Painted Fabric Chair Makeover: Bling Zebra with Plenty of Personality
- Jun 21
- 5 min read
This painted fabric chair actually stayed at one of my retreats, although "came home with me" might be a more accurate description than stayed.
I arrived with every intention of painting my own project alongside everyone else. After hosting nine large retreats, I've learned something important: when you're the host, your attention belongs to attendees.
Between demonstrations, answering questions, helping with design decisions, troubleshooting paint problems, and simply spending time with the women who traveled to be there, finishing my own chair doesn't happen....and it doesn't matter!
Moving forward, I won't be bringing my own furniture project to retreats. Instead, I will demonstrate on attendees' pieces where my attention is needed most and where the magic of the event happens anyway!
So this chair came home with me....and now it's finally finished!
If you are a new reader, hello and welcome to the Fancy Fam! With over a decade of furniture painting experience, I can honestly say that sharing my projects through this blog is still my favorite way to inspire! I've got years worth of fun and creative ways to update your home decor and furniture through paint! If this sounds like something you'd like to have delivered to you every Sunday be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter here!
Supplies Used:
Chalk Mineral Paint
Fluff (white)
Caviar (black)
Silk Paint
You can also shop my favorite products and tools in my Amazon influencer list here.
Preparing the Chair for Paint
Here's the rundown of my process...
I cleaned the wood frame with White Lightning, rinsed it thoroughly, and allowed it to dry completely.
The fabric received a good vacuuming before I coated the entire chair.... both the wood and fabric... with Bonding Boss.
As always, proper preparation makes all the difference when painting fabric chairs.
Additional MUST READ blogs for any furniture painting projects
The Zebra That Inspired the Entire Design
The artwork on the back of the chair is a brand-new decoupage paper that was created in collaboration with Elsie Lane Art Garage.
Together we created this zebra adorned in full Tracey's Fancy fashion.
She immediately set the tone for the entire piece and became the inspiration for every design decision that followed.
I've added the link to the paper in the supplies list because she's just too fun not to share.
Adding Drama with Stripes and Bold Colors
The seat was painted in classic black and white stripes.... my favorite seat pattern for adding a little drama and whimsy.
For the frame, I chose a bold Fiery Sky Red and added a bright Prickly Pear Pink at every curve in the wooden frame to offer depth and movement in the finish.
The carved florals were instantly elevated with gold leaf!
Sealing and Protecting the Finish
Once the painting was complete, I sealed the wood frame with Clear Coat Gloss. That glossy finish creates a rich lacquered shine that makes colors come alive!
The fabric areas were protected using Easy Peasy Spray Wax.
The Finishing Touch: Rhinestones
My favorite finishing touch might be the very last thing I added.
A strand of rhinestones now frames the zebra image, sitting perfectly between the artwork and the chair's trim.
Final Reveal: A Chair with Something to Say
On the back, I painted words that capture the spirit of the piece....a little reminder of confidence, individuality, and embracing exactly who you are!
I've often said that chairs remind me of people.
Every single one is different.
Every one has its own story, its own character, its own message.
Some are quiet and elegant.
Some are playful.
Some are bold enough to walk into a room and demand attention.
This one falls into that last category!
This bling zebra chair may have started at a retreat, but it found its voice after it came home!
FAQ:
Can you paint both fabric and wood on the same chair?
Yes! Using the proper prep products allows you to successfully paint both surfaces and create a cohesive design. See my supply list for the exact products I use.
Why use Bonding Boss on fabric chairs?
Bonding Boss helps block stains and odors while locking down fabric fibers to create a better painting surface.
Do painted fabric chairs need a top coat?
Fabric areas are often protected with easy peasy spray wax, while painted wood frames can be sealed with a clear coat for added durability.
Can decoupage be used on fabric chairs?
Absolutely. Decoupage papers can add artwork, personality, and focal points that make a painted chair truly one of a kind. Here is another decoupage chair blog for additional inspiration.
Painted Chair Retreat at Home
Looking for more detailed video instruction? Check out my Painted Chair Retreat at Home Course!
In this multi-part video course, you will be guided step-by-step through the process of painting fabric chairs - from choosing the right primer, brushes, and color palettes to painting on different surfaces and creating a last finish. You’ll learn how to combine patterns, apply decoupage, and discover the best products for your painted fabric chair.
In-Person Paint Retreats
Experience a weekend of hands-on DIY painting instruction, community with like-minded women, good food, and FUN! Learn in an immersive, all-inclusive, women-only experience. Join me for an all-inclusive painting experience!
More Inspiration: Painted Fabric Chairs
I absolutely love painting fabric chairs! I've pulled together a few past projects that came to mind when working on this piece! I hope you can use them to draw inspiration as you paint a fabric chair. Here are the additional designs for your inspiration:
Carnival Queen Chair - Business in the front. Party in the back.
Tattoo Decoupage Chair - love it or hate it. This one went viral on IG!
Whimsical Mermaid Chair - detailed fabric chair painting techniques in this one!
Cat Chair - Decoupage mixed with paint. Learn how to "paint-in" the design paper.
Painted Zebra Chair - funky and overflowing with personality
Nutcracker Chair - what are your thoughts on holiday-themed furniture??
Click on any photo below for more up-close photos and all the design details
Don't forget to visit my blog about How to Decoupage on Fabric!
And of course, be sure to visit my Whimsical Home Decor Ideas for more fun whimsical ways to decorate your space!
Join Me for MORE with Curiously Creative
If you enjoyed this and want more of a deep dive into home decor and DIY processes, I would love it if you joined my exclusive online creative group, Curiously Creative. I show up LIVE to guide you through every step of updating, upcycling, crafting, and creating on-trend home decor and gift-giving ideas!
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