Good Questions: Can I Dye This Chair?

Hello AT,

I just bought a chair off Craigslist. In the original picture (attached) it appeared a light orange color. When I got it home it turned out to be more brown, 70s paneling color.

I fell in love with the chair's wingback shape so I don't want to sell it, and I can't afford to reupholster the chair. Is there a way I can change the color of the piece? I figured dying would have the problem of transfer, is that true? I've also thought of bleaching. Do you know of any other possibilities? Know any furniture design students who would reupholster it for cheap?

Thanks, Sara A.

(Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first.)
Link To All Good Questions

Dear Sara,

We've never heard of anyone dyeing a chair while in situ, but we don't think it would be a good idea. You really want that color to be colorfast and you're probably not even dealing with fabric that will take dye that well - if it's poly.

We're stumped. The best thing is to reupholster OR you could strip the upholstery off down to the white liner and work from there. Either way, The Furniture Joint can help you. They upholster and also teach classes to DIY'ers.

Anyone else?

Comments (3)

OMG thank jeebus i stumbled onto this website!!
I just bought 5 boxes of Rit dye to color my enormous white couch (that my friend's kids destroyed) purple.
I am returning the dye tomorrow and going with the spray paint. maybe I'll be able to post pics? I don't care if my friend's kids are uncomfortable, but I don't want everyone leaving my house with a purple bum!
thank you so much!
beans

Hollybean,

Did you try dying your white sofa? If so, did it work? Can you post a picture? I'm thinking of ordering "Simply Spray" Upholstery Fabric Paint, but am worried it may have a gloss to it? Has anyone used it? My sofa is dark, hunter green and I want to use the Simply Spray in brown. Do you think it would cover it? Are the colors opaque or slightly transparent? Thanks if anyone out there has used this product! They have a new 8 oz. size, so I think I will only need two cans?

I once saw a show on Trading Spaces where they dyed a piece of furniture with fabric dye. They mixed it up and sponged it on. Look for their books at the library and see if this would work for you.