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 Simply Spray paint to cover it.

Simply Spray is non-toxic, water-based, water soluble while wet, and cleans up easy with soap and water until the paint has air cured.   Simply Spray is safe to dry indoors.

Always Test a Hidden Area Before Painting Entire Piece.

Important!  Painting on furniture fabric information and disclaimer.

Originally, these 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 12 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.  The good news is that FPC International does offer Simply Spray in bulk at wholesale prices for our clients doing large projects.  And we now offer the new Upholstery Fabric Spray Paint.  Click [HERE] for more info.

Because all Simply Spray paints do not need heat setting and do 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 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. 

If your project involves using dark colors to cover 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.

See our super deal on multi-packs of fabric paint [HERE] and the new Upholstery Fabric Spray Paint [HERE].

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 is completely dry before spraying the 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.

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).  [Video on painting car seats and interior]

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.

[-article by Diane Seveland-]