Let me start this post by saying I am FAR from a professional upholsterer. However, I am learning so much about upholstery from tackling these projects myself and I enjoy the process. This drop cloth upholstered bench was a chore but I am so pleased with the outcome.

Supplies Needed for Drop Cloth Bench

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Drop Cloth

Staple Remover

Needle Nose Pliers

Pneumatic Staple Gun (can also use a hand one)

Staples

Paint for Dry Brushing

Paint Brush

One night while browsing a buy sell page online, I came across this bench loveseat that was listed for under $50. It was a bit of drive to pick it up, but when it’s something you really want AND its a good deal, you have to right?

Drop Cloth Upholstered Bench Before

I loved the look but wasn’t a fan of the fabric. I am always on a tight budget when it comes to my decor. This was a bit larger of a project than I had ever done before but I like a challenge.

Removing Fabric From the Bench

I started by removing all the staples making sure to keep the existing fabric for a template to use when cutting the new fabric. The back was tufted but I have never attempted tufted pieces and opted to just made the back smooth instead. Usually I would buy new foam and stuffing but since this project was for my use only and I was trying to do it on the cheap. Simply by turning the existing foam around, it provided a smooth surface without the extra expensive.

There was also some piping on this piece. I have yet to learn that process so I knew on this piece I was just going to hot glue some trim on to cover the staples once the upholstery was finished.

My go to fabric is drop cloths purchased at the Home Depot. I wash them before use and they are so thick and durable and you can’t beat the price for that kind of fabric. Plus, it’s neutral and versatile.

On previous projects, I just used a hand stapler I had picked up at a local craft store. However, I decided to purchase a pneumatic staple gun while at the store getting my drop cloth fabric. Can I just say, TOTALLY worth the money. Your projects go so much faster, better precision and your hands don’t cramp up 2 minutes in! I already had the air tank needed to use this kind of stapler, so that saved me some money.

Applying Drop Cloth Fabric to the Bench

It took me some time to finish the upholstery but I split it up into a few days. After I finished the upholstery, it was time for the trim. However, I decided the wood was just too dark for my taste so I used a dry brush technique before applying the trim. It took me maybe 20 minutes and I was much happier with the look after.

Complete Project

I am so sorry I didn’t get pictures of the trim process. I just went to the local craft store and picked out a trimming wide enough to cover the staples and flat enough to be easy to work with. I used my hot glue gun to apply it, working in small sections at a time.

And that’s it! I added a few seasonal throw pillows and can’t wait to move into the new house and use this in my living room! If you have any questions I would be happy to answer them. Have you ever done any DIY upholstery?

Thanks so much for stopping by today it always means to much to have you here.

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I love using drop cloth in our home to decorate and these drop cloth curtains were so cheap and easy.