How to Upcycle Furniture?
When it comes to upcycling, there are many possibilities. It's a great cost effective way to ensure your furniture lasts a life-time. Upcycling is also great for the environment reducing the amount of wastage. Upcycling furniture can be carried out by anyone, very minimal skills can transform an old looking piece of furniture to a piece of modern excellence that can bring any room back to life.
What is Upcycling?
Upcycling is to take something that is not in use or needs replacing and finding a new purpose for it. There are many different ways in which upcycling might take place. It may range from adding gowns or accessories to the furniture, painting furniture a new colour or just deep cleaning furniture.
What will you need to Upcycle your Furniture using paint?
The following is a list of some of the items that you will need to upcycle your furniture:
Microfibre
To remove any traces of dirt and dust from the surface, use a lint-free cloth and some mild soap and wipe it clean. When cleaning out dust from surfaces, use a dust mask to protect your face from the particles.
Primer
It's key to use a high quality primer to ensure all unwanted stains don't become visible after you have complete the upcycle.
Sand Paper
A light to medium grit sand paper depending on how dirty the surface is.
Brush / Foam Roller
A brush and foam roller used to apply your chosen paint colour and primer. Foam rollers can be use on flat surfaces and brushes used to tackle more difficult areas.
Paint
It's important to chose the perfect paint for you, prioritise high quality paints to ensure a premium finish is achieved.
Wax / Varnish
The finishing touch that will help protect your fantastic upcycling project to last for a lifetime.
How to Upcycle Furniture?
If you want to upcycle your Solid wood furniture, follow the methods that are mentioned below:
Step 1: Cleaning The Furniture
Select the surface you will paint to prevent the furniture from getting painted. Tape off any portions you do not want to paint. To remove any traces of dirt and dust from the surface, use a lint-free cloth and some mild soap and wipe it clean. The next step is to get some grit paper and sand the surface to remove any shine that may already be there. Finally, clean all the traces of dirt from the surface before priming and painting it.
Step 2: Remover any Hardware
It's advised to remove all hardware such as handles, this will help dramatically increase the quality of finish.
Step 3: Sanding
Sand all the surfaces that you are looking to prime and paint, using a light grit sand paper. If the surface does have old varnish you may need to use a higher grit sand paper. The purpose of this is to rough up the area for the primer to help the primer adhere to the surface.
Step 4: Primer
It's no time to apply two coats of primer. This will prevent stains coming through your new paint.
Step 5: Paint
When the primer is fully dry it's now time to apply the paint. It's advised to apply at least two coats, to achieve a premium finish.
Step 6: Protection
It's highly advisable to apply a clear varnish, this will help seal the paint and protect it for years to come.
Final Words
As it says, almost anything is easy if you have enough creativity and imagination. A simple coat of paint may give old furniture the appearance of being brand new, even if it's not.
Top Tips
- Plan you project in advance, ensure you have all your equipment ready
- Use high quality paint brushes
- Use high quality primer & paint
- Allow paint time to fully cure