How to Makeover a Victorian Antique Sofa

Today I’m sharing a step-by-step tutorial on how to makeover a Victorian antique sofa with chalk paint.

This antique sofa makeover is one of my best DIYs yet!

I can’t believe how it turned out.

This antique sofa is gorgeous!

My vision for this sofa was to combine the rustic farmhouse with the elegance of the Victorian style.

And it is that perfect piece that translates the Victorian Farmhouse style in my home that speaks to my vintage heart.

Here is the sofa before the makeover.

If you’re a visual learner you can watch the YouTube video on how to paint this sofa, here.

What you will need for this DIY project.

• Annie Sloan chalk paint in Old White and Paris Grey
• Chalk paint brush Preferably Annie Sloan.
• Annie Sloan clear wax
• Annie Sloan wax brush
• Spray bottle with water
• 100 grit sandpaper for the fabric
• 60-grit sandpaper for the wood

Note: You can purchase Annie Sloan paint and brushes in your area. Check to see where there is a store near you.

Here are 10 simple steps on how to paint an antique sofa with Annie Sloan chalk paint.

Step 1: The first step is to wipe down the fabric and wood from any dirt or dust.

Step 2: Mix Annie Sloan paint and water.

I mixed the paint colors since I wanted the sofa a little lighter.

The ratio I used was:

• 2 cups of Paris Grey and 1 cup of Old White. I mixed these colors together thoroughly.
• 1 1/2 cups water.

Mix the paint and water together.

Keep the stir stick inside the bucket once you start painting.

You will need to stir the paint because it will separate from the water and settle to the bottom.

Step 3: Paint the fabric.

Spraying one section at a time, make sure to douse the area really well with water.

Take your paintbrush and fill it with paint. Not too much.

Do a back-and-forth, up-and-down motion with the brush.

Get all the areas on top of the sofa, inside the cushions, and the edges.

It’s ok to get paint on the wood.

You’re going to paint it anyway.

Here’s a simple repetition for the whole sofa:

• Spray the fabric with water.
• Paint the fabric.

Step 4: Depending on the pattern of the fabric you may need a second layer.

When applying the second and/or third layer, it isn’t necessary to spray with water.

If the pattern is still showing paint a third time.

This sofa required a light third layer.

I focused on the areas that needed it.

On the back, I gave it a vintage vibe by allowing the pattern to show through.

I love the look!

Step 5: Paint the antique wood.

I know, this is the hardest part!

To paint antique wood!

This was not easy to do.

I hesitated once I brought it home.

But from the start, I envisioned this sofa painted with the colors of my home.

The Victorian style with the chippy white paint was the perfect look and helped me overlook the bit of panic I felt when applying the paint to this antique wood.

The end result made it all worth it.

To make this part less work, you can tape the painted fabric with frog tape.

This will keep the Old White from getting onto the painted fabric.

To be honest I skipped this step.

Step 6: Once you’re done painting the wood, leave it to dry overnight.

Step 7: Sand the fabric.

Take 100-grit sandpaper and very lightly sand the painted fabric.

TIP: Don’t over sand or you will take off a layer of the dry paint.

Rub your hands across the fabric to feel for any crusty spots.

Sand a little then feel the fabric.

Keep doing this until the entire surface feels soft to the touch.

Sand the front and the back.

Step 8: Sand the wood.

To get a shabby chic or rustic look, take a 60-grit sandpaper and go over the edges.

I imagined how it would naturally be worn in areas like the armrest and the corners.

Focusing on the raised details in the wood.

This brought out the beauty and charm of this old antique.

The more I rubbed, the more amazing it started to look.

Like the gorgeous floral design in front.

Absolutely stunning.

Step 9: Vacuum and wipe off the dust.

This is an important step before waxing the fabric and wood.

It will prevent clumps and make a nice smooth finish.

After vacuuming, get a wet cloth and wipe down the fabric and wood really well.

Step 10: The final step is to wax the wood and fabric.

Take your wax brush and swirl it around inside the can of wax.

Getting a good amount.

Starting on one side of the sofa, wax from top to bottom.

You can apply wax to the wood and fabric at the same time.

Do side-by-side and up-and-down strokes across the fabric.

You may need to gouge the brush into the cushions and the raised areas of the wood.

When applying wax to the wood go with the grain.

It makes for a nicer smooth look when it dries.

For any clumps of wax simply take the brush and go over it.

Let this dry for 2 days.

Once dry, take a damp cloth and wipe the sofa down to get off any dust from the sanding.

You are now done!!

The after photos of the Victorian antique sofa.

For every season the Paris Grey color of the fabric has been a nice backdrop to the changes in pillows and decor.

Like for Spring and Summer. And of course, Christmas!

Or my casual everyday look.

Whatever the season it has been a joy to decorate this gorgeous antique piece.

And worth all the hard work!

I hope this inspired you to paint a sofa.

I have a tutorial for painting a chair, here, using the same technique.

In another post, I share more DIY inspirations using Annie Sloan paint.

A favorite is painting a Goodwill frame, here.

And painting two French chairs with dark green chalk paint. Here is the tutorial.

I show you how to paint the fabric and wax the light wood with a realistic mahogany look in the video below. Check it out!

Thanks for coming by Victorian Lane Farms.