A STEP BY STEP ON HOW TO PAINT A FAUX LEATHER FINISH ON UPHOLSTERY FABRIC
Do you have an old chair that’s still in good shape but the fabric is super dated? I have the perfect solution! With a little paint, you can turn it into a high-end leather [looking] beauty!
Today I’m sharing How To Make Fabric Look Like Leather.
I absolutely L•O•V•E this makeover and I can’t wait to hear what YOU think!
Here’s what I started with. This floral wingback chair from the ’90s. It was my dog’s favorite. She used to clean her face and dirty paws on it like it was her personal face cloth… can you tell?…lol.
Here’s the painted faux leather chair now… what do you think?
If I didn’t paint this myself, I almost wouldn’t believe it was the same chair!
THIS POST IS SPONSORED/CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
SOURCE LIST::
-
- ’90s Fabric Wing Chair – SALVAGED
- Water + Tissue Paper
- Sanding Pad
- Large Paint Brush
- Terracotta
- Chocolate
- VanDyke Glaze
- Brown Wax
HOW TO PAINT FABRIC INTO FAUX LEATHER
Here’s the full video tutorial. If you are having any problems viewing, feel free to visit my channel here.
STEP 1 Prep Chair For Paint
I started by giving this chair a good vacuum. I was going to clean the upholstery but then decided the majority of the dirt was on the skirt which was coming off anyway.
The skirt was held on with staples. I used a screwdriver and pliers to remove them. Once I got into the groove they came out fairly easy which I share in the video. There were a few staples that broke off and were too hard to take out, so I hammered back into the wood. This is important because the staples are sharp. They can be dangerous to your pets and/or your legs. Make sure ALL the staples are removed or hammered back in for safety!
To keep the paint off the legs and underbelly, I masked off the areas with painters tape. Well, my sister, Andrea did. I had her help at the start of this project. π
STEP 2 Paint Fabric
Painting fabric is really easy to do. The key is to get your fabric wet enough to absorb the pigment of the paint. This way it dyes the fabric instead of just sitting on top of the fabric.
I picked this Terracotta and Chocolate Chalk Mineral Paint to create the base color for the wingback. I mixed approximately a 3:1 ratio which is about 75% Terracotta and 25% Chocolate. Using my big 3″ Wooster brush, I dipped it in a bowl of water to get the bristles it nice and wet, and then dipped it into the paint.
- Dip Brush in Water
- Dip Brush in Paint
- Paint Fabric and Repeat
Some people prefer to use a water mister and spray the fabric before painting.
I tried both methods on this Granny Chair I painted 4 years ago and I find dipping the brush MUCH easier and faster than spraying the fabric. It’s a good idea to try both methods and see which works better for you.
Here’s what the chair looked like after the first coat…
STEP 3 Repeat
After the first coat was almost dry (still slightly damp) I applied a second coat. I repeated for a total of three coats to totally cover the floral pattern.
Second coat…
Third coat…
If you were to stop right there and give it a waxing, the results are still impressive! But I thought I’d try a faux leather finish with a little more detail on this one.
STEP 4 Glaze
After my third coat of paint was dry, I added some Chocolate to the leftover paint I had in the container along with a little VanDyke Brown Glaze. I didn’t measure but I’m guessing it was around 10-15% glaze to 85-90% paint. The glaze was added to give me a little more playtime to create some texture.
I applied a coat of this paint/glaze mixture working in sections.
To get the leather texture look, I crumpled up a piece of tissue paper and then laid it on the wet paint/glaze mixture.
Using a soft dry brush, I gently brushed the tissue paper onto the wet paint/glaze.
Once all the tissue paper had made contact, I pulled it up right away. Isn’t this amazing?! I was so impressed by how authentic it looked!
STEP 5 Wax and Sand
To finish this faux leather chair, I used this brown wax to darken up the seams and random areas on the leather. I like using a cheap dollar store brush which I keep on hand for dark waxing.
