I contemplated getting rid of our storage ottomans after our move in July. Not only are they used daily as foot stools, but as storage to hide away the abundance of toys that our kids have. I wasn't ready to sacrifice the storage, so I opened a can of paint instead.
First, I mixed an unknown proportion of Barcelona Orange and Arles. I even added in some Old White, kept mixing and mixing until we were happy with the shade of melon. Mixing is so easy! I tend to use Tupperware containers that I can later seal and use again if there are any left overs.
I should honestly be embarrassed by the condition of these ottomans! The transformation is so incredible, that I can't NOT show you the before and after.
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| Oyster color microfiber storage ottoman |
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| The water stains and filth |
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| First coat |
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| I decided to add a stencil |
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| I layered the design to give an overall look! |
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| At the start of the waxing process |
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| The transformation is complete! |
The tools I used:
-Annie Sloan Small Paint Brush (natural bristle)
-Chalk Paint® mixed color (Barcelona Orange, Arles and Old White)
-Chalk Paint® Old Ochre (used for stencil)
-Large Stencil
-Water bottle
-Pail of water
-Annie Sloan Clear wax
-Annie Sloan small wax brush
-Plenty of rags
-Lint-free cloth
The key to the paint absorbing into the fabric is water. I lightly misted the fabric with the spray bottle. I also had a pail of water to dip my brush in to keep it moist. The first coat really did absorb into the fabric. I thought it was going to take a ton of coats, but when I started applying the second coat, the coverage was so much greater.
I read a lot about how people sand in-between coats, but I'm a bit lazy, and decided against it. One less step! Once my base color was completely dry, I stenciled the Old Ochre design.
I decided to give the ottomans time to fully dry. I did end up waiting a few days before waxing.
Annie Sloan Soft Wax is a beautiful thing. The only way to describe the texture of the ottomans sans wax is like dry, rough canvas. The first stroke of wax was UNBELIEVABLE. The stools turned into soft leather. They are wipe-able and extremely durable compared to what I started with. I was instantly in love. I find myself wanting to paint other fabric, but I have quite a few more projects lined up before my own!
I am beyond thrilled that I took the chance to try out this process, and I am once again in awe of the wonderful things this paint can do. When they say "the possibilities are endless," they are not kidding.
Try it out! If you have any questions, give us a call.
Thanks for reading!
Ashley
Link to Annie Sloan tutorial!
