How To Dye Chair Fabric? Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Using a brush to apply Rit dye is the best method for dyeing upholstery. It will be like new when you’re done with this project.

It’s a straightforward procedure that doesn’t necessitate a lot of resources. When you’ve got some time on your hands, this is a great DIY project!

After the chair has been dyed, what are the best ways to keep the color from fading? Here, you’ll find the answers to all of your queries!

Why You Should Dye Your Chairs

To color your chair is a waste of time and effort. Furniture loses its color with time, and this process is sped up if it is left out in the sun all the time.

Even the most beautiful home can be ruined by faded furnishings. Hence, learning how to dye your chairs to bring them back to their former glory is a good idea.

Even if your furniture hasn’t faded, you may just want a fresh look or require it to complement a new paint color. Changing the color of your chairs is much less expensive than purchasing new ones.

Can You Use Spray Paint On A Chair?

Spray paint is handy, quick to use, and effective in covering a wide range of surfaces. But, can they be used as chairs?

Yes! No matter what kind you choose, just make sure you thoroughly clean the sofa before you begin painting. Just be sure to protect the area from stains and use a paintbrush to get into the nooks and crannies.

To dye a chair, all you need is a little perseverance and attention to detail. When it’s all said and done, the completed result will be something that retail establishments will be eager to display.

Supplies Used:

• Vacuum cleaner and carpet shampoo
• a plastic sheet
• bringing water to a rolling boil
• A rusty mug
• A plastic cup for measuring
• All Purpose Liquid Dye Evening Blue from Rit
• Pearl Grey Rit All Purpose Liquid Dye
• Brush with second angled end
• Brush in the shape of a circle (I used the round one with the flat bristles from this set)
• Fixative for Rit ColorStay Dye
• Can of aerosol
• A hair dryer is needed.
• Fan for the ground
• Hose

How to Dye a Fabric Chair

Step 1: Cleaning

When it comes to properly dyeing upholstered furniture, the importance of cleaning cannot be overstated. There may be persistent surface stains, such as those caused by beauty products, as well as food residue, which may cause the color to absorb differently. I used our BISSELL Little Green Pet Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner (which we adore!) to get this chair nice and clean. Spot Clean Pet Pro was unavailable at the time, so we vacuumed the day before my project began to remove the pet hair. Allow the fabric to dry between cleaning and colouring.

Step 2: Test the Fabric

Prior to applying the dye, check a small, inconspicuous area for colorfastness. The dye’s ability to work and how much it requires will be affected by the fabric’s makeup.

Truthfully, I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I purchased this piece. “70% blended fiber batting (produced from recovered fibers) and 30% polyurethane foam,” reads the labeling on the chair’s body. So, it’s possible that the blended fiber batting contains some cotton, but the fact is, I had no idea. The more natural fibers there are in a piece, the more likely it is that the color will stick. This chair appears to have a high polyester percentage, so I wasn’t expecting it to have a deep, rich hue.

Step 3: Prep the Space

Make a decision about where you’ll be working on this project. My first thought was to go outside and do it (this dye is nontoxic). As a result of completing some research on the internet, I’ve come to realize that keeping the dye hot is critical. My yard is difficult to reach from the kitchen, so I figured doing it indoors would give me a better chance of success. I did ask my husband to help me clean and dry it outside while I was working on it. I used a plastic drop cloth to keep the kitchen floor clean. Avoid making holes in the floor by not sliding furniture on it.

Step 4: Mix the Dye

I boiled 1.5 cups of water at a time so that I could work in small batches and keep the dye hot. To be honest, it was a painstaking process that necessitated at least 5-7 dye remixes every application. That being said, the chair’s finish was more uniform than if I had used the bucket method and applied it from there.

I used a plastic cup that came with a children’s liquid medicine to measure the colour. I figured I could just toss this one in with the rest of ours since we had so many. Two coats of Rit Dye Evening Blue with five mL of each of Rit All Pearl Grey and five mL each of Rit All Pearl Grey.

In order to maintain the temperature of the boiling water, I placed it in a mug that we will no longer use for drinking. It was also convenient to be able to grip a tool with a handle while working.. Once the dye had been added, I shook it all up.

