Chair Love...Refresh an oldie, but a goody! Part 2

Hopefully, you read Part 1 of Chair love so you are ready to move on to Step 2.

Chair love, take 2!! OK...you've finally picked out your chair! You wiggled it, you sat in it, you smelled it, and you love it. What to do next??

Let's back up just a minute. I think I had a "brain fart" in step one and forgot to mention that this process is for upholstered chairs. They really are no-brainers when it comes to a re-do. If they are sturdy, cheap and interesting, then GO for it!! A little cleaning, paint, wax or whatever and presto...a great chair.

This chair series is to help you understand how I pick a re-do candidate. blah, blah, blah....next step already, girl.

Step 2: To Paint or Not to Paint...That is the Question (?)

1. Unless the wood finish is in terrific condition I paint the frame. Actually, come to think of it, I almost always paint the frame. A traditional chair can really be modernized by paint.

2. What type of paint to use?? There are so many kinds out there right now.
Latex, chalk, spray...which one is right for you?

If I am trying to achieve a modern look I always go with a gloss finish spray paint.  I really like Valspar Gloss in black or white.  When a chair has a lot of carved details, it can really be a pain in the a*^%&* to paint with a brush. Because my chairs are for sale, I have to keep things neutral so I stick with black or white.  For personal use, I say...GO FOR IT! Bring on the color!

If I am going for a cottage or more aged look...then handsdown, chalk paint is for me.  I use Cece Caldwell.  There are other really great brands, but the colors they offer make me smile!  Paint, distress, wax. That's my motto.  I love the look of carved chairs when the wax settles into the details.  It really looks like an old piece. Super cool.

You can always use latex paint, (I love Behr).  Don't forget to prime the chair before painting. I hate this step...it seems so fruitless, so I spray or chalk paint....hint, hint, hint...NO PRIMING!  Just a light sand and wipe down and you are ready to PAINT!!  Instant gratification, baby, that's what I'm talkin' about! 

Check back for the final post on Part 3, Picking the fabric.

Have a good one,
Robin

Chair Love...Refresh an oldie, but a goody! Part 1

If you follow me on Facebook, you know that I have been obsessed with chairs lately. I just can't seem to get enough of them! Fat ones, little ones, tall ones, squat ones (love that word...) I want to re-do them all! It's a great way to really change up a room without starting from scratch. A new chair or two, some amazing throw pillows and your room looks totally new.

PART 1
Today I wanna take you through my process for picking chairs that make great re-hab candidates.

Picking the right chair to rework is really the most important part of the process. If you choose a dud from the start, all your hard work could be a waste. We can't have that now can we??!!!

I have a couple of rules that I always follow when chair shopping:

1. The STURDY test...wiggle that sucker around! Is it sturdy, wobbly, wonky? Any of the pieces missing? Wood splitting? Is this something you can fix by yourself? Really...gotta be honest here people.

2. The BUTT test...sit in the chair, if it's not comfortable KEEP on walking baby, do not pass go and collect $200. Even if it's dirt cheap or free...NO NO NO. The shape of your butt will not morph to fit the chair, I've tried.

3. The SNIFF test...does it smell? Yup, you really gotta smell it! I mean, get in there and sniff around. Once a stinker, always a stinker! Words to live by. Unless you have a billion $$$$ to totally replace all the foam, not CHEAP, then again, walk away.

4. The SPECIAL test...what makes this chair worthy of your time? Cool lines? Something you've never seen before? Will fit in that spot just perfectly? I think there should always be something special about a project chair. You don't want to spend your time on ordinary.

Here's a couple of before pics. of my latest project chairs.

Stay tuned for Part 2, to paint or not to paint!

Have a good one,
Robin