DIY Chair Makeover: 4H

Remember this adorable pink chair we picked up at a garage sale for $5 bucks?! I FINALLY got around to giving it its makeover it so desperately needed. It has a stocky build, and is in great condition. I recently purchased some fabric – on sale of course – at Joann’s fabrics and loved how the black and white floral pattern popped off the Satin White paint. This whole project (including the cost of the chair) was under $20 bucks! How cool is that!? All it took was a few hours of some love n’ care, and this little gal was ready for cocktail hour! Keep reading below and you’ll see why I decided to paint “4H” on the face of the chair.  : )

 

What You’ll need:

Primer (either in a can or spray)

Your paint color of choice (For this project, I chose Rustoleum’s Satin White)

Spray Paint Handle Attachment

Sandpaper (I used medium coarse)

Paint Brushes

Fabric of choice

Foam

Glue Gun

Pins

Trim for decoration (optional)

Durable All-Purpose Glue (this is what was needed for this type of project)

Begin by sanding down your chair. This better adheres the primer and keeps the paint lasting longer.

After sanding, wipe down with a damp cloth to prevent any debris from sticking during painting.

Grab your primer and start priming! Depending on the original color and wood texture, you may need to apply several coats. I also recommend purchasing one of these super affordable and super handy spray paint handle attachments.

(If you’ve never used one of these before, run out and get one – they’re fabulous! Plus, it saves your hands. Try it without and you’ll see why.

Since I was using leftover primer from a previous project, I ran out. So, I had to finish using primer from a can.

Careful not to glop! Drip marks are a no no.

Allow the primer to dry for the recommended time. Grab your paint and start spraying!

Once your paint is dry, grab your foam and if needed, custom cut it to fit the chair. Razor blades work best, but be careful!

It’s always better to cut less to start, and then slowly shave what you don’t need off little by little.

I was toying between these two fabric patterns, but it didn’t take long for me to make a decision. I mean, it’s obvious the black one wins.

Not all of you may end up with corners like this, but if you do, you’ll have to do some fabric maneuvering.

When wrapping your fabric around your foam, use pins as a guide to secure the fabric until you’ve got all corners and edges the way you want it. This makes for easier adjustments.

Do use contrasting pin colors to your fabric. It would be very dangerous to accidentally leave one of these in there. Yikes!

Size your fabric wrapped foam on top of the chair to ensure it’s the correct size.

Then, grab your glue gun and one by one, remove your pins and secure each section in the back of your chair foam with enough glue.

Once that’s finished, grab your trim (if you’re using one) and using the same technique as above, temporarily pin it into place to confirm positioning and to make easy adjustments along the way.

Grab your glue gun again and secure the trim along the edges while removing the pins.

 

Depending on what type of chair you’re working with, you may want to use different adhesive techniques to bond the chair foam/base to the frame. Because the seat is built with the frame, I decided to glue the chair cover with heavy duty glue. This actually worked really well.

You may want to take an extra step before applying the glue to secure any lose or dangling trim accessories so it doesn’t get in the way.

Next, apply the glue to both the back of the chair foam and the chair seat.

Make smiley faces.

I took a good look at the chair, and felt it was missing something. Monograms seem to be in now and I’ve read on a few different blogs recently about the different ways you can apply them, so, I decided to create my own.

*Edited to Add:  I just remembered where I saw one of those numbered chairs! Sarah at A Beach Cottage has an awesome numbered chair that I love and know you will too. You can find it here.  : )

I loved this font and chose to paint “4H” in memory of the apartment I grew up in in New York.

Here’s how I did it:

I printed out my stencil to my size of choice and checked to be sure it was the right fit.

I then cut out the stencil, taped it into position and lightly traced around it in pencil.

I chose black to keep consistent with my theme color.

Would you believe it took me 30 minutes to paint these two characters!?

I was so afraid to make a mistake, but it paid off. No screw-ups!

I love this old school/typewriter-ish font and am trying to refrain from using it everywhere else!

 

Hmm, this little cutie always seems to find his way into my shots. But I do find it cute how he matches the fabric. Here he is snacking on a few treats.

I’ve been asked a few times (and am now considering) about selling some of my projects, but this one’s for keeps.   ; )

 

This would be cute as a guest chair in a spare room…

Or perhaps at the breakfast table. Then I’d need to make two!

Oooh, or how about at a vanity desk?

What do you think?

Are you a fan of spare chairs around the house?