DIY chair makeover - look at the "bones"

One of the great secrets to being successful at finding and making over a yard sale or thift store find is being able to see past the outdated color, funky painting, etc and seeing the "bones" of the piece. 

Does it have a great shape but just needs an updated paint color? Is it in good condition and just needs a fresh modern fabric pattern on it? Look at the "bones" and maybe you will start to find more diamonds in the rough out there! 

Here is a chair I spotted at a second hand store.

My daughter was like, "UGH mom!" but after a quick investigation the chair was in perfect condition - just outdated. Great shape, good condition, CHEAP price - bad color, bad fabric, some chipping.

After the chair was washed and stripped of it's BRIGHT orange fabric, I starting painting. I used a damp rag and some black paint to mix the wood grain and stain with a black "wash".

(and yes I know I should have worn gloves! I was cleaning black paint out of my nails for days! LOL)

another photo to show the contrast between the chair before and the black paint wash technique I was applying. Once the paint was dry I applied a good, thick clear coat on it to give it a HIGH gloss shine!

A little zebra type fabric, time with my sewing machine and the chair was done!

not bad  for $8.00!
I'll be linking up here......