How to Paint Fabric & Leather

Learn how to paint fabric like a pro with this easy tutorial! Transform your outdated fabric, worn out vinyl and tired leather using Rethunk Junk by Laura furniture and cabinet paint. Simply follow our step-by-step guide for this budget-saving hack for updating upholstery. And before you ask...YES, it's comfortable to sit on after it's painted! You'll be surprised by how simple & effective this trick is!

Step-by-step guide to painting fabric...

  • Step 1 - Prepare

    Vacuum the fabric and remove all debris. Then prepare a mixture of 1 part liquid fabric softener and 4 parts water (80:20) in a spray bottle. Unlike solid surfaces, fabric is porous and will really soak up the paint, so we use this mixture to saturate the fabric before painting and soften the finish. Simply spray the area you plan to paint until wet but not soaked.

  • Step 2 - Paint

    Choose one of our 48 gorgeous paint colors. Apply using a soft-bristle brush like our Wooster Shortcut Brush. Don't forget to snag a Miracle Brush for working into any small, tight areas too. Apply your first coat of paint to your entire piece. Allow to dry fully. This can take a while with fabric so we recommend using a fan and allowing a few hours minimum. Overnight is best.

  • Step 3 - Sand

    Once dry, use 80 grit sandpaper to sand the surface and soften the finish. Vacuum dust and then apply the next coat of paint. Continue to sand well between coats of paint, being sure to remove all dust before applying more paint. Once you are satisfied with coverage of the paint (usually 2-3 coats), sand one final time and remove all dust. Enjoy your refreshed fabric!

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How to Paint Leather & Vinyl

Leather, vinyl and pleather can all be painted with Rethunk Junk by Laura! If your leather is porous and absorbs liquid, simply follow the steps outlined above for how to paint fabric. If your leather/pleather/vinyl repels liquid, you can simply clean with the Prep and then paint just like you would any hard surface - no need to sand between coats of paint. Enjoy your beautifully refreshed upholstered piece!

How does fabric feel after it's painted?

Here's the question everyone asks about painting fabric and leather! The truth is - painting fabric DOES change how the fabric feels. It makes it feel a bit stiffer and more like a vinyl fabric, but it doesn't make it uncomfortable - just different! Painting is so much easier and more affordable than reupholstering, so the change to the texture can definitely be worth it! Just remember - the two main tricks to keeping it as soft as possible are using the fabric softener mixture before painting and sanding well between coats of paint. Try painting your old fabric piece and be surprised by how easy it is!

Have a question about painting fabric, leather or vinyl? We're happy to help! Reach out any time!