Simple tutorial for painting a chair

Painting dining chairs or just one accent chair is really easy, and it’s one paint transformation that will have a huge impact on your décor, adding a splash of colour to your scheme.

There are loads of online tutorials offering tips and advice for painting or upcycling furniture.

But if you’re new to furniture painting, it can seem a little overwhelming!

We answer some of the most common questions about painting furniture, and in our video we show how easy it is to paint a chair.

How to prepare furniture for painting

 

Before you begin, check your chair is in good condition with no broken seat pads or wonky legs.

Provided it’s sturdy and sound, it’ll be good for painting! Then check the surface of your chair. If it’s shiny or has been previously painted, we’d suggest lightly sanding before painting.

This isn’t always necessary but the better prepared your surface the easier the paint will stick. If it’s bare wood, a light sanding will help to smooth any bumps in the wood.

Or if the chair is old like ours, give it a thorough clean and scrub with wire wool. Work outside (if it’s sunny!) or in a well ventilated area when sanding and wear a mask.

Cleaning a chair with wool wire.

Choosing the right paint and finish for furniture

 

There are loads of furniture paints on the market: gloss, milk paints, emulsions, chalk paints and acrylics. Which do you choose? Look for the Ecolabel and ask yourself which finish you prefer.

We have two types of paint that are ideal for painting furniture which both odour free, water based and most importantly come with Ecolabel approval. The difference is the finish.

Eco Chic is breathable with a high clay content; giving it a thick, creamy consistency and a ultra flat matt finish. It is best finished with our clear Furniture Wax for a classic ‘painted furniture’ look and added protection.

It is our most versatile and popular furniture paint, as you can create all kinds of effects using Eco Chic, such as distressing, washes or layered finishes.

Our Eggshell No.17  is designed for interior woodwork such as skirting and doors, and is also great for wooden furniture. Unlike most eggshell paints, ours is water based with a unique oil free formulation that dries super quick to a silk sheen.

It is easy to apply and doesn’t need any further finishes and is ideal for creating a smooth, consistent finish.

Painting a chair with Earthborn paints couldn’t be easier. If you choose to use our Eco Chic, we’d suggest diluting the first coat with water to act as a primer and provide the perfect base coat.

Simply pour your paint into a clean pot, adding around 1 part water to 9 parts paint and mix. To paint the legs, turn your chair upside down with the seat on a table or desk.

When it’s dry you can turn it back to paint everywhere else. The diluted paint will make it easier to reach all those awkward areas.

Follow this with a second full coat of paint. If you’re using Eggshell No.17, be sure to paint in smooth strokes taking care not to ‘over brush’ as the paint dries.

Or if you prefer a textured finish or effect, apply Eco Chic in different directions like our farmhouse style chair.

In our video tutorial we used Rosie Posie in Eco Chic, followed by a coat of Furniture Wax. When dry, buff the wax with a soft cloth for added protection and a beautiful finish.

Have you painted any furniture with our paints? We’d love to see your Earthborn projects – please share them with us by tagging us in your social posts with #earthbornbyme

you might also like:

Our sommerset nest mood board.

How to paint edges without tape

Flora's Tale Contrasting Still LR

Breathe Beautiful: Earthborn Claypaint is now Eurofins GOLD certified

Tools Swatches Together angle flat lay.

5 Decorating disasters to avoid

Holy Cross Church case study.

Case Study | Holy Cross Church