I picked up these bamboo chairs a couple of weeks ago - and thought to myself 'a nice quick makeover job' - plus I haven't done any upholstery for a few years now and have quite a few projects waiting to be upholstered and it will get me back into 'the groove'!
Of course I should have remembered - when you think it's going to be a nice quick job - it never is!
I can't believe I looked at all those dark 'criss-crossy' bits and thought I was going get them painted in next to no time!
I used Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint - Shutter Gray with bonding agent - and I think I did 4 coats in the end - to be honest I lost count and it was difficult to see where I was in the process on each coat - I tried to be methodical but there were just too many pieces which looked the same, and slanted in the same direction! I finished with 2 coats of Polyvine Decorators Varnish - with a 'dead flat' finish - this will give the paint plenty of protection especially if they are going to be used in a conservatory where temperatures get pretty hot. The dead flat finish gives no sheen at all and so retains the integrity of the paint finish - I use this product a lot - its great for protecting from water splashes as well.
In my rush to get back into upholstery I clean forgot to take any photos of the process! - I took off the old fabric and the foam underneath was turning to powder so I replaced the foam as well. I covered both chairs in a piece of Vintage French Linen - and I was so lucky I just managed to eek it out to cover both chairs. I use a Stanley electric staple gun - which is great for this kind of project.
I love the new fresh look - and I really enjoyed upholstering them - so there will be more upholstery projects coming your way from this blog!
Do you like my twisted topiary bay tree? - I treated myself - I have been meaning to get one for ages now - I just love the look of them!
CJ
