Best fabric paints to update clothes and furniture easily
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The concept of painting furniture feels rather counterintuitive for first-timers.
With the risk of colour bleeding, peeling and fading, we feel we’re better off ditching old upholstery in favour of new pieces rather than wasting time and materials on a failed transformation.
Yet just like any artisanal skill, a little bit of know-how and proper tools of the trade will help you become a veritable DIY maestro. First and foremost, if you’re in the market to paint old furniture, you must invest in some high-quality mineral paint.
This is because mineral paint offers superior lightfastness and durability. It’s made using natural minerals for colour pigments and is mixed with a binder to prevent wear and tear. When painting with mineral paint, lightly mist each layer with water to ensure colour seeps into the fabric as though it’s being dyed.
We spoke to Artist and Creative Coach Tracey Bellion of Tracey’s Fancy for some expert insight into the world of fabric paints.
What materials do you need for painting fabric?
The following materials are must-haves for painting fabric:
- Smooth fabric that is not raised or textured
- Quality primer
- Quality chalk mineral paint
- A spray bottle for keeping the fabric porous
- Variety of brushes
- Sanding block or sanding sponge
Is it possible to paint darker fabrics with lighter colours, and vice versa?
It is possible to paint darker fabrics with lighter colour paints when you prime the fabric with a colour blocker first. Of course, it is always easier to paint a lighter fabric with a darker colour, but with the help of a primer, it isn't an issue either way.
What are your top tips for painting fabric?
- Avoid painting velvet or fabric with any raised texture.
- Seal or prime the original fabric first.
- Do not use too much water.
- Sand between layers.
What are the biggest myths and faux tips you've come across in furniture and fabric painting?
- “All painted fabric chairs will crack, peel and be stiff” – this isn’t true if you my four top tips to avoid raised textures, seal or prime original fabric, use minimal water and sand between layers.
- “I'm not creative so I can't paint furniture or create art on chairs” – with a little expert guidance, the creative possibilities are endless.
- “Any type of paint will work!” – the type of paint most definitely does matter. Your type of paint will predict a creative success or creative disaster, and if you experience a disaster, it may discourage you from trying again.
What are your favourite fabric paints?
My favourite paint for painting my fabric chairs is chalk mineral paint. It works beautifully with fabric and a light mist of water, creating a watercolour effect and does not dry with a stiff plastic feel. It binds well to the fabric and will not scratch off or chip away.
How do you make fabric paint last on clothing and upholstery?
The chalk mineral paint that I use on fabric chairs and clothing does not require a top coat as it is self-sealing. It cures over 30 days, quicker if set with heat. However, I tend to apply one anyway as an extra protection. I most often use a product called Easy Peasy Spray Wax by Dixie Belle Paint Co.
Though Tracey is based in the US, you can browse an array of additional online tutorials via her website.
Without further ado, keep scrolling for a selection of the best fabric paints on the market in the UK.
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Hemway Sage Green Chalk Paint 1L
Made in Britain, this solvent-free mineral paint is manufactured using high-quality, eco-friendly raw materials. Suitable for upcycling all types of furniture and even painting walls, this chalk paint works with upholstery when used in tandem with a light misting – especially add a drop or two of fabric softener.
What sets Hemway’s chalk paints above the rest is that litre tins are available in 118 colours. From on-trend sage green to misty pinks and arctic blues, there’s bound to be a hue to suit your aesthetic.
If you’re not sure, simply order an A5 peel-and-stick sample for £3.95.
Fabricoat
Perhaps one of the chicest fabric paints we’ve come across, Fabricoat doesn’t use mineral-based pigment but has proven brilliantly effective when applied directly to fabric and upholstery. This is likely helped by the fact that all of Fabricoat’s colour offerings are realised in deep, jewel tones which – when painted onto lighter fabrics – offer supreme pigmentation, coverage and lightfastness. Just 250ml of the satin-finish paint goes an impressively long way, with one bottle capable of covering an entire dining chair or car seat.
If your fabric painting project involves textured upholstery, we recommend going for the acrylic-style Fabricoat, though it’s important to bear in mind that you’ll need more product for more dramatic textures.
Frenchic Paint – The Lazy Range
With a low VOC content and child-safe finish, this water-resistant chalk paint is brilliant for all types of interior transformations.
Named ‘The Lazy Range’ for a reason, Frenchic Chalk Paint is self-priming, self-levelling and self-sealing with brilliant coverage. At this point, we’re surprised the tin doesn’t sprout arms, pick up a brush and paint furniture itself.
Silky smooth and virtually odourless, the eco-friendly craft material is mixed with a wax infusion and is available in 18 covetable colours.
Rust-Oleum 750ml Rustoleum Chalky Finish Furniture Watercolour Paint
From the bathroom tile range to garden furniture-specific paints, Rust-Oleum has perfected highly specific paints for all your upcycling needs.
This chalky, matte paint doesn’t require any priming or sanding for an aged shabby chic finish. The paint is water-based and has minimal odour, making longer projects a breeze.
While sanding isn’t necessary, we’d still recommend using some fabric conditioner-infused mist in between coats when applying to fabric.
Vintro No Seal Chalk Paint
A brilliant option for the lazier DIY-ers, this option from Vintro doesn’t require the purchase of additional sealants.
Self-levelling with a smooth, washable finish, this multi-use paint can be used for both indoor and outdoor projects. It’s also EN71-3 certified, which means that it’s safe to use on both children’s toys and furniture.
It’s available in a vast array of colours, including the featured, dramatic ‘nightfall’ which is a highly pigmented blue-black.
Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint
US-based Dixie Belle is beloved by American crafters for a reason. Manufactured with upholstery projects in mind, the paint can nevertheless be difficult to source in the UK. Thanks to Etsy, you’ll find a variety of sellers offering a myriad of cult-favourite Dixie Belle chalk paint colours. Dixie Belle paint offers a velvety smooth, fluid yet self-levelling finish with just one coat.
Vintage with Grace Chalk Mineral Paint For Furniture
Though only available in eight colours, this chalk mineral paint by Vintage with Grace offers outstanding primer-free coverage. Fast-drying, odour-free, eco-friendly and non-toxic, the paint has a wonderfully chalky finish that is silky-smooth. If you want to try before you buy, purchase a handy 40ml tester.
Tommy Art Mineral Paint
Designed and made in Italy, Tommy Art’s mineral paint is part of what the brand refers to as a ‘DIY paint system’. Intended for at-home craft aficionados, the versatile paint can be used on any interior surface to deliver excellent coverage and lightfastness. Forget about sanding or priming with this vast selection of highly saturated colours. If, somehow, you can’t find your desired shade – simply mix with other colours in the range to achieve your desired effect.