdated pieces would get that long overdue #blingbling revival. I mean, when you’re looking at rooms of traditional furniture hopelessly lost in the 1990s, it’s really hard to pick just one piece.
But the Queen Annes won the proverbial toss and here, my friends, is how they found their bling.
PREP FOR PAINT:
Because the chairs were in perfect condition, the only upholstery prep needed was a good vacuuming. After the chairs were vacuumed, the wood was thoroughly cleaned and tape was applied……. to protect the wood. Yep, you heard right. To protect the wood.
APPLY THE BASECOAT:
This is because I am going to paint the fabric instead of reupholstering it. I know it sounds crazy, but just stay with me. It’s actually an awesome and easy process. I promise.
- Dampen the fabric. Most fabric painters use a spray bottle to spritz the fabric because it does need to be a little damp, just not soaking wet. I didn’t use a spray bottle because I didn’t want water on the wood or possibly breaking the seal of the tape. First, I used a dampened cloth laid against the fabric (photo below – left) and then pressed the cloth with my hand. This worked ok, but not great. Then I dipped the very tip of the paint brush in water and “painted” the water on the fabric. I worked in small sections (about 6″ by 6″) dampening and then painting. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat….until all of the fabric was covered.
- Be on guard for Scotch Guard. When working with in tact upholstery, watch to see if the water beads up on the surface. If so, the fabric might be sealed with some type of Scotch Guard. This fabric was, but it was about 18 years ago. After years of use, my guess is that some, if not all, of the Scotch Guard had worn away because the water beaded a little bit, but readily responded to light pressure. For newer chairs or chairs with less use, suggest to first test the fabric in an inconspicuous place.
- Apply the paint. The basecoat was a black chalk paint called Liquorice by Country Chic. At first, a diluted coat (1:1 water:paint) of paint was applied to the seat (photo below – middle). It covered beautifully and wasn’t at all stiff. In fact, it didn’t even feel like the fabric had been painted. So on the next section, I applied the paint full-strength (photo below – right). With the full-strength application, I got amazing coverage and no stiffness. Yes, I spot painted a few places that needed a second coat, but did not have to apply a second coat to the entire section.
APPLY METALLIC CREAM TO FABRIC:
Ordinarily, fabric painters apply the chalk paint in several coats and then stop. This process does change the color of the piece, but doesn’t provide any pattern or dimension. But for these chairs, I wanted to take it to the next level and paint a pattern using the Country Chic metallic cream paint.
- The metallic cream is the consistency of yogurt or sour cream (photo below – left). Using a stirring stick, a small amount was scooped out to use and the container resealed to preserve the remaining cream.
- Then using a small artist brush, the cream was applied to outline the pattern in the fabric (photo below – middle).
- Again, working in small sections (about 4″ by 4″), the cream was applied and then a stencil brush was used to pounce the cream into place. This process moved the cream around to create depth and a woven look.
The trick is to keep the painting and pouncing technique consistent.
Cream was applied to the solid outer edges and slight cream over the more woven threads. No cream was applied over the original black portions of the fabric.
Remember to work in small sections because the cream dries quickly.
This photo is a close up of a first coat application followed by a stencil brush pounce to blend.
CREATE THE WOVEN LOOK:
And then, to add more depth, sections are pounced over again using a dry brush technique. Place a scant amount of metallic cream on the stencil brush, dab most of it off on a paper towel, then pounce over the images again. This is the step that really creates the woven look.
The result is a very understated fabric with a slight reflection that brightens, but does not overtake the black basecoat. I was actually going for tapestry …..with a twist. Or, in this case, bling… I mean #blingbling. LOL.
No other products were used during this process. The woven look is created by using metallic cream on chalk paint with a stencil brush manipulation. That’s it. But in spite of its simplicity, this technique adds an amazing depth of field. Wouldn’t you agree?
APPLY METALLIC CREAM TO WROUGHT IRON:
And since no chair is complete without a rusty, I mean trusty sidekick, a wrought iron side table also found its bling.
- The cream was simply rubbed onto the table with a nitrile glove-covered hand. Then a tiny artist brush was used to push the cream into crevices, nooks, and crannies. The product was given time to set, but not dry.
- The final step was a wipe-down with a damp cloth. This is where the layering occured since more paint was removed in some areas and less in others.
The result was an antique gold color….darker and more brown than the original brighter color of the gold cream.
And the color is perfect with the chair and other accessories in the room.
When the dining room refresh is complete, these chairs will sit at each end of the dining room table.
And this….my Friends…. is the simple story about how I stepped out of my boring comfort zone, the Queen Annes found their bling, and the metallic paint went where no metallic paint had gone before.
Many thanks to The Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest (TM) for hosting this wonderful event and to the most generous #sponsor, Country Chic Paint.