The wax was applied heavier in some areas, lighter in others and then I gently wiped the excess off with a shop towel. Because I didn’t rub and buff the wax, it will take longer to dry. I’ll check it periodically but I probably won’t be sitting on it for the next 1-2 weeks just to be sure.
To soften everything up, I gave the chair a light sanding with a 220 sanding pad.
I’m loving my “new” wingback leather chair!
It really does look and have a similar feel to leather.
Here’s another look at the before and after.
LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS FAUX LEATHER CHAIR MAKEOVER… OR FEEL FREE TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE… I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU!
Happy furniture painting my friends!
Denise x
Skylar Barclay says
Fabulous tutorial. So much so I’m going to give my own chair a go at this technique.
Thank you so much for the video and the notes at the end which means I don’t have to go back over the video to find all your pointers I can just scroll through your notes, very professional and very much appreciated.
Denise says
I’m so happy its inspired you to give it a try! I’d LOVE to hear how it all turns out for you Skylar.π
Sandra says
Genius! You are so clever. Thank you for sharing
Denise says
Thanks Sandra!
Missy says
I love your tutorial! Can I ask how durable this is as far as staining? I have four kiddos and am considering doing something like this for a small wingback loveseat to be used at our dining room table. Do you think it could be wiped down or is there a product youβd recommend for wiping sealing it with so it could be wiped down?
Denise says
Thanks Missy! Hmm, I don’t have kiddos but for adults, it holds up perfectly. For extra protection, you could try waiting till the wax is cured, and then spraying with some sort of stain guard for furniture.
Victoria says
This is incredible! Iβm inheriting some couches that need an updateβ¦ how is this chair holding up a few years later?
Denise says
Hi Victoria! I’ve used this chair in my office and now in the corner of my bedroom and it’s held up perfectly.π
Rochelle says
So amazing, this is such a beautiful transformation!!! Thank you for sharing.
Denise says
Thank you Rochelle! xo
Lauren Burger says
Hi Denise, This is amazing!!! I have two valences in the home I recently purchased. They span one 3 slider door/window and then another 2 slider door/ window so they are quite a presence in the room. I am slowly trying to introduce a southwestern feel to the room and this technique would be awesome!! Thought some Native American block stamping here and there might look good as well.
I am not very crafty and this would be a real stretch for me. Thoughts? Tips? Appreciate your help. You are a real inspiration!!!
Lauren
Michelle Picon says
Love it! What a great idea.
Denise says
Thank you!
Teri says
Sorry for being repetitive. Just found a few of the comments that talk about painting leather. Maybe Iβll try it.
Denise says
No worries! π There’s a ton of great questions and tips in the Comments Section so they can take a while to go through sometimes. I learn a ton from my fabulous readers/#sifamily!! So ya, I’ve never tried but if you give it a go I’d LOVE to hear how it works out for you. And so would a lot of others who have asked so if you have the time, I hope you drop in to let us know. Have a super day Teri! π
Teri says
Do you think this painting technique would work on a leather recliner. I have a scratched up navy blue chair that could use a facelift?
Susie says
Girl, you just slayed this chair. It is the most real-looking faux leather I’ve ever seen.
A million kudos!
Susie from Chelsea Project
Denise says
Awwww, thank YOUUUU! I had a lot of fun with it! Now I’m on the lookout for a more MCM thrift chair with wood legs and armrests but fabric back and seat. I’d LOVE to try this technique on one of those.
Carla from Kansas says
What size of paint was required, 16 oz? Looks awesome but the supplies to do this are pretty expensive.
Denise says
Hi Carla! It depends on the size of your chair (or how many you’d like to paint) but yes, a 16oz of each color would do a chair of average size. The paint goes a long way because it’s mixed with water. π
Nikki says
This is absolutely awesome !!! I know this is paint but I wonder if thereβs any concerns with the transfer of the paint colors to skin or clothing. ? Should there be some form of sealant at the end ?
Denise says
Thanks Nikki! The paint was sealed with dark wax and I’ve been sitting on it with no issues whatsoever. You just have to make sure the finish is cured before ‘regular’ use which is anywhere between 2-4 weeks depending on your environment. As for the transfer wear, I’m not sure yet. I purposely didn’t seal them because I’m hoping they wear down a little to look more authentic. π
Benjamin says
This amazing! Do you think this technique would work on shoes?
