MI – DIY

When decorating and organizing your rv always think multi – functional. I enjoy doing small DIY crafts for small spaces. This one was my favorite so far!

I found this boring storage ottoman at a restore and paid only $5 bucks for it. I’m always looking for a bargain and never pay full price for anything if I can help it. It was in decent shape and not too big for the space I was going to use it in.  I needed more storage for beach towels in our rv at our seasonal campsite. (Visit MI-Decamping page) It also works great as a footstool and table. Bonus!!!

The only thing,  it’s not very appealing. I have always wanted to try chalk paint on fabric. Well! This was the perfect first trial item. Here is a before picture of the ottoman. 

My favorite color is turquoise and with the earth tones in the rv camper it would brighten it up and bring some fun to the space. 

Here is a tutorial on the process. I have to say I was very pleased with the results. And it did not take too long or was difficult. The drying took up most of the time. When drying I could work on other projects. 

Here you go:

Materials:

1. American Paint Company- Shoreline chalk paint. ( I purchased from a local small business owner who has very nice adorable diy and reclaim items). You can use your favorite chalk paint. I wanted to purchase local. 
2. Container/bowl to mix paint and water
3. Chalk paint brush
4. Painters tape
5. Spray bottle for water
6. Wax ( I used clear wax) for chalk paint
7. Wax brush
8. Soft clothes ( I used white cotton t-shirts)

Hint. Your first item should be something small. The fabric should be a short knapp material. 

1.  Vacuum and spot clean the fabric. I vacuumed inside and out and spot cleaned with a very damp cloth only a couple small areas. 
2. Tape areas you do not want to get paint on. I taped the wood box area and the black fabric on the inside of the box.

Let the fun begin. 

Mix one part paint to two parts water. I did quarter cup paint to half cup water. I started with a small amount and figured I could do another batch. 

Spray the material lightly with  water from the spray bottle. Wetting the fabric will lift the fabric to paint. However do not drench the fabric. It will take too long to dry. Also you do not want the foam cushion to get wet underneath if there is one. You will spray with water only on the first application. Also diluting the paint with water only on this first coat.  

Start applying the paint. At first I started painting up and down for the first coat. The first coat will be very light. I started with the lid to my ottoman. If you have seams make sure to brush the paint in the seams. Don’t worry if it looks streaky, the second coat will help fill in those streaks and lighter areas. 

Let the item dry completely. Depending on the fabric it could be 4 hours. If you place the item in the sun outside on a sunny day it will dry faster. Make sure it is completely dry. It will feel rough. Don’t worry there is another process to make it feel like suede. 

After the item was dry I did sand the fabric. I used 220 grit sandpaper. Just very lightly. I felt it raised the knapp for painting. Some people skip this process. It’s your call.  

If your fabric is a darker color it may take 3 , possibly 4 coats of paint if painting with a lighter color. 

Note: The second coat will be without diluting the paint. Do not spray with water. This will cover much better. I decided to do random brush strokes all over with the second coat. I took one section at a time. It looked fine with two coats however since it would get a lot of traffic I did three coats. 

Dry between each coat. Make sure the last coat is completely dry. Here’s why. You will wax the item. Yes, I used a clear wax with the recommended waxing brush. I lightly brushed it on, then followed up with a rubbing in technique by using the white cotton t-shirts. It’s like buffing. This made the fabric feel like leather or a soft suede. I did this on all sides and the top. I let it set overnight and did a second coat with the same process. 

I suggest you let the piece set for a couple of days before use. The paint and wax does not rub off on clothing. 

I did  paint the wood inside of the ottoman. I used an antique white chalk paint by American Paint Company that I had from another project. 

I printed the Michigan on heavy paper. I used my cricuit to print “Our Happy Place” on vinyl I had from another project.  The other lettering I had from another project I did when we had our motorhome. (Found at Hobby Lobby) 

I placed it on the board, then decoupaged the bottom of the board only.  I let that dry overnight, then I placed a clear coating over all areas of the wood. 

I probably have a total of $25 in this ottoman. The paint was the most expensive and I only used l/3 of the can. I know I will use that color more so I bought the larger size. I suppose it would be more, possibly $40 if I had to purchase the other lettering. 

What do you think? I will probably try another furniture piece and paint the fabric again. It depends on the piece. Possibly a chair. I have an old couch …however that may take more courage! Hmm I’ll let you know. 

Have you painted on fabric? If you have please send me your pictures. I would love to see your beautiful transformations. 

My email is  minextphase@gmail.com I try to respond within 24 – 48 hours.