Upcycling is a great way to breathe new life into old pieces of furniture that have lost their appeal or don't fit into your current style anymore. It's an eco friendly approach to saving all those lovely old pieces of furniture from landfill!
The key to a successful makeover lies in the preparation. Properly prepping your furniture before painting ensures a smooth durable finish that will last for years.
Here's what to you need do:
1. Assess the Piece
Before starting it's always really important to assess your piece of furniture. Look for any damage - cracks, loose joints, missing veneer etc - it's much easier to sort out these problems before you start to paint. You might find that the drawers don't fit, the hardware is missing or that your furniture has structural issues and may need to be repaired before you start.
2. Clean the Surface
Dirt, grease, furniture polish, waxes and oils can interfere with the adhesion of your paint so it's essential to clean your furniture thoroughly. Sugar soap is a fantastic product to use but remember to rinse it off before you start to paint. However, if your piece has been waxed previously, sugar soap won't remove it and you'll need to use white spirit.
3. Remove old Finish - if necessary
If your piece of furniture is already painted, you might find that the paint has been badly applied or it could be flaking or peeling off the surface. If this is the case, then to achieve a smoother look and to obtain a better surface for painting, the old paint will need to be sanded off. Electric sanders make this a quick and easy job but if you don't have one, sanding by hand will achieve the same results although it will take you longer. There are also eco friendly paint strippers available that you might find helpful in removing old finishes from your furniture. Remember to fill in any gaps or imperfections with wood filler.
4. Key your Surface and Dust
If your piece of furniture isn't already painted then to prepare the surface for paint you'll have to 'key' the surface. All this means is that you'll need to lightly sand the entire surface with fine sandpaper. If your furniture is varnished, you should be able to see light scratches all over the surface after keying. Remove any dust.
5. Now you're ready to upcycle!!
Frenchic paint offers an eco-friendly and child-safe option for your upcycled furniture. You'll find over 150 colours!
To add an extra dimension to your glammed up pieces, Iron Orchid Designs have the most beautiful products that will enhance and complete your projects. Have a look at their amazing transfers!
Properly preparing your old furniture for upcycling - whether it's a family heirloom or a charity shop find - is such an investment in the quality and longevity of your finished piece. By taking time initially you're ensuring a professional looking job by achieving beautiful results.