Hey fellow green DIYers! 
I recently took on the project of revamping an old fabric chair with some natural paint, aiming for that perfect blend of sustainability and style. I used EcoChic Paint’s fabric line, which I’ve had great experiences with in the past for smaller projects like cushion covers. However, I’ve hit a snag—after a few weeks, I noticed some areas starting to peel. 
I prepped the chair by cleaning it thoroughly and even did a patch test, which turned out fine. The peeling seems to be more on the areas that get the most use, like the seat and armrests. I’m wondering if it’s an issue with the paint’s adherence to the fabric or if I missed a crucial step in the prep process. Has anyone else faced this with natural fabric paints?
I’m also curious about Auro’s natural fabric paint—has anyone tried it for furniture? How does it hold up over time, especially on high-use areas? And for those who’ve successfully tackled peeling, what was your fix? Did you find a particular brand or technique that worked wonders? Let’s pool our experiences and find some eco-friendly solutions together! 
Hey @EcoPainterJane, I’ve had a similar issue with EcoChic Paint on a fabric ottoman. What worked for me was applying a fabric medium before the paint. It’s a bit of an extra step, but it really helps the paint adhere better and last longer. Maybe give that a try? Also, I’ve heard good things about Auro’s natural fabric paint but haven’t tried it myself. Would love to hear if anyone else has!
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I’ve used Auro’s natural fabric paint on a couple of projects, including a dining chair set. It’s held up really well, even on the seats which get a lot of use. The key for me was making sure the fabric was super clean and dry before applying. Also, Auro recommends a specific primer for their fabric paint which I used, and it seems to make a big difference in durability.
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@GreenThumb88 Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely look into getting a fabric medium. Do you have a brand you recommend? Also, did you notice any change in the paint’s texture or color after applying the medium?
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@SandyShorelines That’s great to hear about Auro’s natural fabric paint! I’ve been considering it for a sofa project. How many coats did you apply, and did you use any sealant after? I’m aiming for something durable but still soft to the touch.
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I think the issue might be with the fabric’s texture. Some fabrics are just harder for paint to stick to, especially if they’re smooth or synthetic. Have you considered lightly sanding the areas that are peeling? It might help the paint grip better. Just a thought!
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@BreezyCanvas That’s an interesting idea! I hadn’t thought about sanding fabric before. Do you have any tips on how to do it without damaging the fabric? Also, would you recommend a specific grit?
@EcoPainterJane I used EcoChic’s own fabric medium, and it didn’t change the texture or color noticeably. It just made the paint a bit more flexible, which I think helps with wear and tear. Definitely worth a shot!
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@LeafyLover I applied two coats of Auro’s natural fabric paint, and yes, I used their recommended sealant. It’s still soft to the touch, which was important for me too. The sealant does add a bit of a protective layer, so it’s a good idea for high-use areas.
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I’ve been using Auro’s natural fabric paint for a while now, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer for my projects. The durability is impressive, especially on high-use areas like armrests and seats. I did notice that proper prep work is key—making sure the fabric is clean and maybe even lightly sanding it helps the paint adhere better. Haven’t had any peeling issues so far. Maybe give it a shot?
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Interesting point about the fabric medium. I’ve been experimenting with different natural paints and found that the type of fabric really matters too. Some fabrics just don’t take paint well, no matter the prep. Maybe try a different fabric or even a fabric primer before painting? Just a thought.
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I had a similar peeling problem with a different brand, and what worked for me was applying a thin layer of clear, natural fabric sealant after the paint dried. It added an extra layer of protection and really helped with the durability. Might be worth looking into if you’re set on using EcoChic Paint. Also, curious if anyone has tried mixing their own natural paints at home?
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I had a similar issue with a different brand of natural paint. What worked for me was lightly sanding the fabric before applying the paint. It gives the paint something to grip onto. Maybe give that a try before switching brands?
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Interesting about Auro’s primer. I’ve been hesitant to try natural fabric paints because of durability concerns. But if a primer can make that much of a difference, it might be worth the extra step. How long have your dining chairs held up with Auro’s paint?
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I’ve never tried Auro’s, but I’ve had good luck with EcoChic Paint on less frequently used items. For chairs, I wonder if a fabric sealant over the paint could help with the peeling issue. Has anyone tried that?
The primer tip is gold. I’ve been using natural paints for a while and always skipped the primer step, thinking it wasn’t necessary. But if it’s the secret to durability, I’m all in. Does Auro’s primer work with other brands of natural paint, or is it specifically formulated for their paint?
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I think the key is in the prep work. Cleaning is one thing, but making sure the fabric is completely dry and maybe even using a fabric stiffener before painting could help. I’ve heard that stiffener can help the paint adhere better and last longer. Anyone tried that?
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Switching brands might not be the solution if the prep work isn’t right. I’ve used both EcoChic and Auro’s, and both have their pros and cons. But without proper prep, you’re going to have peeling issues regardless of the brand. Maybe it’s worth revisiting the prep steps before giving up on EcoChic?
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Lightly sanding the peeling areas sounds like a solid idea. It could definitely help the paint adhere better. I’ve also heard that using a fabric medium mixed with the paint can improve its durability on fabrics. Maybe give that a try next time?
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I had a similar issue with a different brand of natural paint. What worked for me was applying a fabric primer before painting. It created a better surface for the paint to stick to. Might be worth looking into if sanding doesn’t do the trick.
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