Paint a Rug - Sawdust 2 Stitches

Since the interior of my house is “mostly” done (when I say “mostly done” I mean I have started re-re-decorating rooms). So, I have now moved to the exterior of the house. Part of the exterior is re-vamping the lanai. (Fancy term for a screened porch)

One step in said process was finding a suitable floor covering. Thus began my search for the perfect rug.

Criteria : Cheap

Navy & White *gasp* (shocker I know)

Inexpensive

Weather resistant

Cheap

I was having a difficult time tracking down one that fit the above criteria. So, here is what I did. I found this cheapy $20 rug at Lowe’s. It fit the “cheap, and navy” criteria. It was just missing the white.

I knew this was going to be rather time consuming process, so I chose a very simple line design.

I started with a 1.5″ tape and ran it around the perimeter.

Using my sewing ruler/guide I used a 3/4″ tape followed by another row of 1.5″ tape. Always using the ruler to ensure the lines were perfectly straight.

Once the tape was all in place, I used and exatco knife to cut off the excess tape.

Before painting, make sure you smooth down your tape!

Then grab a roller and get to work.

I used light layers and tried to now push to hard on the roller, or the tape tended to shift.
It is going to take forever, just keep painting!

Then when you feel like you want to quit? Keep painting…
Feel like you might go craxy because you want to rip the tape off!? Just keep painting.
I think I ended doing 4 coats. ( Allow dry time in between).

Once it is FINALLY evenly coated and dry,
peel the tape off!

I was impressed with how crisp the lines were.

A word of warning. Where you have painted will be very stiff. I knew this before I began… I chose my design so that it wouldn’t be a huge annoyance.
I have heard that you can add a “Fabric/Textile Medium” to your paint and it will help with the flexibility. I have also heard that taking a electric sander to the rug can help with the texture as well. I’m happy with mine and did not want to compromise the paint job.

Hindsight?
I think I would consider using a primer, I seriously think it would have sped up the process considerably. Best of luck!

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