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Is it possible to dye a faded fabric sofa?

(19 Posts)
Skydancer Sun 04-Jul-21 15:51:32

The sofa in question has, I think, some sort of coating on it although it is a fabric sofa and not a leather one. It was from Tesco about 15 years ago but I love it as it's so comfy. The arms are faded from the sun. I'd love to give it another lease of life but it really does look tatty. Other than that, I could put a throw over it but I can't decide if it's worth buying one or just putting the money towards a new sofa.

Calendargirl Sun 04-Jul-21 15:57:20

Could you have it re-covered if it’s really comfy and in good condition apart from fading?

Polly12 Sun 04-Jul-21 15:57:42

Better to buy a fitted cover?

tiredoldwoman Sun 04-Jul-21 17:05:21

On Escape to the Chateau a few nights ago Angel painted her fabric chairs ! They looked super - have a wee look as I'm not sure what kind of paint she used , diluted then scrubbed on .

MoorlandMooner Sun 04-Jul-21 17:06:34

On Escape to the Chateau this week Angel painted a fabric sofa with chalk paint. It sounds odd, but she was very pleased with the result. Might be worth a watch on catch up.

MadeInYorkshire Sun 04-Jul-21 17:07:29

Painted sofas are a thing nowadays - chalk paint is usually used - google it you will find loads! They come out feeling like soft leather ....

shysal Sun 04-Jul-21 17:59:11

The full programme title was Escape to the Chateau - Make Do and Mend, just to be sure you watch the correct one. I was impressed with the results. She used diluted chalk paint and fluffed up the surface when dry with a spongey sanding block to take away any hardness of the nap.

Shandy57 Mon 05-Jul-21 07:46:29

People in the UK are painting fabric with a paint called French chic. There is a facebook page called French chic paint lovers if you'd like to look at some examples.

nipsmum Mon 05-Jul-21 12:35:20

A throw needn't be too expensive. I got a nice quite heavy one on IKEA for £20.

Auntieflo Mon 05-Jul-21 12:40:48

I was going to suggest the fix that Angel did on Escape to the Chateau, but was beaten to it.
Have a go if you can find the correct fabric paint.

lemongrove Mon 05-Jul-21 14:44:17

I would go with having a large throw until such time as you want to replace it.

mokryna Mon 05-Jul-21 14:52:39

Has anyone tried the fabric painting method, if so what make did you use and are you pleased with the finish?

Witzend Mon 05-Jul-21 15:03:20

I just googled ‘sofa covers’ and found some stretch ones with very good reviews from Dunelm.

Skydancer Mon 05-Jul-21 19:06:15

Oh, thanks everyone. Some good ideas here!

DillytheGardener Mon 05-Jul-21 19:11:29

If you do choose that method I would do a patch test under the cover to see if you like the result/ texture/finish/and check if it comes off on clothes when dry.

JaneJudge Mon 05-Jul-21 19:12:29

please don't paint fabric, it is awful, it just flakes and comes off. Either get new covers made or have upholstered if you like it. Please dont paint it

Namsnanny Mon 05-Jul-21 19:23:19

I was wondering about the flaking off JaneJudge, and I agree, save up and get covers made!

simarden Sun 19-Sep-21 21:26:26

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