Over the summer I found a great set of cane back chairs at a yard sale. They were filthy and yellow with horrendous teal velvet seats.
I got them late into garage sale season, so at that point my garage and basement were packed, and I may have promised Topher I wouldn’t bring home anything else until the garage was cleared out.
These were too good of a deal, but I knew I would have to get these redone and resold quickly so Topher wouldn’t blow a gasket.
I do recall the day I got them — it is was a 101-degree day, but I sat out in the sweltering garage trying to strip them down. After prying-out eight billion staples, I removed the nasty teal velvet seat cover only to find an even more hideous yellow velvet.
Awesome.
By the time I finished, I had a garage filled with teal velvet, yellow velvet, a staple for every person on the planet, and buckets of sweat.
As I explained in this earlier post, I cleaned them up and sprayed them with primer and then with black high gloss spray paint. After 5 or 6 coats, some areas where shiny and the others were flat.
After 4 more coats I gave up.
I carried them down to my basement to sit until I got inspired enough to finish them, and for months I endured Topher’s snarky comments every time he had to walk past them.
Eventually, I decided to start over and paint them with ivory chalk paint.
Back upstairs they went.
I then distressed one and recovered the cushion. And then another. After two chairs were completed … I hated them again.
Sooo, back down to the basement they went.
A while later, I received an email from a client wanting to know if they were still available.
So back up the stairs they came until each of those bad boys were finished.
They turned out nothing like I had envisioned in the beginning, but I think I finally like them — even better than if they were a high gloss black.
My client is picking them up tonight, and Topher will be ecstatic that I have cleared out some space (which may or may not be filled-in soon).
Have you had any projects that were much harder than you thought they were going to be? Or maybe it just turned out differently than you thought?
Please share with the class!
I have an end table that “Looked” easy when I brought it home. I got it CHEAP at the thrift store, and lightly sanded the black paint. I used the Glidden Gel self adjusting paint in high gloss red, Well, it doesnt “self adjust” I have painted, scraped, used paint remover, sanded, scraped some more, and finally put it away until I get ready for more torture! Initially, I wanted the high gloss red with black showing through just a little, and gold handles. Not happening. I can totally relate. It amazes me how some project go without any problems at all, and I am amazed at how well they turn out, while others get me stumped.
Oh Deby, I’m glad someone feels my pain!
I think they look great! I love the fabric that you wound up using. 😀 XOXO
Why thank you Miss Clydia! I linked up to your party this week! Thanks for hosting!
Those turned out great. I’m sure the new owner is going to LOVE them- I know I would- xo Diana
Thanks Diana! Is it nice where you live? It was actually beautiful here today. Great day for garage sales and believe me, I hit a bunch!
Those look amazing! I can imagine the work that went into them though… good for you for sticking to it! I sometimes belong to the “Good Enough” crew… 🙂
You and me both sister!
Shanna, they’re gorgeous!!! I’m sure you’re glad they finally done:) – pinning ~ Amy
hi there. i just painted a cane back rocker with ascp in aubusson blue. as far as sealing it (specifically, the cane) what did you use? thanks. love all your projects! very inspirational.
Did you use spray on chalk paint, or use a brush?