Paint with chalk Paint on Upholstered Chairs, Leather Sofas, and More

Chalk paint has revolutionized furniture refinishing with its matte, velvety finish and excellent adhesion. When used thoughtfully, chalk paint can transform fabric surfaces—from upholstered chairs to leather sofas—into durable, stylish pieces that fit your space. In this guide, you’ll learn how to prepare fabric for chalk paint, choose the right Chalk Paint products, apply the paint, seal and protect, and care for your newly refreshed furniture.

Why use chalk paint on fabric?

• Great adhesion on many fabrics when properly prepared
• Fast-drying with a matte, vintage-inspired look
• Easy to distress for a patina or aged effect
• Wide color range to match any decor
• Low odor and simple cleanup, especially with water-based formulas

Note: Chalk paint behaves differently on fabric than on wood. Preparation and sealing are crucial for durability, especially on high-use items.

Read all steps carefully before getting started. 

It is recommended that you test on a small piece of fabric first.

Materials you'll need

• Chalk paint (water-based, low-VOC, example: Nordic Chic Chalk Paint)
• Fabric prep solution or deglosser (optional but helpful)
• Soft brushes and foam brushes
• Fine 220–320 grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge
• Linen or cotton drop cloths
• Painter’s tape
• Chalk paint sealer or fabric-safe topcoat (matte or satin)
• Clear wax or furniture wax (optional for a velvety finish)
• Test swatches: small fabric scraps or inconspicuous areas
• Leather-safe sealant (if painting leather; see notes below)

Safety:

• Work in a well-ventilated area
• Use a dust mask if sanding
• Test color and adhesion on a hidden area first

Step-by-step: prepping fabric for chalk paint

1. Choose a hidden test spot

• Apply a small amount of paint to a discreet area or scrap fabric to verify adhesion and color.

2. Clean the fabric

• Vacuum and wipe down the surface to remove dust, hair, and oils.
• For durable fabrics, a light wipe with a damp cloth can help, then allow to dry completely.

3. Optional: degrease and degloss

• If the fabric is very slick or has a varnish-like finish, use a fabric prep solution or deglosser per the product instructions.
• This helps the chalk paint grip better.

4. Protect surrounding areas

• Use painter’s tape to mask trim, piping, or areas you don’t want painted.
• Lay drop cloths or old sheets to protect floors.

5. Test color and adhesion

• Paint a small patch and let it dry. Check for flaking or adhesion issues.

Step-by-step: painting fabric with chalk paint

1. Prepare your workspace and tools

• Have plenty of ventilation, a clean area, and your painting brushes ready.

2. Stir and load your brush

• Stir chalk paint well
  
• Chalk Paint should be diluted with water to a watery or thin milk consistency (often a 1:1 ratio) to ensure it penetrates fabric fibers rather than sitting on top, which prevents a stiff or cracking finish. It is essential to lightly mist the fabric with water first to help absorption. Some painters add a bit of fabric softener to make sure the fabric stays soft.

3. First coat: thin  and even

• Apply a light, even coat in smooth strokes. For fabrics, aim for coverage without saturating the fibers completely.
• Work in small sections to manage drying times.

4. Build coverage with 2–3 coats less water in 2nd coat and no water in last coat, but think of it as a stain or dye and not a full cover like on furniture.

• Allow each coat to dry completely (check manufacturer guidelines for your paint).
• Lightly sand between coats with a very fine sandpaper or sanding sponge to remove raised fibers and create a smoother finish.
• Wipe away dust before applying the next coat.

5. Check for evenness

• Ensure color sits evenly across the fabric and that there are no bare spots.

6. Optional distressing

• If you want a vintage or shabby-chic look, you can lightly distress with a fine sanding pad or steel wool along seams and corners.

Finishing options: sealing and protecting fabric-painted surfaces

• Sealer/topcoat: For durability, use a fabric-safe topcoat or water-based poly/sealer that’s compatible with chalk paint on fabric. Matte or satin finishes work well for a natural look.
• Wax (optional): A clear wax can add a velvety feel, but ensure the wax is compatible with the topcoat you’ve chosen and the fabric type. If you use a cloured wax allways be sure to gve a coat of clear wax afterwards so the coloured wax does not rub off on to your clothe.
• Leather notes: If painting leather-covered surfaces, look for a leather-safe topcoat or sealant designed for vinyl/leather. Some chalk paint formulations can be used on leather with a compatible sealant, but always test first. Leather typically benefits from a dedicated leather paint and sealer for durability.

Maintenance tips:

• Clean gently with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals