https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/paint-your-old-couch-to-look-and-feel-like-leather • Posted by Lily O.
Here's how you can paint your couch to look like leather! I share my secret paint recipe that transforms regular paint into soft and stretchy faux leather.
Here's how you can paint your couch to look like leather! I share my secret paint recipe that transforms regular paint into soft and stretchy faux leather.
Here's what the couch looked like before. It was actually an old microfiber futon a friend was getting rid of so we got it for free. It had lots of sun damage but, the fabric was actually in really good shape so I decided to paint it.
After trying a few different paint recipes on the same piece of fabric I stumbled upon a recipe that took this fabric paint to a whole new level. It wasn't just soft but it also had a stretch like leather.
So the secret behind getting your paint to resemble a leather look and feel is adding fabric softener. I added about 3 tablespoons of fabric softener to my paint. Stir the mixture for about 15 seconds and apply to your couch. ( I recommend to do a patch test before you try this on the whole couch also note: If you're using different brand paint or softener you might not get the same effect I did. )
Here's the brand paint and softener I used. ( NOTE: This recipe changes the texture of your paint - It will turn your paint thicker and might even get a bit clumpy. Don't worry too much about it as long as it brushes onto the fabric smoothly it will dry soft. However if your paint rubberizes while your trying to brush it on you've either added to much softener or the area your working in is too hot)
Give your couch 2-3 coats of paint.
Once you have a solid color of paint on your couch you can add a rustic leather effect by rubbing a darker color in with a moist sponge. You can spray a bit of water to help blend it if needed. (I left my couch without a top coat however, I highly recommend adding a simple clear protector for better durability. They're sold at any hardware store. I've tried the valspar brand clear protector and loved it)
Here's what it looks like done. We also added some metal legs for a modern look.
A close up on the leather effect.