My First Experience Painting Fabric with Colorantic

Step 1: Prepare the Frame

On the frame, I sprayed the Cleaner and Varnish Remover and I left it on for about fifteen minutes. Once the time was up, I rinsed twice with a cloth of hot water, in order to remove the residue. 

Also make sure that the fabric is clean, free of stains and dust. 

Step 2: Painting 

I applied a coat of oil-based primer to the metal frame to provide better adhesion for the paint. 

I let the primer dry for about two hours before continuing. I chose the colour, Summer Storm to paint the frame. So I applied two coats, allowing thirty minutes to dry between each coat.

Step 3: Cover the Frame

I let it dry for 48 hours before continuing, to ensure that it was completely dry so that I could apply the masking tape to the entire metal frame.  This step is important so as not to stain the frame when painting the fabric. 

Step 3: Preparing the Mixture for Painting the Fabric 

In a dish, prepare your mixture: approximately 4 oz of paint (I used the Colour Nautical), 4 oz of Translucent Window clear glaze, 4 oz of water AND GO!

Step 4: Paint the Fabric (1st Coat)

Moisten your fabric properly with your spray bottle before starting to apply your colour… This will open the fibers and help spread/glide the paint well. And go with the grain of your fabric. Apply the first coat of your mixture. 

Leave to dry for 12 to 24 hours before continuing. 

Step 5: Paint the Fabric (2nd Coat)

The next day, I used the Colorantic sanding block (red side) and I sanded my fabric gently so that it regained its suppleness. Don’t be surprised, the fabric becomes very rigid. It’s the sanding step that makes the difference. 

So I prepared the second mixture: 4 oz of Nautical paint, 2 oz of Translucent Window clear glaze and 2 oz of water. Here we go again, moisten the fabric a little and apply your second coat. And this time, I let it dry for 4 to 6 hours. 

Step 6: Paint the Fabric (3rd Coat)

So I prepared the third mixture: 4 oz of paint and 2 oz of Translucent Window clear glaze. Do not add water at this step. 

I sanded lightly again before applying the third coat. I sprayed water on the fabric to help me apply the paint.  Then, I let it dry for 48 hours before continuing. 

Step 7: Finishing

Now is the time to apply the wax. Do one last little sanding, remove the masking tape and make sure to dust well. With the 16mm brush we apply a layer of wax to all surfaces. Using a white cloth or blue paper towel, it is important to rub well to spread it and also soften the fabric. It is very important to change the cloth, as it will become clogged with wax. 

Allow to dry at least two weeks before use.

Ouffff… Well there you go, when you want, you can… You have to trust yourself in life and not give in to fear. A great project that requires time and patience, because it is important to let it dry well between steps. But the result is worth the effort.

My partner was skeptical, but he loves his chair.

So, don’t hesitate to indulge in transforming something you no longer like instead of getting rid of it, you might be surprised!