Burlap chevron paintings are a rustic, textured twist on the classic chevron pattern. The natural jute fabric adds depth and a farmhouse feel that plain canvas can’t match. This guide walks you through the entire process, from prepping the burlap to sealing the finished piece. You’ll need basic craft supplies and about an hour of hands-on time (plus drying time).
What You’ll Need
- Burlap fabric (enough to cover your canvas with a 2-inch overlap on each side)
- Stretched canvas or a wooden frame
- Acrylic craft paint in two contrasting colors (e.g., cream and navy, or rust and off-white)
- Painter’s tape (1-inch wide works best)
- Scissors
- Staple gun and staples (or heavy-duty glue if you prefer not to staple)
- Paintbrushes (a flat brush for base coat, a smaller angled brush for touch-ups)
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Pencil or chalk (for marking)
- Drop cloth or newspaper
- Clear acrylic sealer (matte or satin, optional but recommended)
Step-by-Step
- Prepare your workspace. Lay down a drop cloth or newspaper. Ensure your canvas is clean and dry. If the canvas has any loose threads or rough edges, trim them.
- Cut the burlap. Place the burlap over the front of the canvas. Cut it so it extends at least 2 inches beyond each edge. This gives you enough fabric to wrap around the sides.
- Stretch and attach the burlap. Center the burlap over the canvas. Pull it taut from the center of one side, then staple or glue it to the back of the frame. Repeat on the opposite side, then the top and bottom. Work outward from the center, pulling gently to avoid wrinkles. Fold the corners neatly like you would when wrapping a gift.
- Let the burlap settle. If you used glue, let it dry completely (usually 30–60 minutes). If you stapled, you can proceed immediately.
- Apply the base coat (optional). If you want the entire background to be one color, paint a thin, even coat of your lighter color over the burlap. Use a flat brush and work in one direction. Let it dry completely. This step is optional—you can also leave the burlap natural for a more rustic look.
- Mark the chevron lines. Use a ruler and pencil or chalk to mark the center of the canvas. From the center, measure and mark points every 2–4 inches along the top and bottom edges. The spacing determines the width of your chevron stripes—closer marks make narrower stripes.
- Create the chevron pattern with tape. Cut strips of painter’s tape. Place the tape diagonally from a top mark to a bottom mark, angling in the same direction. For a classic chevron, the tape should meet at the center in a V shape. Press the tape down firmly along the edges to prevent paint bleeding.
- Paint the exposed areas. Using your second color, paint over the exposed burlap between the tape strips. Apply two thin coats for even coverage, letting the first coat dry before adding the second. Be careful not to overload the brush—too much paint can soak through the burlap.
- Remove the tape. While the paint is still slightly wet, gently peel off the painter’s tape at a 45-degree angle. This gives you crisp, clean lines. If you wait until the paint is fully dry, the tape may pull up some paint.
- Touch up any imperfections. Use a small angled brush and the base color to fix any areas where paint bled under the tape or where the burlap texture shows through unevenly.
- Seal the painting (optional). Once the paint is completely dry, spray a clear acrylic sealer over the entire surface. This protects the burlap from dust and moisture and helps the paint last longer. Use a matte sealer to keep the natural look.
- Let it cure. Allow the painting to dry and cure for at least 24 hours before hanging or displaying it.
Common Mistakes
- Not stretching the burlap enough. Loose burlap will wrinkle and cause paint to pool in creases. Always pull the fabric taut before stapling or gluing.
- Using too much paint. Burlap is porous; heavy paint can soak through and create blobs or drips on the back. Use thin, even coats.
- Removing tape too early or too late. If you remove it while the paint is completely dry, you may pull off bits of paint. If you wait too long, the tape can leave a sticky residue. Aim for “just painted” – still slightly tacky.
- Skipping the base coat. If you want a solid background, skipping the base coat means the burlap’s natural tan will show through your chevron color, making it look muddy.
- Not pressing tape down firmly. Loose tape edges allow paint to bleed underneath, ruining the crisp lines.
Tips
- Use a chalk pencil for marking. Chalk lines are easier to see on burlap than graphite, and they wipe off easily.
- Test your paint on a scrap piece of burlap first. This shows you how much paint to use and how the color looks against the fabric.
- Choose high-contrast colors. A light and a dark shade will make the chevron pattern pop. Avoid two similar tones, as they’ll blend together.
- Work in a well-ventilated area. Acrylic paint and sealer have fumes, so open a window or work outside.
- For a more defined pattern, use a stencil. You can buy or make a chevron stencil and use a stencil brush to dab paint through it.
Troubleshooting
- Paint bleeds under the tape. This usually happens because the tape wasn’t pressed down well or the paint was too thick. Let it dry, then touch up with a small brush using the base color. For future projects, burnish the tape edges with a credit card.
- Burlap wrinkles after painting. If the burlap becomes loose or wavy, it may be because the paint added moisture and stretched the fibers. Once dry, you can re-stretch the burlap by pulling it tighter and re-stapling. If it’s glued, you may need to remove and re-glue.
- Paint soaks through to the back. This is common if you used too much paint. To fix, let it dry completely, then apply a thin layer of white glue mixed with water (1:1) to the back to seal it. This won’t affect the front.
- The chevron lines aren’t straight. Use a level or a straight edge to check your tape placement before painting. If you notice a crooked line after painting, you can cover it by adding a thin painted stripe along the edge with a ruler.
- Burlap sheds fibers. This is normal. After painting and sealing, most loose fibers will be held down. If you see stray threads, trim them with scissors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use any type of paint? Acrylic paint works best because it adheres well to burlap and dries quickly. Oil-based paints can be too heavy and may bleed. Spray paint is possible but harder to control.
- Do I need to seal the painting? Sealing is optional but recommended, especially if the painting will be exposed to dust or humidity. A clear acrylic sealer protects the burlap and paint.
- How do I clean a burlap painting? Dust it gently with a soft brush or a vacuum on low suction. Do not use water or cleaning solutions, as they can stain the burlap.
- Can I use a canvas that’s already painted? Yes, but you’ll need to cover it with burlap first. The burlap will hide the old painting, so it doesn’t matter what’s underneath.
- How long does it take to dry? Acrylic paint on burlap usually dries to the touch in 15–30 minutes. However, it’s best to wait at least 24 hours before handling or hanging.
- Can I make a chevron pattern without tape? Yes, you can use a stencil or draw the lines freehand with a ruler and paint marker. Tape is the easiest method for clean, straight lines.
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