Also linking to these Fab Flippin Hosts:
Carrie at Thirty Eighth Street
Thea at Sweet Tea Refinishing
Bloggers interested in joining future contests should contact: info@fabfurnitureflippincontest.com
Thanks again…..and please……don’t forget to pin.
Also linking to these fun parties:
42 Comments
Oh, Susie. This one just gets me…loving the stately tone that this amazing finish gives to the upholstery. So cool that you were able to redeem the beautiful design of the fabric without having to live with the dated colors. Just gorgeous!
Thanks, Heather. Your kind words are so encouraging.
Oh my GOODNESS!!!!!! I cannot get over this transformation!!!! This is aMAZing. AMAZING!! So gorgeous. Swoon worthy, girl!!! Standing ovation!!!!!!
Thanks so much, Sarah. Standing O…. usually means a curtain call. Guess it’s time to finish the second chair. LOL..
Wow, just wow, that looks fantastic! The side by side really shows how fabulous they look. You did such a great job with these my friend and I’m inspired to try this 🙂
Thanks, Toni. I look forward to seeing your piece. I’m sure it will be awesome!!
Just stunning! I am in love with these!
Thanks so much, Michelle.
Wow and wow! I love what you did with these pieces! So creative and yes a piece Kirk would love too lol. I love the chair and the end table ohlala! Great work. Just stunning!
Thanks, Carolann. The handpainting goes pretty quickly so I look forward to seeing a piece from you very soon. LOL.
The chairs are beautiful. What an amazing job. My motto is you can paint anything.
Thanks, Debra. And I surely do agree. The paint today is so good….it makes painting anything easy.
This is just fantastical! Great job Susie!
Thanks, Lisa. Appreciate so much.
Susie….I’ve been looking for some good metallic paint. Thanks for this review…and I love the chair.
Thanks, Denise. You’ll love the paint. It’s really great.
Wow, Susie! Such a creative use of product! I just love your “new” table and chairs! (Fyi, I selected the exact same colors :D) Thanks for sharing, Cynthia
Thanks so much, Cynthia. I look so forward to seeing your piece.
Amazing, I love how you used the black paint with the metallic cream. Love, love it!!!!!
Thanks, Mary. It’s wonderful to hear that you like it so much.
Wow. Just wow! It doesn’t even look like the same chair!
Wonderful transformation!
karianne
Thanks so much, Karianne. With every challenge, I try to push the envelope. This makes it so much fun!!
Oh my! Susie, this transformation is spectacular on so many levels! I can hardly believe its the same piece! I tip my hat to you, beautiful, beautiful work.
Thanks, Laura!! XOXO
I scrolled up and down a few times finally getting it that you painted the fabric. It came out so elegant and you’re so brave and incredibly talented. Thanks for the inspiration and I mean that.
Thanks so much, Sue. I agree with the brave part. But when I started swiping paint on that upholstery, I thought the Hubs was going to have to call 911. Thanks again.
[…] to respect the diversity of this little product. First, I used it to paint upholstery fabric (click here to see). Then, I used it to makeover a side table — in 5 minutes (click here to see). So […]
Just wow!! Talk about thinking outside the box!! LOVE what you did with the chair, gorgeous transformation!! Evija x
Thanks, Evija!! Appreciate so much!!!
Wow Susie, you had me at the excellent coverage you were getting with the liquorice chalk paint and then you just took this upholstery painting thing to a whole other level!!! Excuse me while I pick my chin up off the floor – wowsers!
LOL…..thanks Marie. I just wanted something fun and different. This seemed perfect for my needs and for the paint. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Wow, that takes a lot of patience! Beautiful job! It looks classic and antique!
Thanks, Robin. …LOL….yes… It did require some concentration, but moved along pretty quickly.
These two chairs are stunning Susie!! Way to think outside the box and paint the fabric… I can’t get over how well the belt buckle picked up on the raised upholstery!! Ahmazing!
Maxine:)
Thanks, Maxine. Actually…I was pretty amazed myself. I mean, I could see it in my mind, but when it actually worked out… thrillzville.
I love it! How cleaver and the gold just stands out against the black.
Thanks, Vanessa. I’m thrilled to have these chairs updated and back in operation.
Beam me up Scotty! Now that’s a transformation Susie! Love the stunning look you gave to the fabric, and the table update is the perfect accessory, sweet project!
LOL…..thanks so much, Brenda.
Susie! First, I love your writing on this: funny, intelligent, and informative. And project represents a wonderful reimagining of the piece and stellar use of the products. SO GOOD!
Thanks, Rachel. You’ve just made my day!!
[…] To cover the repair, paint the dry pumpkin with your favorite color of paint. I used a chalky-type paint (product info here) in the color SW Sedate Gray (left pumpkin). To create a glow, the painted pumpkin got a buff with a metallic gold cream paint (right pumpkin). More info about the metallic cream paint is here. […]