Step 5: Start Dyeing

It’s critical that you move fast here, as the dye will begin to cool and become more difficult to deal with. An angle paint brush was employed during the first step (for no specific reason other than it was what I could find in our basement). I applied the dye to the chair by painting it on with a paintbrush. Getting a uniform foundation layer was the sole purpose of this first coat. I made sure to get the brush into every crevice.

The brush should be tapped or wiped on a mug’s side to remove excess paint before painting. Getting an even find is easier with fewer drips. Any drips or runs should be promptly chased with a paint brush to ensure that they spread out as evenly as possible.

It’s important to keep in mind that the dye will begin drying as soon as you apply it. The rate of drying varies from one spot to the next. When putting it on, be as even as you can, but don’t worry about evenness thereafter. It’s possible that a region that appears to have been underapplied is really drying faster than the remainder of the paint (so, you might regret it later if you add more dye to just that one spot).

I started the second coat as soon as I finished the first. I wish I had given the chair some time to dry before putting it together. When I was painting the second coat, the chair began dripping from the bottom because it was overly saturated. My second layer was applied using the round brush from this set, which has flat bristles. To help the dye settle into the fabric’s rough design, I applied it in circular motions this time.

Step 6: Spray the Fixative

I used a spray bottle to apply the Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative after everything had been coloured. It took me a few minutes to dry the chair with a hair dryer after I sprayed it with the fixative.

Step 7: Dry Completely

My floor box fan was pointed at it to assist air flow because it was getting late in the day. My spouse helped me bring it outdoors the next morning.

Step 8: Rinse

I used the hose to rinse it clean when it had dried completely. As I was working on this, I began to worry about the unevenness and splotches that appeared in some areas. To avoid ruining everything, I had to move away after rinsing each section a few times. Since some of the videos I viewed stated it didn’t transfer to clothes once dried, I was already considering rinsing. Despite my belief, I was concerned about what might happen if the chair became wet. I had to wash it in the end. After seeing how much more sloughed off, I’m really glad I did. After it had dried, everything evened out, and the next morning, it looked level better than the day before.

When we first brought the upholstered chair outside, you can see how it appeared. After rinsing and drying completely, it looked like the picture on the right.

Step 9: Second Round of Dyeing

At this point, I was completely satisfied with the chair’s levelness and appearance. Much more than expected, I was able to loosen up. A green undertone meant that the color didn’t fit with the color scheme of our living room. Adding a few droplets of purple dye to each batch of paint might have been a better option because the chair was already off-white. If you want to change the color of a chair, you need to think about the base color as well.

I applied two more applications of dye in the same manner as before. I combined 2.5 mL of blue dye with 7.5 mL of grey for the first application of cycle 2. (a 1:4 ratio compared to the equal parts I mixed before). I used full grey color (10 mL) without any blue in the final application. In order to get the second and third coats to stick, I used a round brush and let the chair air dry in between each one.

Step 10: More Fixative

Finally, I worked in portions to apply my last coat, spraying fixative and then using a hair dryer to heat it up. Before moving on to the next section, I colored, sprayed, and blew dried. It was my goal that by applying the fixative in parts right after the dye was applied, more of the dye would be able to stay in place. Let it dry overnight, then I returned the fan.

Step 11: Rinse Again

A day after the dye had set, we moved the chair back outside to allow it to dry. Once it was dried, I re-rinsed it and let it air dry. We brought it back inside in the evening and I set the fan back in front of it for the night.

What I wish I would have known/done differently:

1. The most important thing I’ll do differently next time is pick a color more carefully. A greenish tinge would have resulted from using the original off-white. After the last two applications, I was able to achieve the look I was hoping for, however there is still a trace of green.
2. After seeing how much dye came out in the first rinse, I could have added more dye to the water. As dangerous as that may seem, adding another round of color is far simpler than attempting to remove the previous one.
3. As with most do-it-yourself endeavors, this one appears to be taking a lot longer than I had planned. Over the course of a week and a half (not 4 full days since I had other things I was doing and 2 of those days were spent drying). There are a lot of processes, but I made my life more difficult by obsessing over the color.

