I've loved this black paisley for ages, and really like it for the seat cushion. I agonised over whether to paint the chair black, but now I can use fabric as the focus, and then change my mind when I get sick of it - which is often!
It was really a quick and easy way to give new life to a tired old piece. The set was in perfect condition, and all it needed was a quick clean, priming with a coat of sealer/undercoat (I always use Zinsser, it's fantastic and works on all finishes) and three coats of white gloss via my new best friend, this baby.
I seriously wish I'd bought one of these sooner - it's fantastic and so easy to use.
Here are the befores (sorry, forgot to take one of the two-seater, I was in far too much of a hurry to get going!)
And now...
...here she is all painted and pretty.
I did have one issue, for some reason I had this weird hot pink sap? leach out when the first coat went on. I have no idea why this happened - anyone have any ideas?
Looks just as good with some neutral taupe cushions
I'd had this Ralph Lauren fabric stashed away, and initially thought it would look great on the seat cushion. After I saw it, I realised it was just wrong, so kept tweaking things until I was happy.
I threw a white matelasse quilt over the seat, and I quite like it in combination with the crisp blue on the cushions.
Ok, so now all I have to decide on is some gorgeous cushions. I like the black and blue and white so far, but then I was visiting the lovely Judy's blog, Verandah House, when I saw these:
Les Indiennes by Mary Mulcahy
...and these..
...and now I'm loving this green! I think I might paint a chinoiserie-style artwork for above chair, similar to the wallpaper above. And those of you who read Viv's lovely blog will recognise the piece on the wall, my daughter saw it and fell in love with it, so we just had to get one.
So, what do you think? You guys are all so chic and stylish I'm sure you'll give me even more pretties to add to the mix, but hey - that's the fun part! Oh, and this little makeover is a part of the Best DIY Projects in April Link Party over at Beneath my Heart blog, so go check out some of the other amazing transformations on show.
Enjoy the rest of your day,
This looks ace Kerri. It's so funny you just posted this. Sandy at Sandy's Place was just asking me about spray guns though as I've got a compressor I've never had to use one. So they're good huh? I've had problems with timbers bleeding before too. My understanding is that some timbers just seem to do it (unless of course the timber actually had some kind of stain on it). Apparently oil based paints give the best coverage if this happens. I think white was defnitely the right choice and I'm loving white with fresh greens at the moment though it will work with anything.
ReplyDeleteKristine
Oh you are such a clever, clever possum! I love the black and white but then that's what my bedroom is so I'm a bit biased. And I also adore paisley so you've got me twice! That same pink thing happened when I painted my wooden screen..someone suggested it was the tannins in the wood, or something like that! Pink might be lovely too?? I so wanted one of those things on the wall, but they were all gone when I investigated. You've made me want to go and paint something now you stylish thing! xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Kerri, this is a very timely post for me as I am about to paint a set of 6 brown-stained cane dining chairs and was worried about the stain coming through the primer/sealer/undercoat. I'm going to get some of that sealer you used (hopefully they have it at Bunnings). Of course I'll paint them white and I have some pale blue/paisley fabric to go on the seats. I love the photos with the blue in them, always a winner with white...then again green would work equally as well,oh and the black is gorgeous, lol, not much help here. Well done on the paint job, can't wait to see what you decide.
ReplyDeleteAngex
Kerri it turned out beautifully!!! I am loving the seat in white:) I love the pic with the matelasse cover on the chair with those cushions:) I can't wait to see what fabrics you choose for your cushions - have fun choosing!! Hope you are having a fabulous Thursday ~ Tina xx
ReplyDeleteThis is fantastic!!
ReplyDeletei just wish i had more room in my own place for some diy projects instead of always working on stuff for clients ;) Ive newly found your blog - loving it. plus how good is that target find!
sally x
http://oncedailychic.blogspot.com/
You have done a great job and thank you for all the recommendations you give how to do this. I have these black bamboo chairs that I want to repaint, just need to find time :)
ReplyDeleteSo so gorgeous! You did a great job, Have a sweet day!
