After one of my frequent plunges to the depths of the the internet, I returned with a neat idea. It began with the plan to update an outdated couch that my friend (now wife) gave me from her church. While it ended with no changes to that couch, the plunge down that particular rabbit hole yielded a fun project:

• Started searching for appropriate fabrics to reupholster the couch.
• Found out that I can have custom fabric printed with my face on it!!!
• I didn’t want to wait for custom fabric, so I researched the types of ink that they used.
• Found out fabric paint exists.
• Decided the fabric paint is too expensive for the size of project I wanted to do.
• Found something called Textile Medium that changes acrylic paint into fabric paint.
• Calculated the number of little acrylic paint containers needed for the size of my project and got frustrated.
• Discovered Latex paint is acrylic paint.
• Lost interest in the couch and decided I wanted a wing back chair with flames.
• Purchased a wing back chair (my mom actually got it from Goodwill).
• Purchased Latex Paint and Textile Medium.
• “Commissioned” my mother and beautiful wife to paint the chair (my artistic talents are somewhat lacking).
• Enjoyed my Flaming Chair!!!

I was kind of surprised with how well the chair turned out, so I want to quickly post some things I learned. It might help the next person with some project, but it will definitely help me remember when I will get back to that couch someday.

1. I am not sure the Textile Medium is necessary. We used it on parts of the chair but not other parts. Next time, I probably won’t mess with it.
2. The fabric should be lightly sanded with fine grit sandpaper before painting and between coats to improve pliability and adherence.
3. Latex paint from the hardware store seems to work fine.
4. Plan on multiple coats.
5. Plan on it taking a LONG time to dry.
6. Let it dry between coats as much as your patience will allow.
7. The final surface of this project is not what I would call “plush” or “soft”. It is not advisable to scrape newborns against the painted fabric surface.
8. Sanding at the end might offer a softer feel, but it also might dull the colors and require another thin coat to bring them back. Some experimentation is in order.
9. Due to the non-plush texture of the final product, I am looking at alternate options for my Flaming Underwear project.

As always, please comment if you have any ideas or suggestions. I am always anxious to learn from the experience and ideas of others.