How To Protect Your Chair From Fading

Once you’ve finished painting your gorgeous chair, how can you ensure that it won’t fade again? The sun is the most common cause of faded furniture, so try to keep it out of direct sunlight as much as possible. You can even re-arrange your furniture to free up additional space in your room.

Is there anything else you can do to prevent your memory from failing?

Window treatments

Do everything you need to do to protect your home from the sun’s rays. It shields the house’s furnishings and people from the sun’s harsh rays.

Put a window film

With 99.9 percent of the sun’s UV rays reflected by window films, they are an excellent alternative to window treatments. With no damage, you get the light!

For you and your loved ones, your home serves as a safe haven, as well as an investment for the future. When it comes to defending your home, you should always go with the best.

Like other pieces of furniture, chairs have the power to bring a room together. Decorating your home and furniture with new color schemes is a great way to keep your creative juices flowing and keep your mind active.

The 9 Best Fabric Paints for Any Project

Best Overall: Jacquard 8 Pack Textile Color Fabric Paint

Why You Should Like Us

• All of the bases are covered
• Effortless implementation
• Vibrant shades of color

What Isn’t Right

• Bottles are small in comparison to other containers.

These fabric paints, which come in an eight-color kit, have been utilized by amateurs and professionals alike. Their seamless application and great level of opacity make them highly recommended. They’ve been used on anything from apparel and furniture to shoes and even household products with great success. Even after being washed, the painted pieces have held up and kept their color and aesthetic integrity.

For some, this paint is very thick, therefore you may need to dilute it with water before using it. Our top recommendation is this fabric paint, which can be used for everything from school projects to DIY projects.

Is this paint permanent? Yes, it is textile paint.

Best Budget: TULIP Washable Slick 3D Fabric Paint Set

Why You Should Like Us

• The tip is really fine.
• Affordable
• Colorful patterns.

What Isn’t Right

• Direct application from the bottle can be problematic.

When it comes to fabric paints, Tulip is the go-to brand for both youngsters and adults. It’s also our go-to choice for a low-cost fabric paint because of its cheap price point for a six-pack.

Intricate details like writing and flowers are easy to create with this brush’s thin tip. When coloring vast areas, a fine tip may be more time-consuming than a larger one. In addition, many have complained that the formula is too thin to paint with, thus it’s best used with the small tip connected to the bottle to apply it to surfaces.

Tulip fabric paint is washable, so you don’t have to worry about ruining any of the items you adorn with it. After you’ve finished painting, make sure to heat set your work.

Fabric Paint Type | Varying Finishes | No Permanent Paint

Best for Denim : Arteza Fabric Paint

Why You Should Like Us

• a wide range of hues
• Durable and long-lasting
• Denim in a variety of vibrant colors.

What Isn’t Right

• Some hues may necessitate more than one application.

Painting on denim demands a fabric paint that is bright and opaque, as well as resistant to scuffing and cracking. You may wear your favorite pair of jeans again and again thanks to Arteza’s fabric paints, which are permanently fixed with heat and keep the cloth supple. 24-piece set includes two metallic and four neon colors as well as 18 classic colors for a wide range of possibilities for mixing and matching.

These paints are built to last. ” So you can wash your new jeans or denim jacket over and over again without fear of them fading or wearing out. These paints may be applied quickly and opaquely with the use of high-quality paint brushes.

Fabric Paint | Varying Finishes | Permanent: Yes Type of Paint

Best for T-Shirts: TULIP Soft Fabric Paint

Why You Should Like Us

• It’s not going to break or crumble.
• Suitable for washing in the washing machine
• A wide spectrum of colors

What Isn’t Right

• Opacity varies from shade to shade.

Fabric paint is frequently criticized for its stiffness, abrasiveness, and brittleness. Cotton or soft T-shirts, in particular, are prone to this. Fabric paint, on the other hand, shows that this isn’t the case.

There are more than two dozen hues to choose from when it comes to Tulip’s fabric paint, which comes in a 4-ounce bottle. For neat designs, you can apply it with a brush, sponge, or even a stamp or stencil.

