How to Paint and Reupholster Dining Chairs

It blows my mind that there was ever a time in my life where white upholstered chairs seemed like a good idea.

But there was, and we bought them. Here's what they looked like in 2007 B.C. (Before Children), shortly after we purchased them.

And here's what they looked like 11 years (-2 cats +4 boys) later.

Yuck, right? Not only were the seat cushions thread-bare and disgustingly stained (that's Easter egg dye, I swear), but we were no longer fans of the orangey-colored stain. I was so embarrassed by these chairs whenever company came over, making them over was one of my highest priority design goals of the year.

Well, friends, I'm thrilled to say that the chairs are now a glossy bright white, and the cushions are covered with a print that makes me go all heart-eyes every time I see them. Do you want to know how we did it?

HOW TO REUPHOLSTER CHAIRS

Materials:

• screwdriver
• fabric, preferably something sturdy like canvas or vinyl
  (My print is from Rifle Paper Co. I chose "Rosa" (Natural), which is a canvas. It looks like they don't carry my particular print at the moment, but I adore this "Freja" (Turquoise) probably even more than my "Rosa." #GiveMeAllTheTeal I also like "Herb Garden" (Midnight). I purchased 3 yards of fabric, and it was the perfect amount for my four dining chairs. I had plenty of wiggle room, but I was drowning in extra fabric after the project was complete either.
• sewing gauge or measuring tape
• fabric pencil
• fabric scissors
• staple gun
• staples
• Scotchguard Fabric & Upholstery Protector

Procedure:

1. Flip your chair upside down. With a screwdriver, remove the screws that secure the seat to the rest of the chair. (Ours were held on by only 4 screws per chair.)
   Note: We did not remove the old fabric from our chairs. We just reupholstered right over the top!
2. Lay out your fabric, upside down, on a sturdy work surface. (I ironed my fabric beforehand, but I didn't wash it.)
   Tip: Think about which direction you want the fabric to lie on the cushion as you lay it on your work surface.
3. Lay your first cushion down on top of the fabric.
   Tip: It would be wise to practice laying out all of your cushions on your fabric at the same time. This way, you can get an idea of how to place them, so you don't run out of fabric.
4. Use your sewing gauge or measuring tape and a fabric pencil to make marks extending out three inches all the way from the edge of the cushion. Connect the dots, so you have a 3-inch border going all the way around the cushion.
5. Using your fabric scissors, cut along the border you made.
6. Lay the cushion on the cut-out piece of fabric, so the three-inch border extends evenly all the way around.
7. Pull the fabric tightly up and over, and shoot four staples into it--at noon, three o'clock, six o'clock, and nine o'clock. Flip the cushion over and make sure you like the look of it.
8. If you're happy with the look so far, continue to pull the fabric taut and add about six more staples to each edge, spacing them out evenly. When it comes to the corner, treat them like you're wrapping a present. (Dan is the master of gift-wrapping, so I had him do the corners for me.)
9. Repeat steps 3-8 until all cushions are covered!
10. To protect your beautiful new cushions, spray two light layers of Scotchguard Fabric & Upholstery Protector. Just follow the directions on the can.

The results speak for themselves, yes? You guys, if I would have known how easy and quick this whole process is, I would have done this AGES ago.

HOW TO PAINT CHAIRS

Materials:

• 100-grit sandpaper (We used a hand-sander and this sandpaper to speed up the process.)
• damp cloth
• fresh angled paint brush
  Note: We tried using a small foam roller, but the application was bubbly. We abandoned the roller for the smoother finish of the brush.)
• oil-based primer (We used Zinsser Cover Stain Primer in white.)
• semi-gloss latex paint (We used Benjamin Moore Regal in "Simply White.")
• Minwax Water-Based Polycrylic Protective Finish in “Clear Gloss”

Procedure:

1. Remove cushions (see above).
2. If your furniture is sleek and glossy, lightly sand the entire piece with 100-grit sandpaper. Wipe away the sand with a damp cloth and allow to dry.

   

3. With your brush, apply a thin coat of oil-based primer. The coverage doesn't have to be perfectly even; just be careful to keep the layer thin. When the primer is dry, you are ready to paint!
4. Apply a thin coat of semi-gloss latex paint. (Semi-gloss is a good choice because it is wipable and durable.)
   Tip: THIN is the key here. I found that I achieved the best results when I almost didn't have enough paint on my brush. I just barely dipped the tip of my brush into the paint, wiped it on my paint tray, and then painted as much as I could before the brush was dry. This is the best method to avoid drips and gloopy areas.)

   

5. When the first coat is dry, paint another THIN layer of latex paint onto your chairs.
   Note: As I was applying the sealant (see next step), I realized our chairs actually would have benefitted from a third coat in some places. However, I don't think anyone will notice unless I point it out, AND I'm a big fan of The Nester's motto: "It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful."

   

6. When the second coat is dry, paint two thin and even coats of water-based polycrylic finish. This adds wipable protection to the chairs--a must if you have kids. It also adds a luxurious shine that takes your painted chairs from looking DIY to professional-looking.
   Note: This step goes really quickly! The sealant is thin and runny, so it applies fast. It's clear, so you don't have to worry much about brush strokes. The most critical thing to watch is that the sealant isn't going on too thick or drippy.
7. Allow the chairs to cure for at least 72 hours before using.

Feel proud to let guests rest their bottoms on your beautiful new chairs!

And, just because it's so satisfying, let's take one more peek and the before and after.

My eyes are so happy! We accidentally bought too much of the latex paint, which is a bit of a problem/non-problem. I'm so in love with the transformation a little paint can do, I can't decide what to do next! The table that matches these chairs? The built-ins in the school-room? The trim all over the house?

Do you have decorating goals for the year? How are you coming on yours? Better yet, what's your favorite inexpensive transformation you've done in your home?