Texas Living

Decorative Painting

By Callie Leahy 3.3.14

Itching for a new piece of statement furniture but your wallet says no? Before you ditch your current furniture ensemble, try painting it! Breathe new life into old furniture with these decorative painting techniques:

  • Chalk Paint – Looking for a quick no muss, no fuss, easy-on-your-wallet option for a change of paint color? Chalk paint is your answer. No sanding, no fumes and a great DIY recipe  makes chalk paint a go-to option for a quick and easy furniture makeover.
  • Paint your fabrics too! — Did you know that you can use chalk paint on fabric too? Or mix paint with fabric medium to make over a favorite comfy chair? Think paint before reupholstering with fabric or vinyl furniture.
  • Lace overlay  – Make an old piece of furniture funky and fresh with a subtle embedded design. Use lace as a stencil. Dab paint over the lace, or use spray paint from a good distance so the paint doesn’t bleed under the lace. Try using a matte base color and a clear gloss spray to create a single-colored piece, or two contrasting colors for a dramatic bold look.
  • Layered Paint – Shabby chic is the new “it” look. Transform your antique or garage sale item from 1970 to 2014 with this chippy layered look tutorial from “I should be mopping the floors ” blogger Kristi.
  • Stencil Wood Stain – If you’re considering staining rather than painting your piece, check out this neat effect using wood glue and stain.
  • Lacquer transfer – Using an image printed at home (on a laser printer!) and some wood lacquer, you can paint a simple DIY design, saying, photo or stencil onto any piece of furniture as a quick weekend project. No expensive vinyl cut outs or “eye-balling” necessary!