ReplyDeleteKerri you have convinced me to buy a spray gun now. I know the prices vary is your gun a cheapy or middle of the range? I know Bunnings have them so maybe worth buying seen as I paint so many pieces. Sandy x
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that it was possible to have this much fun with just one sofa. All the combinations are great, makes me think I should swap and change more often here.
ReplyDeleteI am seriously jealous of your paint gun!
Sharon
Looks wonderful!! Love the seat and love the black, white, grey colour combination - looks very stylish! Your wall piece looks fantastic too :)
ReplyDeleteIt's fate! I popped over to your blog and there it is - all the evidence I need to go and buy a paint spray thingy and you've even given me a picture of one. Blogs are better than a DIY manual any day... I have four tricky chairs to paint almost black... I love your white couch and that fabulous fabric. I am inspired - thank you. Ann x
ReplyDeleteOh wow, amazing! Did you spray them? I'm just asking because I have a few things to paint...Rxx
ReplyDeleteOMG the black paisley number, the first photo, does it for me! Aren't you clever... great job! A-M xx
ReplyDeleteHi there Kerri,
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for popping in to see me and the lovely comment. I have seen you over at Kerry's A Tranquil Townhouse and love your comments.
You are going on my sidebar but, bear with me. It's getting so long that it takes me days to comment on everyone !!
What a great job you have done. We have been painting every stick of furniture 'off white' over the last few months. I have left a few pieces natural wood, as I like the mix of textures. I love a bit of distressed as well. That's my excuse for leaving things shabby !! haha.
I look forward to more of your makeovers Kerri. XXXX
Hi Kerri
ReplyDeleteCongratulations...your two seater looks wonderful. It is a tough choice with all those beautiful options. I am partial to black and white only because I have the same in a linen. Our chairs are cane and are circa 1970 from our family home. Mustard yellow...I know sounds strange and I was going to paint them white but a decorator talked me out of it. We put the black and white paisley lined on the cushion and a small pillow and I love them....all over again! Good luck on this one...you have great taste...it will work out perfectly :)
Jeanne
Oh I am in love. Well done!!!!! I'm very impressed with your DIY efforts.
ReplyDeletexxx
Thanks everyone for the lovely comments. For those who are interested, I used a Wagner W180p airless spray gun to paint these, and I was really happy with it. It does use more paint than painting by hand, but so worth it by saving heaps of time on all those little fiddly bits. I bought it at Bunnings, around $130, so money well spent in my book. The Zinsser primer is also worth using, it's a sealer/primer/undercoat so can be used over any paint/stain and there's no sanding needed.
ReplyDeleteHope this helps, let me know if you need any more information. Have a great day all,
K xx
look how brilliant you are! i love the chairs repainted in white. genius. and that green room...luuuv it.
ReplyDeleteThat is looking good! I love the seat white and those black and white paisely cushions are a real treat! Have a great day :)
ReplyDeleteThis turned out beautifully. For a moment, I thought you turned the two chairs into a settee and I about passed out! Then I re-read more carefully. Great fabric choice though I loved the blue RL, too, so I hope you use that somewhere! Marija
ReplyDeleteI like the green--but I'm very biased as that's the main color in our house! ;) Nice job!
ReplyDeleteHi Kerri--
ReplyDeleteYou have a real triumph on your hands here! Your bench looks wonderful. I think you made the right call with the white paint, and oh the fun you'll have switching out cushions and pillows whenever you like. Just beautiful!
Kerri,
ReplyDeleteI love the two-seater! It looks absolutely fabulous and you did a great job. :)
I love the black paisley too. You are going to really enjoy it, I know.
Thank you so much for linking up to my party.
Blessings,
Traci
Everything looks spectacular! You did a great job.
ReplyDeleteI found a sprayer (curb find) but I've never used it. Maybe I'll try it next week.
you do great work!
gail
You've taken old chairs and given them a very now look. The whole thing is terrific! Magazine worthy. Jane F.
ReplyDeletewow it's awesome, and that white thing on the wall above it is SO COOL.
ReplyDeleteabout the sap thing, that's really odd! maybe priming over that spot would prevent any further hot pinking?
well anyway, i love the cushions you've got now, and wise choice with the white - you can do so much with the fabrics now.
I love the white paint! It looks so fresh and timeless. Just beautiful.
ReplyDelete