Director's Chair Refinish

Ever since I was little, I've always had a thing for director's chairs. I love what they represent, the mood they convey, and how they really haven't changed; they are both vintage and modern all the same.

I found this exact chair on Craigslist for $6! Yes, $6. A few more searches and I have been able to find more on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay, just as affordable!

Refinishing this chair was super easy, and the possibilities are really endless. When I have a house someday, I hope I can make a set of these chairs in all different colors and fabrics that coordinate together. I also imagine a set stained very dark with tropical floral fabric. The possibilities!!

My chair started out with a light stain and an old, faded striped fabric. Honestly, it wasn't in bad condition at all.

To begin, I took off the fabric pieces and set them to the side. Do not throw these away, you will need them to make the pattern of the new fabric pieces!

Next, I laid down cardboard and just spray painted the chair! There are a lot of pieces to make sure you cover with the paint, so take your time. I spray painted the chair, folded in different positions and at different angles to be sure I got everything.

The spray paint that I used for this chair is Krylon Brushed Metallic in Satin Nickel. This is the same spray paint that I used in one of my previous posts, Dresser Refinish.  I really would say that this is the best spray paint I have used. It leaves a smooth finish, has very good coverage, dries quickly, and adheres very well without peeling, flaking, or rubbing off.

I used just over one can for this chair. There was a bit of a breeze when I was painting, so I think if you are careful, you could get it covered with one can.

While the chair was drying, I moved on to the fabric pieces of the chair. Each chair may be slightly different, so hold onto the fabric pieces that came with your chair to measure and find what you need.

To make sure your fabric is strong enough, I would use either a heavy canvas or upholstery fabric. You will only need one yard. I used a blue suede upholstery fabric.

For the back of the chair, my fabric measured 21" x 7". I added 3.5 inches on each side to fold back and slide over the chair and ½ inch at the top and bottom for seam allowances. In total for the back, I cut two fabric pieces 28" x 8".

For the seat of the chair, I only cut one piece of fabric because the wrong side of the fabric would not be visible underneath the seat. In total, I cut this piece 22" x 16".

To sew the back piece, pin the fabrics right sides facing and sew along the long side using a .5" seam allowance. Fold right-side out and press. Topstitch along edge .25" from edge. Next, you will fold and press the short edge .5" from edge and then again 3" from first fold.  ew in place and repeat on the other side. This will conceal the raw edges and create a loop to slide over the chair frame.

For the seat of the chair, fold long side of fabric under and sew .5" from edge. Next, fold short edge 1.25" under and sew to complete your fabric pieces! Once your chair is dry you can assemble your chair.

Enjoy!