Refresh an old rug with this easy DIY painted rug tutorial. Transform a worn jute rug into a fresh statement piece by recreating a favorite pattern or designing something entirely new.
How to paint a rug
I didn’t expect to enjoy this project so much. I started painting our rug out of necessity rather than for fun. Our dog loved this jute rug and after a lot of use (and a surprising amount of drooling), it developed stubborn stains I couldn’t remove. Chemical cleaners didn’t help, so I decided to turn the rug into a painted canvas and give it a new life.
Once I settled on the pattern and colors, the makeover was surprisingly simple. I wanted a soft, neutral look to fit my white, gray, and beige decor. Unsatisfied with local options, I mixed paints to create custom shades.
Other projects you might like:
- DIY jute table runner
- Plastic bottle flower vases
- Sun & feather wall decor
- Coffee table makeover
- DIY rope rug
For this jute rug I bought white, medium gray, and brown acrylic paints and blended them into six muted shades: two beiges, two light browns, and two light grays. To organize the design I used painter’s tape to divide the rug into sections, painting each section a different color.
I chose a simple geometric pattern because it fit my aesthetic and matched my confidence level with painting. This was my first painted rug project, and it was so satisfying I’m excited to try more. It’s relaxing to paint and makes a big visual difference in a room.
While shopping for paint, fabric paint was suggested as an option. I opted for acrylic paints because they offer stronger pigments on a darker jute base. The first coat skimmed a bit, so I applied three thin coats for even coverage and richer color.
I don’t have step-by-step photos for every stage—some images were lost from my camera—but the process is straightforward and doesn’t require detailed photo documentation. You’ll find the steps below to be easy to follow.
DIY painted rug
Materials:
- Old jute rug
- Acrylic paint in your chosen colors
- Painter’s tape
- Foam roller
- Paint tray
- Fabric protector (sealant)
- Newspapers or drop cloth to protect the floor
Directions:
- Lay down several layers of newspaper or a drop cloth where you’ll work, then place the rug on top.
- Mix and prepare paint according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Keep a paint tray and foam roller nearby for quick, even application.
- Plan your pattern and apply painter’s tape to mark off sections. For this design I taped diagonal lines on one half and vertical lines on the other.
- Leave space between taped rows. Paint the exposed rows first, applying three thin coats and allowing about 30 minutes between coats.
- After the third coat, remove the tape carefully and let the rug dry fully overnight.
- The next day, tape over the newly painted rows to protect them, then paint the remaining sections the same way—three thin coats with 30-minute intervals.
- Allow the rug to dry overnight again, then apply a fabric protector to seal and protect the colors. Let the protector dry according to product instructions.
- Once everything is dry, remove any remaining tape and enjoy your refreshed rug.
If you try this project, I’d love to hear how it turned out—leave a comment and rate the tutorial if you found it helpful.
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