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How To: Use Upholstery Spray Paint

Project: How To Use Upholstery Spray Paint
Time: 45 minutes (doesn't include drying time)

As I mentioned in a comment here, I was given a few cans of upholstery spray paint to try out. With a little upholstered $7.99 footstool from Goodwill, I set to work. My stool had a textured square design which was badly stained on top, the perfect guinea pig for this test. After spraying the piece three times, I got the color of brown I was wanting. The smell was minimal, drippage was slight at first, and I would have liked to coat it one more time if I had another can of paint. After completely drying, the fabric is soft and pliable, not at all like the stiffness of latex paints and the result is completely different than traditional paint. I would recommend this product for anyone in need of a quick fix or tired of their dingy upholstery.

 
 

Shelly042109 (2).jpg

  • Piece of upholstered furniture with absorbant fabric
  • Cans of upholstery spray paint (varies depending on the project)
  • A clean rag to blot up paint

Shelly042109 (3).jpg

Step by Step:

  1. Clean all top surface crud off of the entire piece to be painted
  2. Begin spraying off of the furniture and then move spray over onto fabric at a 6" to 8" distance
  3. Cover entire piece with nice even, sweeping motions
  4. Let first coat dry
  5. Repeat painting with a second coat, blotting any areas of paint buildup
  6. Let dry and continue step 5 until you achieve your desired color
  7. Let dry completely and enjoy the new look
  8. If the can of spray paint isn't empty, store it upside down in a cup of water to keep the nozzle clear

For more on upholstery spray painting check out these posts:

  • Would You Ever Paint Your Fabric Furniture?
  • Good Questions: Dye this Chair Black?

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    Comments (14)

    wow, Im totally bringing a case of this next time i visit my parents'.

    posted by matt manfredini on April 30th 2009 at 9:39am
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    I guess what I'd like to know is how it holds up over time. Does the paint rub off at all, on your clothes, carpet, etc?

    posted by twoshakes on April 30th 2009 at 10:01am
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    That's what I'd like to know. Does the paint transfer to clothing at all? What if you accidentally drop something wet on it? Actually, if you use this on a furniture cover, I'm presuming it isn't washable? Just curious.

    posted by ThatGrrl on April 30th 2009 at 10:44am
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    The difference is very dramatic. That 1980's looking thing was so sad, but it's very handsome now. I just might have to try that sometime. I always loves me some spray paint.

    posted by Curtis on April 30th 2009 at 11:41am
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    ThatGrll -- the latter probably wouldn't matter too much, since it would make much more sense to just use dye on a cover, anyway. Much cheaper and easier!

    posted by emilyb on April 30th 2009 at 12:20pm
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    I'm very picky when it comes to furniture upholstery fabric and this little ottoman's new color isn't stiff and doesn't rub off. I haven't tried to wash it. Not sure if I'd even ever try washing upholstery anyway. I've used upholstery cleaners before which sometimes leave a mark, usually from too much rubbing.
    I'm a believer in this. You could even get tricky and cut out masking tape shapes to stick on before you sprayed. I'd like to try that. Seems like there are lots of possibilities. What about stencilling some graffiti on a minimally grimey chair to disguise some stuff?

    posted by ModHomeEcTeacher on April 30th 2009 at 12:48pm
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    I'm impressed -- it looks like it might actually do what it's supposed to do, unlike a lot of products these days!

    Do you have a link to the product web site for us to look at? I'm curious about available colors, etc.

    posted by SherryBinNH on April 30th 2009 at 1:01pm
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    I first saw some YouTube videos on SimplySpray.com where they painted a sofa. There are nine colors available. I'd also like to see how each one turns out with three or four coats.

    posted by ModHomeEcTeacher on April 30th 2009 at 1:19pm
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    You did a nice, even job spraying. I'm impressed that the fabric stays soft. The finished stool is cute, and almost looks like leather in the pics.
    That being said, I couldn't live with stained fabric that was just painted over. I'd re-cover that stool in a heartbeat.
    But painting seems to be an option for peeps who don't sew.

    posted by baba yaga on April 30th 2009 at 3:49pm
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    I've looked for this in white - I'm not sure it exists. I guess it would be too hard for the white spray to evenly cover a coloured fabric. Correct me if I'm wrong and let me know where I could get some!

    posted by alaylam on April 30th 2009 at 4:21pm
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    baba yaga-Yes. I will eventually recover it when I change my pillows and small furniture but I'm enjoying the dark brown right now. (How about finding that cute $7.99 ottoman at Goodwill just when I needed a small piece to paint? Lucky.)
    And to alaylam-you're right-SimplySpray recommends only painting the upholstery a darker color than the original fabric color.

    posted by ModHomeEcTeacher on April 30th 2009 at 9:23pm
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    i'd love to turn that footstool into a mushroom!

    posted by treelovr on April 30th 2009 at 10:38pm
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    Thank you so much for testing this product! I will absolutely be using this now.

    posted by thatjessicagirl on May 1st 2009 at 11:41am
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    I'd love to hear if anyone has tried this same type of paint on a carpet. I'd like to give a cheap facelift to some sisal / seagrass type rugs and have found postings online relating to using latex paint, but not this type.

    posted by jazahani on July 7th 2009 at 12:44pm
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