Wow, it’s been a while since our last Worse for Wear post. Let’s visit the chevron rug I painted for the boys’ bedroom. Just after I painted it in the summer of 2010, it looked like this.
Way back then, I admitted I liked the look of the rug, but not the feel of the crunchy paint. Because of the crunchiness, I thought we’d have peeling paint and more flakes than a dandruff shampoo commercial. Surprisingly, the painted rug has held up wonderfully. Sure there are a few small spots, but still nothing terrible. Like this little dot.
And this slightly larger patch where a little boy had an accident. Ben scrubbed the rug (hence the slightly worn paint), then poured baking soda to help with the smell (thus the white circle).
If you recall, I got the rug for $13 because there was an extremely run down section. I’m happy to report the paint is actually helping this part.
So, it’s staying in the bedroom until it’s trashed or we find a better rug.
If you’re thinking about a similar project, I can say this holds up better than anticipated. I think the key is using a darker rug and oil-based paint.
What’s your worst rug experience? A spill? Wear from use?
P.S. Ben moved into this house eight years ago today. Two and a half years after that, we got married and I started taking over the house. Haha.
ourhumbleabodeblog.com 
The thing that surprises me about these projects is that (with the exception of a few) most of the painted rugs aren’t relying on fabric medium to help the paint bind and stay flexible and soft. I know one of the comments on the original post suggested this too, have you considered it?
Thanks for the helpful update. I’ve been wanting to paint a rug but wasn’t sure if it was worth the time investment and stress of trying to successfully complete a DIY project. Your husband is lucky to have you as you are to have him! You have the vision and he has the skills to bring it to life.
Hey Caitlin, If I were painting fabric (either for curtains, bedding, pillows, etc.) I would use a fabric medium. I don’t mind the rug without the fabric medium because the unpainted parts of the rug aren’t plush. If there were a huge difference between the painted and unpainted, I would definitely use a medium to keep it soft. In a way, I think the oil based paint helps with that. Though I can’t definitively confirm that because I’ve never painted a rug with latex paint. Does that help at all?
Hi Irene, If you’re considering this, I would recommend using a cheap rug, just so you’re not out too much if it doesn’t work as well as you hope. And go for a low pile rug. If you’ve got a plush rug, I’ve seen tutorials using Rit dye… Same concept, but better for something more squishy. 🙂
Thanks!
Amanda
Rug story – I bought a Pottery Barn rug on-line. The first day after I put it in front of my kitchen sink, the cat threw up on it. I dabbed up the okie-ness and the navy and white ran together and smeared! Ugh! It’s now in my sewing room with a huge section of faded and stained color. Oh well!
Love this! Your painted rug is GORGEOUS…really! I painted an entire rug…and found the crunchy paint feel too…was not cool. I might try something different next year. What a great deal on that rug! Way to go!
I actually did this last week! And my rug turned out really great. I have your same concerns though, hope it lasts! Love yours.
See the final product here: http://preparingforpeanut.com/rug-romance-part-ii/