********** U p h o l s t e r y F a b r i c S p r a y P a i n t *************** HOW TO PAINT Furniture Fabrics with Fabric Spray Paints. Please read entire article below before attempting to paint. Painting on fabric-covered furniture is, by far, the topic that we most frequently get asked about!  This is usually followed quickly by "How many cans will I need?" People wanting to paint the original fabric instead of expensive reupholstering or purchasing spendy slipcovers may be able to save lots of money using Simply Spray Fabric Paint.  Simply Spray Fabric Paint works great to add designs to furniture and cover smaller pieces like cornices and chairs.  However, please be aware that large projects make take several cans of regulare Simply Spray paint to cover it, therefore we suggest that you purchase Simply Spray Upholstery Fabric Paint for large areas. It is specially formulated for furniture fabrics and contains UV pro- tectants to protect against sun fading. Both Simply Spray paints are non-toxic, water-based, water soluble while wet, and clean up easily with soap & water until the paint has air cured. Both types of Simply Spray Paints are also safe to dry indoors. ----------- Always Test a Hidden Area Before Painting Entire Piece. -------------- Important!  Painting on furniture fabric information and disclaimer. Originally, the regular-sized Simply Spray fabric paints were specifically designed for users to decorate fabric, clothing, arts and crafts, and T-shirts.  The can size is 2.5 oz.  It is a small can that covers about 6 square feet of fabric.  The can size is appropriate for smaller projects.  Although, furniture painting was not the original intended use of Simply Spray, the paint works very well on many furniture fabrics but please be aware that large projects require more than a can or two.  Plan accordingly to have enough paint if using these cans.  The good news is that FPC International does offer regular Simply Spray in bulk at wholesale prices for our clients doing large projects. And we now also offer the large, 8 ounce cans of the Simply Spray Upholstery Fabric Paint which will cover three times more area. Because Simply Spray paints do not need heat setting and air cure nicely, they are wonderful for painting furniture fabric in that way. Please understand that our experience does NOT extend into using the product on all of the many different types of fabrics that are used in upholstery.  We DO KNOW that vinyl and vinyl-type of fabrics are NOT paintable with fabric paints because vinyl was designed to resist any kind of staining medium.  Nylon and 100% polyester fabrics are also dye and paint-resistant and the color was manufactured into the fibers themselves.  Simply Spray will work on those fabrics with mixed results. The companion product, Stencil Spray, despite its brand name, is the best product available for projects involving shiny, dye-resistant furniture because it has a thicker formula that is drip-resistant.  It also covers other colors better than other fabric paints while still leaving a soft, flexible, permanent result that will never bleed off into clothing after being properly allowed to dry thoroughly.  The regular Simply Spray Fabric Paint may act more like a dye than a paint. Results will vary, no matter what you use, so ALWAYS TEST the paint on a hidden area of the furniture, such as the bottom of a seat cushion or pillow.   Scrap pieces of the upholstery fabric are sometimes available from upholstery shops or the furniture maker. THE BEST PLAN OF ACTION: If you wish to try Simply Spray paints on your furniture, I recommend that you FIRST purchase ONE can and try it on a hidden area or equivalent scrap.  When you see that you get the desired results, you can then use the rest of the can and order more fabric paint (as needed).  Measure the test area to determine coverage that you got from the can.  Coverage varies by material, coverage, and user application. Then you will have an idea how much paint to do your whole sofa, love seat or divan. ALWAYS, always test Simply Spray Fabric Paint on a hidden area FIRST also. FPC International can not be held responsible for furniture you paint.  Always make sure the results are dry and permanent before using the furniture again.  Any patterns or varied colors already on the furniture may come through.  Dark paint colors will work best. Also be aware that TWO coats may be necessary to get a good, even coverage. Plan to double the amount of paint you determine will cover the project if the fabric is dark; or is velvet, cordouroy, or dense fabric. TEST for that by applying one coat to the back or hidden spot. Once dry, examine to determine if two coats will be best. Double the number of cans for two coats (let dry between coats). Note: You will need more or less paint depending upon the fabric's absorption and how heavily applied. Two coats maybe necessary on some fabrics like velvets and heavier fabrics. See the sofa painting video and/or car seat painting video (on our website, FabricPaint.com). The furniture may be dry to the touch in an hour or two, however, 72 hours or more is required for drying (depending on humidity) after it has been painted will allow furniture to be completely dry before allowing use of furniture again.  Wait at least one week to allow it to air cure before attempting any cleaning. If necessary, clean only with mild soap & water or a mild type of furniture cleaner.  Do not forget to test all upholstery cleaners first also.  --- Yardage Chart to help determine the approximate number of cans that may be needed for covering furniture pieces is available on our website. ---------- 1 Yard = 2 of the regular-size Cans One 8 ounce can will cover approx. 1.75 square yards (15 sq ft) If your project involves changing to dark colors then you are in luck.   Dark colors cover light or medium colors more easily, but some dark colors in design patterns may show through slightly even if covered with a darker color. Most people find this very acceptable if the underlying pattern is not a problem for their dècor. We suggest that you vacuum your furniture very well and insure that it is COMPLETELY dry before painting.  Steam-cleaning it first (especially any soiled areas) will help get good results also but be sure it completely dry before spraying paint on. After spray painting, allow the sofa to dry completely indoors before exposing to the elements.   You may have seen the home improvement TV show where they left the sofa outside overnight only to be ruined by the rain.  Simply Spray is water-based so it does NOT emit fumes and is safe to dry indoors. So after all that, you may ask: "Will Simply Spray work on my sofa?"  Answer: Maybe yes, or maybe no.  Most likely yes...unless it is a shiny material.   However, you WILL need to test first. Please note that Simply Spray and Stencil Spray can also be used on outdoor patio furniture and awnings!  And works great on car seats and RV interiors!  It will withstand the sun and rain as well or better than any paint can. Figure 2 cans for each square yard (as above). -------------- Test Test Test Test Test -------------------- And you also may ask: "How many cans will it take to do my sofa?" Answer: Each sofa is a different size and fabric material.  You will have to do a test to see if it works on your project first.  During the test, measure a section to determine the coverage yield on the piece of furniture.  Use the above chart as a guide.  You may need less or more, however, depending upon the fabric's absorption, how heavily it is applied, and underlying colors. If you have any other questions, please contact our Customer Support Services line: 1-866-533-8218 which is open from Noon to Midnight everyday during US Mountain Time. See FabricPaint.com for more info. Simply Spray is sold, distributed, & supported by FPC International, an independent value-added reseller of fabric paints and supplies. FPC International Box 225 Chappell, NE 69129 USA Office: 1-866-533-8218 Fax: 1-503-214-8057