How To: Refinish Upholstery Using Paint

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We're going to say this upfront: we're skeptical. In searching for inexpensive ways to refinish, cover, or otherwise mask the terrible upholstery of our Craigslist sofa, we recently came across an idea that had strangely never occurred to us: paint it...

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There's a great article on DIYNetwork that explains in detail the process required to take ordinary paint to upholstery; the secret being cutting the paint (latex wall paint for base coats, acrylics for color and detail) with a textile medium like GAC-900, which better adheres the paint to the fabric while keeping it soft and pliable...

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There is also a product made specifically for this purpose, Simply Spray'sUpholstery Fabric paint, though if judging by their website alone, we're torn between thinking the paint is ingenious and thinking it's repurposed spray-on hair.

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While we won't be attempting anything as graphic as the sofas pictured, we still have our doubts as to the effectiveness of this project, with visions of crunchy fabric and blotchy color. But we figure even if the project becomes a complete disaster, we'll only be back where we started from, which isn't so bad. Reupholstering a large piece like a sofa is expensive, and unless you have decent sewing skills and a lot of free time, having a slipcover made isn't going to be much less.

The DIY Toolbox: What You Should Have on Hand for Upholstery Projects

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If, like me, you have been thinking of undertaking a re-upholstery project you might want to take a look at the tools needed before you start. I have learned that there are several specialized tools that will make the job a lot easier, and depending on the type of upholstery, you might consider acquiring or borrowing some or all of them.

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Basic tools include:
Magnetic Hammer: One end of this hammer is magnetic, allowing you to lift the tack and hammer it in place with just one hand while your other hand is pulling or holding things in place.
Screwdriver: To remove the parts you need to work on or disassemble furniture before you begin.
Fabric Scissors: You will need very good scissors to cut through thick fabric or several layers of fabric at once.
Measuring Tape: To measure fabric, webbing, welting, etc. 
Staple Gun: To staple fabric or webbing in place.
Staple Remover: This will help you pull staples from a channel or a flat surface without damaging the area.
Upholstery Tacks: Use these to tack fabric and webbing in place. There are many types and sizes so make sure you are using the ones that are best suited for the job you are doing.

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For more complicated jobs, you might need some of the following:
Webbing Stretcher: This tool (shown above), works like a lever and will allow you to put enough tension on the jute webbing before you staple it. 
Rubber Mallet: With this mallet you can install tack strips without damaging the surrounding area.
Curved Needles: These large curved needles are great for hand sewing cushions, blind stitching panels, etc.
Button Needle: You can use this needle and heavy twine to install buttons through furniture backs, cushions, etc. 
Upholsterer's Pins: You can use these pins to hold fabric for machine or hand sewing.
T pins: You can use these pins to hold the fabric in place for tacking or sewing.
Electric Carving Knife: To cut and shape foam
Sewing machine with a welting foot: To make welting and sew it in place.

Fabric Wearability Code

Fabric Wearability Code is an intriguing name for standards developed by the government to provide a guideline to tell if a fabric is strong enough for your needs. You can find fabric wearability codes on manufacturers’ swatch samples shown in stores. Ask a salesperson to help if you cannot find the fabric wearability code on your own.

Fabric strength is determined by how it rates on the double rub test, which is a back and forth motion that approximates the wear and tear that comes from someone sitting down or getting up from an upholstered seat.

3,000 double rubs equals one year's worth of use.

HD or Heavy Duty

If a fabric holds up to more than 15,000 double rubs it is classified as heavy duty. It will be stiffer and thicker than most fabrics, but fortunately there are some also some new blends in this rating. They can be supple and soft enough so that it is hard to tell.

MD or Medium Duty

Medium duty fabric can withstand 9,000 to 15,000 double rubs. Usually, the closer the fabric get to 15,000 the stiffer it is. Medium duty fabrics are versatile and can be used for many purposes, and in family rooms as well as living rooms.

LD or Light Duty

A fabric that can take anywhere between 3,000 to 9,000 double rubs, is classified as light duty fabric. These fabrics can withstand one to three years of regular use and are generally very delicate. They are suitable for pieces that get only occasional use, such as sofas that only get used when guests arrive, or an occasional chair that is used more for its looks than any functionality.

DD or Delicate Duty

Delicate duty fabrics with 3,000 double should only be used on furniture that is purely decorative, or in pillows.