How to Paint a Rocking Chair
Rocking chairs are an essential part of every porch, as they allow you to increase seating with style. Sometimes, you want to sit on the porch, relax, and just enjoy a few peaceful moments.
A rocking chair is your perfect companion in those times. However, buying a new rocking chair costs a lot in terms of finance and your precious time.
If you have abandoned your old chair just because it is old and doesn’t look good anymore, you can fix it in less than an hour. All you have to do is repaint your chair to improve its look.
In this article, you will learn how to paint a rocking chair to make it look as good as new. Let’s take a look.
Things You Will Need
- Spray paint
- Primer
- Vacuum
- Cloth
- Sandpaper
- Vinegar
- Water
- Dish soap
How to Prepare the Chair
Before you start the procedure, you need to prepare the rocking chair to be painted. Let’s start with cleaning the chair.
- Prepare a mixture by adding vinegar and water in equal proportion. Also, add a little dish soap to the mixture.
- Spray the mixture on the chair and rub it with a dishwasher pad. Repeat the process until you have cleaned the entire chair, then use a cloth to wipe down the chair.
- If you still notice any stains left on the chair, use sandpaper to even out the surface. Make sure to remove the loose paint and sand the surface again.
- Use the vacuum to suck up all the dust before using a cloth to wipe over the chair. Wipe down the chair once again with a clean cloth and allow the chair to dry completely.
Repair the Chair (Optional)
Since you are painting an old chair, you may need to repair it. If you notice any loose legs or moving parts, you will need to fix them.
You can use wood glue or screws to fix the chair. Simply, apply the glue with a syringe and allow it to dry before you move to the next step.
If you notice any major issues with the chair, you need to take it to a carpenter before painting. They will be able to fix it or advise you accordingly.
How to Prime a Rocking Chair
Applying a primer prior to painting your chair is important to get a smooth surface. Primers are available in spray cans and regular cans that can be applied with a brush.
The spray can primer is easy to apply and dries quickly. You need to buy a primer of your choice and apply it over the entire surface area of the chair.
Make sure you don’t forget to spray the underside, as well. While applying the primer, you need to ensure that you don’t miss any areas.
Apply evenly to get a good surface for painting, and if needed, you can read the user manual for instructions.
If you are using a non-spray paint can, you will have to use a brush to apply it. Apply carefully as per manufacturer instructions.
Once you have complete priming the chair, let it dry as instructed in the user manual. You may need to do a few touch-ups after it dries completely.
How to Paint a Rocking Chair
Spray paint is more convenient than regular paint. However, the process is almost the same in both situations.
First of all, you need to choose your desired paint color and texture. If you want to keep the wooden touch, you might want to use a dark shade, however, it is entirely up to you and your porch style.
Once you are done choosing the color and have the paint, you need to load the sprayer. When that is done, you should be ready to paint the chair.
The first coat of paint needs to be very light. Consider it just a light base for the second coat.
If you spray it too strong, it will drip or run and give it a poor look. During the first coat, you just introduce the color without covering the chair completely, and once it is done, you will leave the chair to dry.
If you are painting by hand, you will need to give it more time to dry. Leave it for at least four to six hours. Spray paint takes relatively less time to dry, as you can leave it for about an hour and move on to the next step.
Now, it is time for the second coat. This is the major coat that will give your chair its ultimate color.
Start carefully and don’t spray too much in one spot. Spread the paint equally over the entire chair and keep moving from one spot to another.
Once you have covered the entire chair, you need to leave it again to dry. If you haven’t painted the bottom side of the chair, this is the best time to do it.
You don’t have to be as careful in this area, as it will rarely be seen, if ever.
After the second coat, you might be satisfied with the outcome, but you still need to do a final coat. The final coat is necessary to make it look more professional.
In the final coat, you need to touch up where you feel necessary. Make sure the paint looks even on the entire chair, let it dry for a few hours, and then your rocking chair will be ready for use.
Conclusion
When it comes to your home décor, the first thing people notice is your front porch and furniture, and rocking chairs are an essential part of any porch. They add some style while allowing you to relax and enjoy the moment.
A well-painted chair can stand out and showcase your style. However, an old rocking chair will show your laziness.
It doesn’t take much time to paint a rocking chair and make it look like a new one. As stated above, you need some inexpensive essentials to paint a rocking chair, and it will save the money and hassle involved in buying a new one.
While painting your rocking chair, you need to ensure that you consider the overall style of the space. Choose the color and style accordingly, and take all precautionary measures to avoid any accidents.