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New look for an old chair
Ingrid Nuy of Cape Town writes I’d like to reupholster a chair I acquired many years ago when I was living in digs. My mother thinks it’s the ugliest chair she’s ever seen; she calls it “Toad of Toad Hall”. I think it has history and character, and it’s rather comfy, but the fabric is faded and old. I’d like to cover it in an affordable fabric that matches either a soft green, nature-inspired palette with pops of blue, soft pink and neutrals, or something more neutral with pops of pink and grey. After its makeover, the chair will sit in the “office corner” of our bedroom; I will actually sit and work in the chair with my laptop resting on my lap. Any advice?
Paint it perfect
Annette Nel of Benoni writes On page 55 of your March 2017 issue you feature a very beautiful cabinet. Did the homeowner paint it and if so, which paint and technique did they use?
Homeowner Jako Lee says he bought it as is from Asmat Trading in Durbanville, Cape Town. But it is possible to achieve the look using furniture paint too! Annie Sloan suggests that you paint your piece of furniture with a base coat of Annie Sloan paint in the colour Original and wait about 20 minutes for the paint to dry. Once dry, apply a coat of Annie Sloan Clear Soft Wax. Once the Clear Wax has been applied, apply a liberal coat of Annie Sloan Dark Soft Wax. Then use the Clear Soft Wax again to remove any excess Dark Wax until you’re happy with the finish.
CONTACT anniesloansa.co.za
Patterns for a pool Nicolene van Eck writes
We have cement blocks around our pool and I’d like to paint a pattern on them with a stencil. Can you recommend a water-resistant paint that will survive the elements? Cement is very porous, so any water-based paint will work well. Just give the paint enough time to dry (24–48 hours) before water is splashed on the blocks or anyone walks on them, and seal them with a clear outdoor sealant such as Neutron Alkali Resistant Sealer for cement surfaces.
Follow this advice for neat stencilling: 1
Apply a repositionable spray adhesive to the back of the stencil to hold it in place.
2 Use undiluted paint that can be applied fairly dry with a sponge roller. Work from the outside of the stencil inwards.
3 If you’d like to bring in a second colour, use a small artist’s brush and do it freehand. Have fun!
CONTACT lemonlilac.co.za >>
Did you know?
Annie Sloan paint can also be used outdoors. It doesn’t have to be sealed, but it may bleach slightly in the sun. If you wish to seal the cement blocks, try clear Rystix Timbacare Exterior Sealer.