Painting a rug: Done!

I finished! And I am really quite pleased with the results of my rug painting "experiment." If you have been following my adventures since the get go, then you know I changed my project mid-stream (go back and see part 1 and part 2 if you need to refresh your memory). Once I committed, I chose a very simple pattern to paint inspired by this, as it suited my time and attention best. The graphic shape also works well with the decor of my office.

Knowing that the rugs would get a bit of wear and tear from the chairs, I felt that a more distressed coverage would work well. Lucky for me I did not have to work too hard to achieve that. The deep texture of the sisal rugs did the work for me.

 So the how to? So simple. I used some left over paint from the back of the bookcases. After reading several rug painting tutorials, I opted to add a fabric medium, which I felt made the paint looser and easier to work with. Since the rugs are sisal, it's hard to say whether the dried paint is softer and less stiff.

 I taped off my pattern using the masking tape I had on hand. Even though the rugs were rubber backed, I laid them on a tarp. Once I began painting, this guided my paint application and I was careful to not count on it to prevent the paint from seeping.

 

The first rug I painted with a foam brush, literally outlining the pattern and then filling in the color by dabbing the brush. The result was what I had envisioned. I began the second rug and then, horrors... I ran out of paint! My original goal with this project was to complete it using what I had on hand, from the rug to the left over paint. In the end, not only did I buy new rugs, I had to dish for paint!!!!

 

For the second rug, since I now had a whole, new can of paint, I opted to use a dry brush technique, again applying the paint by dabbing. The coverage was a bit more uniform, while still giving me the worn look I was after.

 I may go back and give the first rug another coat of paint (someday). But in the meantime I'll count this project as a success and hope that my husband agrees when see the results.

Many thanks to Linda for her inspiration and motivation on this rug painting blog party, I probably would not done this with out her invitation, I would have just thought about doing it! Now go on over and see what all of the other gals have done with their rugs. Be sure to leave some comment love for everyone!

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Little Black Door

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Simple Details

Trapped In North Jersey

Does your room need a “prescription” for a change of decor, function or design? If so please contact me, I would love to help your room feel better with a Room Rx.