Upcycling is becoming an ever-growing trend. It provides the opportunity to save furniture from the scrap heap which is beneficial for the environment. It is also the best way to add a little dash of your personality to your home.
If you’re keen to join in with the craze and don’t know where to start, we’ve put together some handy tips to get you on the right track. And we promise it won’t involve you needing to go out and spend a lot of money on new DIY gubbins!
Source Your Furniture Well
It can be tempting to grab any old piece of furniture, slap a coat of paint on it and call it upcycling. The reality is that not any old piece of furniture will do.
When sourcing your furniture for upcycling, you should make sure that it is of decent quality, will be improved by the upcycling process and will be usable after. Check for woodworm. If there are signs of the insect move on, don’t introduce this pest into your home.
Check your furniture for signs of wear and tear that may need to be repaired before you begin – this includes checking for things like rot or rust. Make sure that any of these problems have been resolved before you take the next steps.
Choose a Style that Compliments the Original Style of the Furniture
Suppose you’re upcycling an older piece of furniture. In that case, it can be best to choose a style that compliments the original look or use of the furniture. For example, an old dresser may look better with a worn cottage upcycle look, than a more modern glossy paint finish.
A general rule of thumb when upcycling particularly old pieces of furniture is to give them a new lease of life but to keep them looking old and a little worn. You can do this by using new fabric for upholstery or papering a surface but using a distressed paint effect on the rest. Simply sanding, and waxing wood, or applying a light stain also work well.
Don’t Skimp on Your Tools
Upcycling second-hand furniture is a common way to save a little money when kitting out a new house or improving a room. It’s important that you keep a little bit of money to the side to invest in the materials and tools you’ll use for the upcycle.
Poor quality paint, wood oil, or other gear will have a shorter lifespan. It may give poorer results than paying upfront for quality materials. That doesn’t mean you have to fork over a wad of cash for paint and gear, though. There are plenty of sites and retailers, like The Paint Shed or The Range, that offer high-quality products and brands at lower prices.
Strip Your Furniture Before Applying Products
As with any DIY job the preparation is an essential step and should be done thoroughly. It’s important that you strip your furniture down before you begin painting or applying varnish. Before you start, remove handles, drawers and any parts that are of a different material.
Stripping your furniture before you start will save you from headaches later and help you avoid unwanted or unsightly mistakes.
Apply a Protective Layer
After you have finished your upcycle design, don’t forget to apply any protective products to maintain your hard work. Applying a varnish layer, wax or other sealant will keep your work looking fresh and protect the furniture from typical wear and tear. If you’re actively looking for a sort of worn look to your furniture, it’s important that you still don’t miss this step.
Any aesthetic wear and tear should be applied to the furniture as part of the upcycling process, such as sanding down or roughing paint. You can then apply any protective products on top of this simulated wear to protect from any further deterioration and keep it looking the way you wanted it to.
That’s about all we have to say about upcycling. Just remember, as long as the furniture can still serve a purpose, there’s a good chance it can have a new lease of life.
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