How to Dye Fabric with Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan
Dyeing fabric is super easy and fun to do so we thought it was worth
revisiting the first time Carrie tried dyeing fabric:
I did it! It's something I've been wanting to try for quite some time - ever since the Color Recipes for Painted Furniture book by Annie Sloan came into the store - dyeing fabric with Chalk Paint™.
I wasn't sure what was going to happen or how it would turn out, so I was a little nervous. I should have known better - it's Annie Sloan, of course it's going to turn out! I started with my Nana's vintage lace table cloth and chose to follow Annie's lead with Aubusson Blue paint.
Here's what I used as per Annie:
- Aubusson Blue paint (or any Chalk Paint™ colour)
- Water
- White linen sheet (a natural fabric such as linen or cotton works best)
- Large, old metal tub (I used a Rubbermaid tub)
- A wooden stick for stirring
- Rubber gloves (optional)
The recipe is simple:
- Ratio is 1 part paint to 20 parts water, but you can adjust depending on how dark you'd like the colour to be
- Pour the paint into the tub
- Slowly mix in the water and stir with the wooden spoon
- Place the fabric in the tub and let soak for about 30 minutes
- Once colour intensity has been achieved, pull the fabric out and hang to dry
It was really so easy! Here's how my project turned out:
It really is as easy as it sounds. Stop by the store to pick up your copy of Color Recipes for Painted Furniture or ask us for more details on how to DIY this easy project.
I was thinking about how we often put away these special items we inherit and don't use them too often for fear of ruining them. Well, I've decided that's just silly – they should be enjoyed. So, I took a customer up on her offer to make a beautiful jacket out of this special piece of fabric. We've made the table cloth into a very sweet jacket and made several more so you're welcome to stop in and see it.