Denise says
I do! I’m not sure how the shoes would wear over time but it will work. π
Cat says
Will this technique work on velvet wings? I know you didnβt have much luck with the fabric medium, but I have two blue velvet wings needing an update.
You also mentioned other decorators having luck painting velvet… do you have their links?
BTW, love your work.
Denise says
Hi Cat! I’m really not sure if a leather look can be achieved on velvet??… but here’s Debi from Debi’s Designs painting a velvet sofa that turned out beautiful. Hope this helps.
Michelle Leslie says
Wow, wow, wow. That’s incredible. It looks stunning!!!
Denise says
Thanks, Michelle! π
Uli Hill says
Love, love, love it!! your tutorial came across my e-mail just as i was starting my wing back chair…..I was really nervous about trying, but your tutorial is fantastic! So easy to follow. Thank you so much for sharing all of your makeovers!!! So talented!!
Denise says
Thanks, Uli and if you give it a try on your wingback, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!
Tracy says
That is fantastic, as is the technique you used. I could also see this technique being used for a small side table top, or an ottoman, vintage suitcases……….so many possibilities. Thanks for posting, you are a genius!
Denise says
Exactly, all of those sound amazing, and thanks my friend. I hope you’re enjoying your long weekend. XOXO
Linda Manuel says
Absolutely stunning makeover, probably the best, biggest change I’ve seen on the net! Just amazing. Will be saving these instructions for sure. Super talent, lady!
Denise says
Aw thanks so much, Linda! Much appreciated! XOXO
HopeJW says
Good morning! I am impressed beyond belief. This is THE best makeover, redo, flip I have seen in forever! Not joking at all! It looks like a brand new chair for sure. Thank you for sharing this.
Be Blessed and be a Blessing, Hope
Denise says
Thanks SO MUCH, Hope! You just put a big smile on face.π
Lis says
This is one of your very best make-overs! I am sentimental when it comes to wingback chairs as I remember as a child spending so much time in my mumβs reading. I think Iβve always made a connection to that chair and my love of reading..
Your make-over is brilliant because I love the look of an old leather chair but donβt really like the feel of sitting on leather for any length of time. Your chair is perfect for me. I can wait to hunt for an old wingback chair & start painting it.
Thanks so much for sharing this with all your internet fans. We adore your style!
Lis
Denise says
Thanks so much, Lis! And I love the story of you reading on your Mum’s Wingback chair. I’ve done my fair share of reading on this very chair too… looking forward to some more good reads on it. If you give this technique a try, I’d love to hear how it all turns out for you. And have fun! π
Lisa says
Wow, how cool is this? But I have to ask: how comfortable is this painted fabric to sit on? I have a chair that I’m thinking about trying this on, but it needs to be comfortable for both me and our cat! *grin*
Denise says
It’s very comfortable Lisa. It’s stiffer to the touch (with your hands), but sitting on it you don’t really notice a big difference. I’m not a cat owner but the other chair I painted, my dog finds comfy.
Sue Mellette says
Denise, your makeover is simply amazing! I would never guess that it was the same chair. I love the final look and the details that you share in your photos and the explanations you give are so helpful. I have seen furniture painted before, but your piece took it to another level!. What an inspiration. I have been thinking about painting an occasional chair that I have in my den. It just has a fabric seat. So I might give it a try. The wood could use a makeover as well. Thanks for sharing.
Denise says
Thanks for this Sue! And if you paint your fabric occasional chair, have fun. I’d LOVE to hear how it works out for you! π
Debbie says
Ok seriously mind blown! I have a loveseat in the basement that is in great condition, it has that ruffled 80’s skirt too.
What colors would you use to go gray black? or maybe deeper brown?
I LOVE this. Thank-you!
