Dining Chair Makeover

Before I move on from milk paint this week I wanted to show you a quick project I did, one that was less labor-intensive because I didn't have to strip the pieces first. I had two of these chairs left over from a project and I thought I'd use them for extra seating in my dining room. I also wanted to try out milk paint on a previously finished surface, using Real Milk Paint's Ultra-Bond.

I started with a quick scuff sanding, just to dull the glossy surface (on the frame, not the cane back) and wiped it down with a damp cloth. Then I mixed a small amount of milk paint for the base, including the Ultra Bond,  and lightened the rest of the milk paint I had left over from my china cabinet by adding white milk paint powder to the existing color. I applied two coats of the paint with a regular 1-inch brush for the frame, but I tried something different for the cane back. I applied the paint to the cane with a damp natural sponge (available at craft and art supply stores) in a pouncing motion.  That gave me just enough coverage without heavy paint buildup. 

For the cushion, I used a piece of oatmeal linen to cover the seat but I borrowed from this tutorial and painted stripes along the center of the fabric first. I didn't know what grout tape was (and couldn't find any at my hardware store), so I used good quality, double-sided craft tape and that worked just fine (I used Therm O Web brand, which I found at Michaels). I also mixed my own paint color using regular acrylic craft paint (Plaid Folk Art paints) and turned it into a fabric paint by mixing in a little textile medium (found in the same section as the craft paint). I applied it with a small stencil brush in a pouncing motion to minimize any paint seepage.  

And that was it. Minimal effort and I found the Ultra Bond did exactly what the label said it would. Yet another reason for me to love milk paint.

Before & After:

 

Color recipe for the chair base:

Oyster:

1 cup white milk paint
1/4 cup cream milk paint
1 teaspoon black milk paint
1 cup water (add a little more if too thick) 

Comments

[Suzonne]

Thanks, Aimee! I'm happy with the transformation myself!

And Barbara, so glad to be of assistance. It wasn't difficult at all - and I love that you can create any color stripe you want, instead of relying on what's available for purchase. Have fun!

[aimee {sixteen fourteen}]

These are absolutely stunning! What an awesome transformation.

[Barbara Anderson]

I just wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU, for the instructions to create this stripe on the fabric!!! I have been on a quest for this type fabric with the stripe in/on it, but to no avail! NOW I can create my own!! YEAH! AND use the color for the stripe, from my paint I used on my living room furniture!! SO EXCITED!!!!

[Affordable Medical Insurance]

Nice idea. I'm loving all your milk paint projects. You've inspired me to re-do my master bedroom and hit some garage sales to looks for uglies to be transformed with milk paint.

[faux leather furniture]

Very nice idea.:) I like the way on how you did it. thanks for sharing.:)

[Homeowner Insurance]

The chair looks wonderful! You are so creative!

[Wendy]

Beautiful chair!! :) I love the milk paint!!

[Sarah]

Wow, it doesn't even look like the same chair! I am very impressed. :)

[teresa granath]

Ok, bringing a trailer this time to fit the chairs in too! The stripes are fab!

[Whitney @ Whisker Graphics]

B.E.A.U.tiful!!! I'm loving all your milk paint projects. You've inspired me to re-do my master bedroom and hit some garage sales to looks for uglies to be transformed with milk paint. Thanks!
xo,
Whitney

[A Serenade for Solitude]

Love what you did with your chairs! They look awesome. I am such a fan of that cute stripe!