I made my own fabric for a bench project using a stenciled drop cloth for upholstery. Last week I bought some upholstery fabric for a project. Later when I looked at the fabric again, I thought, yuck. What were you thinking? I wasn’t feeling it that day and I should have taken myself and my 50% off coupon out of that Joann’s Fabric store. 🙂
I used a 10 oz duck cloth drop cloth from Home Depot and had enough for two benches with plenty left over for something else. Making a stenciled drop cloth for upholstery is an easy 45 minute project for any skill level. I used white craft paint mixed with Martha Stewart’s Fabric Paint medium, a starfish stencil and a foam brush.
Wash, dry and Iron the drop cloth before stenciling. I have a brush in the picture but the sponge applicator worked much better. Mix the paint & fabric medium per the instructions. I only needed two teaspoons of paint for this project.
Stenciling your drop cloth fabric is easy. Hold the stencil in place with one hand and dab your foam brush onto your fabric with the other. It works best if you don’t overload your foam with paint.
I cleaned the fabric facing side of the stencil after each starfish. I placed the stencil on a paper towel and dabbed the wet paint off. I made my stenciled starfish in a random non-pattern across my drop cloth. If you look closely you’ll notice my starfish are also not perfect, I liked that some were thicker than others and not matchy-matchy.
Let it dry and follow the fabric paint medium instructions for setting the fabric. I’m going to Scotch Guard my fabric to make it more durable against wear and stains.
Drop cloths are usually made from duck cloth canvas. If you like this idea but want a colored cloth than you’d use duck cloth. It comes in several weights. I like the heavy 10 oz for upholstery projects.
That’s all there is to making your own stenciled drop cloth for upholstery project. What did I use my stenciled drop cloth for? Check back on Thursday and I’ll share!
What’s your favorite drop cloth project?
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Karin says
I love whitewashed furniture and fabrics. Was the drop cloth already white, or did you have to paint the whole cloth first? I’ve never seen whitewashed drop cloths. Possibly because I haven’t looked very hard for them yet.
Wendi says
Hi Karen! That’s a really good question The brand of drop cloth I found at Home Depot was different than the ones I’d seen earlier. It was a different shade of greyish beige and was the perfect color for the background I wanted. I’d suggest looking at the different colors of the different brands. I’d also suggest looking at the canvas fabric at your local fabric store as well. You may find the perfect color for your project. Otherwise, you can whitewash your fabric but I think that would make the fabric stiff with so much paint on it. Good luck with your project!
Sahana says
This sounds like a great idea. I love it.I was searching for drop cloth for some other idea and now I know where to find them. Thank you for linking with us at #HomeMattersParty. We would love to have you again next week.
Wendi says
Hi there Sahana! Thanks so much stopping by. I love drop cloth projects too! I love your party and wouldn’t miss it, thanks for all your hard work & hosting a good party!
Tracey Lee @Mia Bella Passions says
What a great idea! Pinning and putting this one on my to do list!
Wendi says
Thank you Tracy! It’s a great project and so easy to do. Especially when you’re using a drop cloth:) Thanks so much for your visit!
Theresa @DearCreatives says
Hi Wendi, Love the DIY & everything beachy.
Wendi says
Thank you Theresa! This was a fun project and I loved making the fabric to match my taste. Thanks so much for your visit!
Lauren says
I love this idea! Your print is so pretty! Thanks for sharing your project at Motivation Monday on Mom Hone Guide!
Wendi says
Thank you Lauren! I still love this bench and making my own pattern was loads of fun. Thank you for your visit:)
Lainey says
Hi Wendi,
I have been looking at this for over a year and am finally doing something about it! ☺So I am doing this for my Craigslist find of a round table and 4 chairs in my kitchen. I am currently painting them chairs aqua with Annie Sloan chalk paint. My next step is to cover their cushions with them drop cloth and I have a question about how you stenciled.
Did you cut them material first before you stenciled? Drop cloth I got is 6’x9′ so pretty big! Lol
Wendi says
Hi Lainey, Your project sounds awesome! I would cut the cushions out of the drop cloth first, especially because it’s hard to work on such a large peice of fabric. Also, like I did, stencil off the edges so the pattern is also on the cushion edges going under the seat too (you may already know this). It looks like home decor fabric that way. I don’t know if I mentioned it in my post but I also Scotch Guarded my fabric. Lastly, if you need painting tips, I have a good post where I share all my tricks & tips. Search painting tips in my search box. Have fun & share your project when its done!
Cher @ Designs by Studio C says
I love using drop cloths in projects! They are economical, easy to dye, easy to care for, and are just the ultimate piece of fabric! I love the starfish design, Wendi!
Wendi says
Thanks Cher! I’ve wanted to use a dropcloth for the longest time..in something. I love how this came out and stenciling was so easy too! Thanks for your visit!
Patty says
I love the starfish stencil, it is so summer and beechy. I have seen several drop cloth projects lately and I just love them. I can’t wait to see your finished bench.
Wendi says
Thank you Patty, I’ve been on a starfish kick lately. Dropcloth project are so much fun! I’ve wanted to do one for the longest time and this bench was the perfect project for it. I’m posting the full bench reveal today:) Thanks for your sweet comment.
Salvage Sister says
Love drop cloths! Really! They are so versatile and easy to work with.
Wendi says
They really are aren’t they. And to think, in the past no one ever got creative with them… Thanks for visiting today.
Kelly Hedgespeth of Simply Kelly Designs says
This is a great idea Wendi! At first I thought this was a Martha Stewart sponsored post. 🙂 You did a wonderful job!
Wendi says
Thanks Kelly! I just wish I’d thought of it before purchasing upholstery fabric 🙂 I could have saved some time and cash! Thanks again friend!!
Marie @ The Interior Frugalista says
Cliffhanger…is it a duvet cover?…is it a shower curtain for your new bathroom? Okay, I’ll wait until Thursday 🙁
Wendi says
Yes..Marie a cliffhanger! LOL It’s not any of what you suggested…but, your ideas are awesome! Now I’ll be thinking about what else I can do with the extra drop cloth!