How to Update Pillows with Paint
Do you have throw pillows that you’ve grown tired of? Learn how to update those pillows with paint.
Mr. SP had this futon when we were married and it now has three covers on it. The last cover was plaid from LLBean and I purchased bolster pillows to match. I wanted to update the pillows without having to sew a new cover, so I painted them.
How to Update Pillows with Paint
Do you have throw pillows that you've grown tired of? Learn how to update those pillows with paint.
Materials
- Throw Pillows
- Paint - I used chalk paint but regular paint is fine to use.
- Fabric Medium
- Paint Brush
- Sanding Sponge
Instructions
- Assemble supplies.
- Mix paint and fabric medium in a 2:1 ratio.
- Spray the fabric with water to moisten it. It doesn't need to be extremely wet.
- Soften the paint by sanding the fabric with a sanding sponge. Sanding will make the fabric feel like leather.
- Enjoy!
Recommended Products
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Shabby Chic Chalked Furniture Paint: Luxurious Chalk Finish Furniture and Craft Paint for Home Decor, DIY Projects, Wood Furniture - Interior Paints with Rustic Matte Finish - 8.5oz - Chalky White -
Delta Creative Ceramcoat Acrylic Paint (8-Ounce), 0802 Textile Medium
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Bar5F Empty Plastic Spray Bottle 32 oz, Chemical Resistant, Professional, Heavy Duty, Blue/White (Pack of 1)
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Brossum Large 2-in-1 Round Chalk and Wax Paint Brush | Painting or Waxing Furniture | Handmade with All Natural Bristles and Ergonomic Handle | Dark or Clear Wax | DIY, Home Decor, Wood
I am so pleased with the end result of this project!
Pin It!
What an improvement! Thanks for sharing! I’m going to try this (just ordered your recommended fabric medium).
Thank you, Anne! Looking forward to seeing your pillow updates.
Thanks for the inspiration, I have a lot of pillows I can do this with!! I love working with what we already have around the house and saving money! Great idea!
Thank you, Cara!
Thanks for sharing this Paula, I haven’t painted furniture yet…..but I just might be doing it soon! Pinning!
What an amazing idea!!
Here’s the thing: I bought a Toyota Camry in 2019. And I’ve been trying to keep the interior clean like crazy.
I have a German shepherd that I run daily. So I put a very large, puffy comforter onto the backseat as layer one. Layer two is one of those sling things that are made for dogs in cars.
Even w/ layer one and layer two, some smudges are on the backseat at each end (by the doors).
Do you think I could use chalk paint on car seats?
Wendy TheInspiredEater.com
I see no reason why this method wouldn’t work on car seats.
Thanks for idea and step by step
You are very welcome, Gail!
That is amazing! I never would have thought to paint pillows, but it looks great!
Thank you so much, Amy!
What a clever way to update pillows.
Thank you, Juliet!
This turned out great! I have never painted fabric but this has inspired me.
Thank you so much, Kim!
This looks amazing! My daughter in law and son were trying this out, so I forwarded this post to them. Can’t wait to give it a try! Pinned so I don’t lose it. Genius!
Thank you so much, Leslie!
You know I’m with you with recycling and upcycling. This is the one thing I haven’t tried yet. Painting on fabric. I’m going to give this a try for Christmas. Thanks for inspiring.
Thank you so much, Cindy!
I have a pair of bolster pillows that have been sitting in a plastic bin for years. I didn’t have the heart to get rid of them because they are a custom size. You just inspired me to pull them out of hiding and update them. If you could successfully hide your plaid pattern, then there is hope for my paisley. Thanks Paula!
I love that I inspired you, Marie!
I am so nervous to try fabric paint! But I have a chair that could really use a new look I think fabric paint could be the answer. Thanks for sharing!
I hope you try it, Marie. It’s very easy.
Who would have thunk it!!! I didn’t believe that “just” paint could cover that plaid! Awesome job!
I am so pleased with the end result of this project!
This is so clever and helpful! I’m going to try it with some “ugly” pillows. Featuring this on Sundays on Silverado this weekend! Thanks for sharing!
Niky @ The House on Silverado
Thank you so much for the feature, Niky!
Looks great, Paula! I’ve had great results painting fabric too! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm–pinned!
Thank you so much, Cecilia!
You know how I always love your DIYs… and this one came out lovely! What a perfect way to update a bolster pillow! I’m happy to be featuring you at Tuesday Turn About tomorrow, my dear friend! Pinned!
Thank you so much for the feature, Julie! I really appreciate it.
Wow…! So, you don’t remove the pillow cover first? Doesn’t the filling of it get wet? This is an excellent idea!
I only lightly sprayed the cover with water, so the filling stayed dry. I am so pleased with the end result!
Who knew you could paint fabric pillows. And these where a dark plaid. So interesting. Thanks for this tip.
Thank you so much, Theresa!
I would have never thought of painting a pillow. What a great update.
Thank you so much, Janet!