This T-shirt paint is advertised to be quite opaque, although some people have found this to be incorrect. You may need to apply many coats of fabric paint, depending on the color of the T-shirt or other material you’re painting. Avoid overdosing on the product, as it can become hard and crusty if it’s overused. Allow each layer of paint to dry before determining if more is required.

Once dried, users report that this paint slides easily over fabric and cleans up easily. Since it lasts so long, it’s been used on anything from garments to quilts.

Fabric Paint | Varying Finishes | Permanent: Yes Type of Paint

Best for Furniture: Delta Creative Ceramcoat Acrylic Paint

Why You Should Like Us

• For a long time
• Opaque
• For furniture, it’s ideal.

What Isn’t Right

• Utilization might be time consuming.

Acrylic paint can be mixed with a textile medium if you want to paint your furniture’s upholstery, but it’s highly recommended that you do so first. Delta Creative’s fabric paint for upholstery recipe is a popular and inexpensive one that will help your paint adhere better and provide a softer finish.

You must combine this with acrylic fabric paint because it is only intended to be used as a textile medium. Depending on the size of the piece you’re painting, you may need more than one bottle of medium (and possibly more than one bottle of paint).

Fabric paint has been utilized successfully on couches, chairs, pillows, and clothing utilizing this textile media. Although the final result for each form of upholstery relies greatly on the fiber composition, weave, and other elements, it helps to keep a soft feel to the cloth. When working with denim and other dark materials, this textile medium may be particularly helpful. Some customers have to sand the paint to get a more comfortable feel. Paint appears smoother and more opaque when applied with this medium, which helps to preserve the texture and feel of materials.

Textile material for acrylic paint | Finish: Varies | Permanent: Yes

Best Pens: Crafts 4 All Dual-Tip Fabric Markers Pens

Why You Should Like Us

• There are two options available.
• Durable
• Vibrant

What Isn’t Right

• Easily dries out

Use a pen-style applicator to paint a design on fabric for greater control. Doodling and fine details can be accomplished with the 12 fabric pens from Crafts 4 All.

With a tiny tip on the other end and a chisel tip on the other end, these fabric paint pens are a two-in-one. With the pigmented formula, you only need one stroke to achieve a unique effect (and no need for brushes, sponges, or other applicators). If you don’t use them right away, make a mental note to cover the fabric paint pens so they don’t dry out.

The product promises to have minimum bleeding, but some users have reported that the pens bled more than they expected from the edges, or that the ink soaked through the shirt’s material and onto the reverse side. In order to prevent this from happening, many people work slowly in delicate places and place a barrier between the cloth and the surrounding surroundings. For the most part, this hasn’t been a huge issue.

Fabric | Finish: Matte | Permanent: Definitely

Best 3D Fabric Paint: Puffy Rainbow 3D Paint Pack

Why You Should Like Us

• A finely honed point
• Suitable for washing in the washing machine
• No globs or build-up

What Isn’t Right

• Bottles are small in comparison to other containers.

Choose a paint kit with a 3D texture if you want to add depth to your cloth painting. Puffy 3D Paint, which comes in a pack of 20 colors, is our top pick.

Using these paints, you may add a raised texture to your T-shirts, hoodies, or other crafts. When it comes to school projects, T-shirts and baseball caps, puffy fabric paint is ideal for kids.

Each bottle has a precision tip for better design control, and the variety of colors available opens up a world of creative possibilities. Although these fabric paints may be washed in the washing machine and dried to a flexible state, curious hands may try to remove some of the dried paint off completed creations. There are unlimited 3D possibilities with this set of 20 Puffy Fabric Paints.

Fabric Paint | Glossy Finish | Long-Term: Not Listed

Best Glow-in-the-Dark: neon nights UV Fabric Paint Set Fluorescent for Clothing

Why You Should Like Us

• Light up the night
• Colorful patterns.
• No need to wear a white coat under the blazer!

What Isn’t Right

• Some hues may necessitate more than one application.

With glow-in-the-dark fabric paint, you can take your painting from day to night. For both youngsters and adults, Neon Nights produces fluorescent fabric paint that lights in the dark and is a huge hit.