Denise says
Thanks Debbie! And it really depends on what tones of grey/black you’d like. I just played around with a couple of colors until I found the tone I wanted. I’m a HUGE fan of Caviar Black or Coffee Bean which are gorgeous softer blacks. A deep/dark gray that would work nicley (I think) is this Gravel Road or something similiar. π
Suzanne says
Hi Denise, I am a member of way too many blogs and decided yesterday that I needed to unsubscribe to a lot of them but I will never unsubscribe to yours. Love every single one of them. You are an inspiration and I have learnt so much from you.
Best wishes,
Suzanne (Australia)
Denise says
Hi Suzanne! I’m so happy you’re finding a little inspiration in the projects I attempt. And I’m grateful to YOU for taking the time to drop by and leave such a heartwarming comment… thank YOU! π€
Ranell says
Can you do this on an old leather chair? We have an old recliner that has worn spots .
Denise says
I’ve come across a few tutorials on Pinterest that have painted on leather but I’ve never tried it for myself, so I’m not sure. If you google it you might find something tho! π
Gail Downey says
YOU CAN REFRESH OLD LEATHER CHAIRS WITH CAKE SHOE POLISH..DEPT. STORES HAVE IT IN SHOE DEPT..
Denise says
Great tip Gail! π
Marie-Interior Frugalista says
Denise do you realize how you just rocked my world? I have a fabric armchair that is my favorite chair in the whole house and I chalk painted it several years ago but the color no longer worked in our restyled living room. It’s sitting in the basement and I miss that chair so much. I thought about repainting it but felt it would look too umm plain jane until now! We have a leather sofa in our living room and I’m so excited that thanks to your tutorial, I can give it the same look! Thanks to you, I get my chair back – so excited!!! You are so amazingly talented my friend. xo
Denise says
I can’t WAIT to see what you do Marie! π It’s a really fun process… you’re going to have fun with this one!XOXO π€
Ionara Rodgers says
Amazing!!
Love all your work
Denise says
Thank you Ionara!
Robin says
You do amazing work! This one is spectacular.
Denise says
Thank you Robin!π
jackie cooley says
From “granny” to mod; Love it! Really looks like leather; I’m going to try this! As always, you inspire me!
Denise says
Thanks Jackie! And if you give it a go I’d love to hear how it goes for you… I know you’d make it gorgeous! XOXO
Lizzy says
That is amazing! It looks great. Does your dog still use the chair?
Denise says
Thanks, Lizzy! π And no, unfortunately, Freddi (my furbaby who used the wingback chair as a face cloth) passed away back in 2014 and Gidget (my furbaby in the video) doesn’t use this chair at all.
Val says
Denise, this blew me away. beautifully done! Does the tissue paper ever stick and become difficult to remove?
Denise says
Thanks Val!! π I’m uploading the video as I write this and there is a place in the video where the tissue paper did stick a little… but just a tiny piece. For the most part, I had NO issues at all. π
Mary Loveland says
Hi Denise, wonderful makeover! Can you keep us posted on how it wears? It looks so good I think it would be worth it if you just have to do touch ups once in awhile.
I am going to assume that you don’t have to use more water after that first coat: my other question was also about the fabric. Your chair looks like it has a nice tight weave cotton that wouldn’t stretch much. The chair I would try this on has a weave, I think I may just try a section on the lower back and see how it takes the paint or better yet, go get a scrap piece of woven material and try it on that. Great posting!
Denise says
I’m not sure how it would work on a stretchy woven material so very good idea to try on the back or a scrap piece. And for sure. I’ll keep you posted. I finally edited the video and uploaded it so you can see exactly how my other painted chair held up over the years. If you don’t want to watch the entire tutorial, you can check out the 4yr old painted chair in the last 2 minutes. π
Christy James says
This is amazing!! I cannot believe it is even the same chair!! You are a miracle-worker, my friend!! XOXO
Denise says
Thank YOU! I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out too.π€
Leslie Smith says
That looks incredible! Well done! I am curious if you have ever used Fabric Medium. I just bought some so I can turn any paint into fabric paint. I want to paint a duvet cover but font’s want it to be stiff. Would love to hear your insight.
