Wingback Chair Makeover

I slowly start on the right side of the thrift store and work my way around to the left.  My eyes are like scanners that pick up on anything that has any value.  I try not to look too far ahead, focusing on just what is in front of me, so I don’t miss anything.  It’s very easy to scan too quickly.  Take your time.

This beautiful wingback chair was definitely something I wouldn’t get by with out noticing.  It was in perfect condition.  It must cost hundreds.  I searched for the tag.

$9.99.

There’s no way.  They must mean $99.99.

My daughter and I examined the chair more closely.  I mean, if it’s $9.99 there has to be pee stains, or a rip, or something.

There was nothing.

I was going to go verify the price, but then I thought.  NO.  A voice told me to grab the tag and go pay for it before someone else does. So I did.

After the lady handed my receipt, she asked me where the chair was and if I could show her.  I thought for sure she would say it was priced wrong.  Not a peep.

SCORE!!!!!

I actually liked the mint green color.  We left it out in the garage until I could vacuum it…who knows where this chair has been.

I decided to finally tackle the makeover right before Christmas (crazy).  This big guy sat in our kitchen for a couple weeks while we worked on it.  I say we, because my husband helped a lot.

Here’s how we did it…step by step. (don’t forget to order your upholstery nails ahead of time.  There are many choices on line or in hardware stores.  The ones I used are below)

1. Vacuum chair.

2. Choose paint color. (I used Behr Ultra in BLACK-eggshell sheen)

3. Put chair on several drop cloths.

4. Mix paint with 1/2 water, 1/2 paint. (I used a jar to store mine in and I wrapped the brush in tin foil and put in the freezer in between coats.

5. Put 1 coat of paint on chair.  It will take more than usual because of the consistency of the paint and the porous fabric.

6. Let dry.

7. Put another coat on entire chair.  Let dry.

8. Sand chair.  You can sand the chair by hand, but that will be difficult.  My husband used an electric sander (100 grit).  Sand until it’s soft, don’t worry if you can see through to the old fabric.  (wear a mask when sanding, and do it outdoors or in garage) Vacuum chair with the brush attachment.

9. Bring chair back in (it’s cold here), and give it another coat.  Let dry, and give another coat.  Let dry.

10. Repeat #8.

11. Repeat #9 if necessary.  The goal is to get to a color you are happy with.

12.  No matter how many coats you put on, you have to sand that last coat to get the chair to be soft.

13.  Vacuum the heck out of it when you are satisfied with the color using the brush attachment.  Cheese cloth works too.

14.  Hammer in your nails.  You can add a little or a lot depending on your style.  I looked up images of wingback chairs and that gave me an idea on where to put the nails.  They went in easily, but you have to be patient in lining them up.

Now, is this chair perfect?  No.  Is it rough in certain areas, yes.  Do I love it?  Yes.

For $9.99…it changed the entire look of our living room.  I absolutely love the “velvet” look the black paint gave it.  It’s very rustic, but chic.

Hey, it even matches my daughters boots.

Hope you enjoyed my “Wingback Chair Makeover”.