The eight neon hues that make up this collection of glow-in-the-dark textile paint are bold and striking on their own, but when exposed to darkness, they sparkle fluorescently. Sunlight, UV light, or a black light can all be used to charge the paint, however LED lighting will not.

Since the fabric paint comes in individual jars, you’ll need a brush or other applicator to apply it. Several layers may be necessary—especially with dark colors—due to the color’s reputation as being quite transparent. That lights brilliantly and looks fantastic when charged properly, according to users.

Fabric Paint | Not Listed Finish | Not Listed Permanent

Best for Stamping: Fabric Creations Fabric Ink in Assorted Colors

Why You Should Like Us

• It’s simple to put into practice
• Accurate designs are ensured by stamps
• It’s easier to fix mistakes with water-based paints.

What Isn’t Right

• Some people complained that the paints dried too rapidly.

To stamp and adorn T-shirts, scarves, napkins, and more, you’ll need fabric paint that may be used like ink. A highly pigmented fabric ink from Fabric Creations, ideal for stamping and other crafts projects.

Several hues of Fabric Ink can be blended together to create a unique colour. It’s easy to clean with soap and water if you spill or make a mistake because the recipe is non-toxic and water-based.

There are many examples of artisan crafts using this fabric paint, such as imprinted scarves and T-shirts or elegantly embroidered lampshade and other home products. Items that won’t be washed need not have a heat setting, but anything that will be washed by hand or machine in the future does.

Fabric | Finish: Matte | Permanent: Listed as “Not Available”

What to Look for in Fabric Paints

Intended Use

Your project will help you decide which fabric paint to use. For thicker textiles like leather and denim, some are better suited, while others may be better suited for cotton or canvas. In order to help you pick the proper paint, several manufacturers include a list of fabrics that work best with their paints.

Also, take into account the final design you want to implement. Consider using a fabric pen with a fine tip if you’re working on something complex. Use a big brush or roller for painting a broad area if you’re using a brand with a large bottle.

Finish

Fabric paints, like other paints, can have a variety of finishes. Once a paint is dry, its finish is referred to. There are several different finishes to choose from here. Depending on the style you’re going for, choose a finish that matches the look you’re trying for.

The opacity of a paint’s finish is another consideration. How thick or opaque a paint appears when dry is seen below. If a paint claims to be semi-transparent, it may result in a less opaque finish. Fortunately, you may always add additional layers to get a more opaque appearance with most fabric paints.

Permanence

Fabric paints, for the most part, are permanent and made to last for years and years on your project. However, make certain that your paint will remain on your clothing for as long as you desire. Make sure the paint can be machine washed before using it on anything permanent. Washing will not cause it to peel off or fade. Semi-permanent options are less of a commitment.

FAQs

How long does fabric paint stay on?

Your artwork can last a long time if you use the correct fabric paint. It can last for years if properly cared for, adds Cano-Murillo. She advises using heat to set your creations. In order to ensure that the painting is lasting, she advises waiting two days after painting before turning it inside out and using an iron to heat set it.

Is fabric paint removable?

Because most fabric paint is permanently affixed to the cloth, it is difficult to remove. Even more so since it fuses with the fabric’s weave, Cano-Murillo says. If you’re not careful, it can even adhere to your skin!

Emergency methods exist for removing dried paint from fabrics. You’ll need an alcohol-based liquid, warm water, and something gritty and rough to get the job done properly. However, because acetones can degrade plastics like acrylic, such as fabric paint, they shouldn’t be used on it.

How do you keep fabric paint from washing off?

In order to keep fabric paint from washing away in the washing machine or dryer, it is necessary to heat set the paint on the cloth. For two to five minutes, iron your fabric paint pattern using a clean, dry pressing towel. Depending on the type of fabric you’re using, you’ll need to adjust the settings on your iron accordingly. Do not use your iron’s steam setting or any water during this process.

Conclusion

Everything in your house will have a new look after you learn how to dye chair fabric! It’s also important to learn how to preserve your artwork so that the colors remain vibrant. You’ve transformed your house into something fit for a magazine!