Friday, June 26, 2009

Simple Chair Makeover, or "Amateur Hour"

This was my desk chair. It sits at the built-in computer desk in the kitchen, and gets lots of use. It was originally purchased as a set with a desk, at Big Lots, some 8 years ago. About 7 years ago, the seat was covered with the red fabric, which was also used elsewhere in the room at the time. As you can see, it was sadly in need of a makeover.IMG_2789

Here it is now, spray painted black, distressed and stained, and new garage sale fabric on the seat. I knew I liked that fabric!IMG_2888

This was my first attempt at refinishing a piece of furniture, and I learned some lessons. The spray-painting was easy. It was the staining over the distressed parts that I had issues with. (This photo shows the distressing a little better.)IMG_2887

First, gloves would be helpful.IMG_2806

Second, sweep the garage floorIMG_2807because if there’s a breeze, you will end up with debris stuck to your piece.IMG_2809

Thirdly, you might also want to cover the garage floor.IMG_2810

Number four is the biggest lesson of all. When the directions on the can say to immediately wipe off excess stain, do it! Since my stain contained a topcoat, I thought I would just sort of lightly wipe it all over the whole piece, so it would all have the same sheen.

Three days later, when it was still sticky, I realized I had a problem. Some research online indicated that I might need to strip the whole thing and start all over.

Um, no way. I’m too lazy. Something I read suggested steel wool. All I had was an SOS pad, so I used it, first dry, then wet. After I wiped the soap residue off, no more sticky. Whew!

In the end, I’m very happy with the makeover, and I know what not to do next time!

17 comments:

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

It's gorgeous! :) Can you add a #5--it's helpful to have a garage. ;) It's hard for me to do projects like this b/c I have to wait for the weather to cooperate outside. :) I love the fabric you used, and the stain looks great!

Gwen said...

I heart that new fabric! We all learn lessons as we go along. You took it in stride! We now get to learn from you too.

When I get a hold of big boxes, I cut them down and save them for painting projects.

A Southern Rose said...

It turned out so nice and pretty. I've had to learn the hard way on a lot of things too. You did great!

southerninspiration said...

It's beautimous!!! Love it!

suzanne

Vivienne @ the V Spot said...

Looks good!

Lucy Marie said...

Looks awesome!

Mrs Anne said...

fab job!
i'm so impressed!

Paige said...

Looks great! Does anyone know how well spray paint holds up on chairs? I will need to do something with my kitchen table and chairs in the future.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Turned out pretty! #1 - I have to wait for good weather conditions. I could add a lot of "learn the hard way" sugestions. :)
Glenda

Unknown said...

Great tips, but it turned out great!!!

marmielu said...

It looks great!
Whenever I mention to my hubby that I want to paint something, he starts talking about cleaning up the garage. I hate to wait, but I know he's right.
Mary Lou

Karen at Nittany Inspirations said...

Your chair project turned out really great. I put poly on my dining room table and almost ruined it. I'll have to post about that experience.

Meg said...

That looks great. I think you did a wonderful job. I wish I could find fabric at garage sales, it would save me a bunch of money.

Tricia said...

Hi Holly.
The chair came out great! I love the fabric. Thanks for the stain tips, too. Believe me, I am far too lazy to redo a whole project too. Thanks for sharing. The chair looks happy. ;)
*Tricia

dixie said...

Holly, it's gorgeous!! I love it.

Mandi @ Sweetly Home said...

I love the distressing! I have my dining room chairs that need a total makeover. I've been debating on how I want to redo the paint job. After seeing the distressing that you did, I think I'm going to go that route. Now the debate is on if it's white or black.... Thanks for the tips on what NOT to do. Too bad you had to figure those things out first!

Cottage Lifestyle said...

You did a great job...looks beautiful.

Renee