rocking Archives - Prodigal Pieces

Do you ever have a certain item that you can’t resist? For me, that goes without saying. ahem. I have many vices and one of them is a vintage rocking horse…in any size. Small toy-size ones, medium ones for tiny tots, and then there’s ones like THIS.

I do believe I have never passed one up whether at the flea market or thrift store. Back when my oldest turned two years old, I created one just for him. Even my kids have reworked a few. You can see another I’ve done in this post. They’re just so fun, provide wondrous play, and even make adorable decor for children from 1-99. However, this particular vintage rocking horse has a story.

THE BACKSTORY

I’ve often mentioned my friend, Mandy, and her ministry Paid in Full. I belong to her group on Facebook and like to do what I can to help. She offers items to those who need it for free, but also auctions items off to help offset funding the group needs. When this wooden beauty popped up in my feed, you can bet

Join in as we learn how to reupholster and paint a rocking chair from being only an oldie to a goodie. If you’re just joining the 3-part series, be sure to check out part 1 here.

How to Reupholster & Paint a Vintage Piece of Furniture by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Time to paint!I decided to use CeCe Caldwell’s Vintage White chalk paint. I’ve used it on this table with great success. You can always make your own using this recipe:

1 1/2 c. paint (you can use flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss)

1/2 c. hot water
1/2 c. plaster of paris

note: I use this recipe all the time and it works great, but plaster of paris will leave a grit in your paint that will need to be lightly sanded off. You really do not want to use this recipe long term, as plaster of paris should not be inhaled. I am looking into Websters Chalk Paint Powder, which allows you to mix your own, just like plaster of paris, but is not toxic. Be sure if you use the plaster of paris, to wear a mask.

When putting the paint on there’s no need to worry about being neat, all the haphazard extra touches will be hidden by the upholstery. So have some fun!

This is typical for furniture that has had either a mahogany or cherry finish.

reupholster a rocking chair part 2 via Prodigal Pieces

Nothing that a little stain blocker, like Kilz, can’t handle. (I love this stuff!) I went ahead and coated the whole chair just to be safe, and then went back to the chalk paint.

After two coats of chalk paint, I used Minwax paste wax, using a little of natural and dark to give it a time-worn effect. Make sure to do this in a well-ventilated area and use gloves suited for chemical use.I am in the process of finding a cost-effective (or at least less stinky) wax that will give me the finish I so love. I have my eye on a couple products, but if you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear about them!

Typically, I like to distress my pieces, and if you distress chalk paint in the raw it tends to come off a little too easily. I like more control, so I distress after my first coat of wax has set for about 10 min. and I’ve buffed it with a soft cotton cloth to a wonderful lustre.

Last, I added a second coat of wax to more durability to the rocker. You could even do a third, which I’ve done on some pieces.

Now comes the upholstery in the next post, Part 3, when you can see your chair is really coming together! Don’t miss out, become a follower to get the last of this 3-part series.

Any questions on how to reupholster? Please feel free to ask. To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!

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THE BACKSTORY

More projects how to reupholster vintage furniture: