How to Paint a Pillow


Happy Wednesday, Friends! Have you ever purchased a pillow even though you knew it wasn't quite the right color? Maybe like me, you loved everything else about the design and it had a price tag you couldn't resist but when you got it home, you still weren't satisfied with the color. Well today, I'll show you how I updated my it's-so-pretty-and-comfy-if-only-it-was-the-right-color pillow with paint! 

how to paint a pillow


We all know how expensive down filled pillows can be, so imagine my delight when I found this lovely large one in the clearance section at Homegoods. It was so soft and I loved the script design so much that I somehow convinced myself that I could "make it work," somewhere. Not the best decision because the only room I have any red, is in the kitchen and it's just too small for this big boy. It wasn't just the pillow's back that was red, but also all of the designs on the front except for the black script. I'm sad to say, it had taken up residence in a closet, but it wasn't for my lack of trying. Every so often, I'd get it out and try it in different places, but I never was quite happy with it. Then it dawned on me that I could paint it! If I can paint a sofa, I could paint a pillow, right? Here's how...


How to paint a pillow


Start by removing the pillow form and filling the inside of the case with wax paper. Be sure to cover all of the fabric and corners on the inside. This is to keep paint from soaking the front fabric. 


how to paint a pillow


Next, thin some chalk paint with water so the consistency is thinner than usual, but not so thin that it runs or drips. {I used DecoArt Americana Chalky Finish paint in Yesteryear.}


How to paint a pillow
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Saturate the fabric with paint. Check the wax paper every so often to make sure it's still in place. 


how to paint a pillow


Here's how mine looked, completely painted as it was beginning to dry. A word of caution: this technique worked well on one side of the pillow. I can't recommend painting both sides completely because unlike my sofa, it did dry slightly stiff, which isn't an issue since the pillow faces forward. {It's probably because the pillow fabric was more like twill to begin with, compared to the softer chintz of my sofa.}


how to paint a pillow


Once the painted back is completely dry, use a smaller brush for any detail on the front. 


how to paint a pillow


When the top half of the front is dry, replace the pillow and adjust the wax paper before painting the rest of the detail work.


how to paint a pillow


Here's how the finished pillow looks...


how to paint a pillow


...and here it is on my painted sofa.



How to paint a pillow


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how to paint a pillow




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  1. Such an awesome tutorial, it came out wonderfully!

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  2. Wow - can't believe it's the same pillow! I haven't tried the chalk paint on anything other than furniture yet but one day I'm going to! I wonder if it would be easier to cover a piece of cardboard with a big plastic bag and insert that to prevent transfer of the paint? Just a thought!

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  3. How smart is that! I may have a few things like that that just don't go anywhere! Thanks for this tutorial.

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  4. This looks awesome Cecilia! You made that into something much prettier now!

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  5. Absolutely beautiful! I cannot believe how this turned out! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  6. Oh that's awesome! I would have never thought of that! (I'm trying to picture you placing that pillow in all its redness all over your house. Nope, doesn't work!😉) it's perfect now. Love it!
    Hugs
    Cecilia

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  7. Turned out great. I would never have thought to paint it.

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  8. It looks so nice with the rest of the pillows. Did you add the doily to the one on the left? I like them

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  9. Great job Cecilia. The red color would have "turned-me-off" too. Now, perfect for your home. Good tutorial ... will keep this in mind if I ever want to paint some fabric. Some of the vintage linen dresser scarfs, pillowcases, etc were painted, so painted fabric has been around for a long time. Of course, they did not have DecoArt "chalky paint".
    Hugs,
    Audrey

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  10. Beautiful, Cecilia! Love it, my friend!

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  11. Your version is so much better. What a good idea!

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  12. Such a great tutorial! :)

    I would love for you to share this with my Facebook Group for recipes, crafts, tips, and tricks: HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/PLUCKYRECIPESCRAFTSTIPS/

    Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!

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  13. Absolutely gorgeous! I'd like to feature this post today at Tuesdays with a Twist! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

    I hope you have time to join our link party again this week! ;-)

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  14. Love how you refurbished this cushion. Its beautiful now.

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