Denise says
Leslie, I didn’t have any luck with my fabric medium.π But it could be because I tried it on velvet. If you give it a try on your duvet cover, I’d LOVE to hear how it works for you.
Leslie Smith says
Thanks so much! Velvet would be tricky. π I think I will try it first on some faded outdoor pillows. Those fade so badly but I hate to contribute to landfills every summer with pillows.
Denise says
Brilliant Leslie! And ya, I had a hard time painting velvet… literally…lol, they turned out super hard.
Angela says
Wow, that is impressive! I love everything you do. So inspirational. Thank you
Denise says
Thank you, Angela!! π
Rebecca Ackroyd says
Dang!!! The faux leather texture and the artfully applied dark wax really make the look. Fantastic! I’ll remember this I find an adorable chair with ugly upholstery!
Denise says
I like your ‘Dang’…lol. Thanks, Rebecca! XOXO
Nicki says
This is an AMAZING before and after! You’ve outdone yourself. I would never have thought to paint faux leather on a chair. ~ Nicki
Denise says
Aw, thanks my friend! XOXO
Cate Cooper says
WONDERFUL JOB!! You are a superstar! I’ve seen painted fabric but never to imitate leather. Kudos to you.
Denise says
Thanks so much Cate! xo
Debi Hendry says
Absolutely fabulous! Do you seal it at all ?
Denise says
Thanks, Debi! Only with the dark wax. π
maria says
OMG- what an incredible makeover. It looks FANTASTIC. !!
Who would have even thought this was possible. Thanks so much for sharing.
Denise says
Aw, thanks Maria! It was a really fun project!
Barbara Murphy says
I love this. Would this work for a problem I have? I love the red microfiber couch I have but the seat cushions are showing wear. Could I do this without changing the color?
Denise says
Hi Barbara! I’m sure you could but the trick would be to match the color perfectly. Before you start the seat cushions it would be wise to do a test area on the back or in an inconspicuous area to make sure it matches perfectly after the paint has dried. π
Sue says
Love it! It is gorgeous ! Denise you did a fantastic job. I am on the lookout for a chair so I can try this. Tissue paper who knew? Thanks for all your great advice.
Denise says
My pleasure Sue… it’s a REALLY fun project. If you give it a go I’d love to hear how it all turns out for you! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hey Denise!! That is amazing. Who would have thought tissue paper? It really does look like leather. So cool!! Very creative.
Denise says
Thanks so much Cheryl! And video is coming soon if you want to see the tissue paper in action. I’m editing it right now but I’m sooo slooow editing video…lol
Michele Finkelstein says
What if my wingback chair has a texture and is not smooth. How would that work or look using this technique?
Thanks for any advice.
Michele
Denise says
Hi Michele! You can definitely paint textured fabrics but depending on the texture your working with, I’m not sure if it would turn out looking like leather. I tried painting velvet once, but unfortunately, it didn’t turn out so great. I know other painters who have a great success with it tho.
Michele Finkelstein says
What i wanted to say was the fabric has a design that is raised. I think you’re right that it wouldn’t look like leather. I could probably just use chalk paint. Thanks for your help. Your projects are always beautiful. I look forward to your new projects!
Michele
Denise says
I see… i still think it would depend on what the raised pattern looks like. Maybe it would look like embossed leather! π
Do Dodson says
Impressive! Itβs looks like real leather. What a great way to salvage those out of date chairs without having to reupholster. Oh, by the way… I have a sister named Andra. π
Denise says
Thanks Do, and hey I didn’t know that! Sisters are the BEST!π
Donna says
What an incredible transformation. I love it!
Denise says
Thanks Donna! XOXO
Monique says
Hi Denise. WOW!!! If you had not shown the before and after (and the in between) pics I would never have believed that this chair is not real leather. What an amazing, surprising, and gorgeous transformation. I look forward to visiting your blog every week. LOVE IT!
Denise says
Thanks Monique! I’m really impressed with this one as well. It may just be the inspiration I need to re-do my office hehe. XOXO
Nancy says
Amazing! I love your style and the things you create!
Denise says
Thank you Nancy!π