HOW TO UPCYCLE YOUR FURNITURE

A fresh lick of paint can turn a well-worn piece into a stylish statement

Transforming an old piece of furniture into a new favourite is one of the most satisfying projects a DIY enthusiast can tackle.

With these easy tips from British Paints, a worn-down chair or chest of drawers will look as good as new in no time!

CHOOSING YOUR PROJECT

From a chest of drawers to a desk or chair, you’ll be able to upcycle any piece of furniture if you’ve completed your preparation properly. The same can be said for wood, with all types working well for upcycling projects once the right prep has been completed.

If you’re still feeling unsure, start with a smaller piece to make your project quicker and give you a chance to get familiar with new techniques like sanding and painting.

COLOUR TRENDS

When selecting a paint colour for your upcycling project, it’s important to think about your home’s overall colour scheme, as well as the look and feel you hope to create with your new furniture piece.

While the latest trending colours may be appealing, they might not stand the test of time. Instead of picking more fashionable colours, opt for a classic colour that will have greater longevity. Add the trendy colours to your space with soft furnishings, small homewares or art pieces that can be easily and affordably switched out.

PREP

Remove any handles or hardware from your piece of furniture. This will allow for you to carefully paint the entire piece without missing a spot or getting paint somewhere it shouldn’t be.

Before you start painting, it’s crucial to sand your piece. Avoid using a rough sandpaper, instead try a 120-grit sandpaper first, then move to a 240 or 320grit sandpaper to finish. When you’re sanding make sure to not gauge the surface – you just want to remove any old paint or imperfections in the wood, so a light touch is best. When you’ve finished sanding, give the surface a good wipe down with a cloth – you won’t get a perfect finish if there’s still dust and dirt left on your furniture.

UNDERCOAT

Your surface is ready, but to ensure your paint turns out exactly how you planned it’s important to apply an undercoat to seal the surface and prepare it for your paint.

British Paints Prep 4in1 Water Based is the ideal product to use for preparing indoor and outdoor furniture, and has the combined functions of sealing, priming, undercoating and stain blocking.

ENAMEL TOPCOAT

Once your undercoat has fully dried, give the furniture a very light sand to remove any remaining imperfections.

To keep your newly refurbished piece of furniture looking fresher for longer, apply a layer of your desired colour in British Paints H2O Enamel Gloss. Not only will this bring your piece to life, it will also help to protect your latest masterpiece from unwanted chips and scratches.

When it comes to applying the enamel, opt for a small nap roller with rounded ends if you’re applying it to a large flat surface. This will allow for a flawless finish every time and no roller marks visible on the finished product.

For those tricky corners and little details, a high-quality angled brush is the ideal tool to get into the grooves for a picture-perfect finish. Allow for the first layer of enamel to dry before adding another, then once completely dry, reattach handles and hardware to your beautifully painted piece of furniture.