DIY Chair Planter

Make your own DIY Chair Planter Step by Step

My chair planter was a sign for my business also!

I started with a chair that has a lot of detail on the frame. If you like something more modern select a chair with more clean lines. If you want to really go crazy you could even use a loveseat frame!
If you like something more modern select a chair with more clean lines.
If you want to really go crazy you could even use a loveseat frame!

Remove all of the upholstery including any stubborn staples!
Clean it really good. LA Totally Awesome Oxygen cleaner from Dollar Tree works great. I use Mineral Spirits also.
Choose your paint color! I wanted the frame to blend into the trees and the flowers and sign to stand out so I used a gray/green as my base.
Use 1-2 coats of paint depending upon the color of your wood and the color of your paint. If your wood has a red undertone you should prime it first. With some woods the tanens can leak through and make your paint look pink. If that happens put some clear coat or primer over your paint the put on another coat of paint.

Next I used a lighter gray/green and a dry brust technique to just touch the high points of the carving to highlight them and make them stand out more. Dry brush technique is literally using a dry brush. Put a little paint on the tip of your brush then dab it on a rag until almost all of the paint is wiped off. Then lightly brush it on.
Next I put on 3 coats of clear coat everywhere. I wanted to make sure that my chair was completely weather proof!

I wanted to give a little interest to the arms where it was originally upholstered so I used clear coat to decoupage a floral napkin on the arms to go along with the planter theme. I like the look of napkins because they turn transparent.
I again wanted to bring out the carving so the last step in painting was to add dark wax. I applied the dark wax then wiped it off leaving wax in the recessed areas creating shadow

Next I used stainless steel staples to attach chicken wire. Stainless steel staples won't rust! Make sure your "pocket" is deep enough to plant your flowers.
I also used chicken wire on the backrest to attach my sign!
Then I lined my basket with a coconut fiber pad to hold in the soil and the moisture.
Last but not least add some potting soil and flowers!

Since I live in Minnesota I will be using spruce tips and birch branches to decorate my sign for Thanksgiving and Christmas