Ready, Set, Personalize

Carlene delights in looking for cast-off wood components at garage sales and thrift stores. “Chances are, you will find an old cutting board, shelf, jewelry box or magazine rack,” she says. While the finishes of fine antiques should remain original, many everyday objects can be improved with customization. Here are a few of her tips for success using three upcycling techniques:

PAINT: Prepare your project piece by washing it to remove any dust or grease. Carlene prefers chalky-finish paint for wood, but it also adheres well to other surfaces. Consider using primer if painting a dark item a light color. Choose a hue for the base coat and paint the item completely, letting dry between the usual requirement of two coats. Distress the edges.

STENCIL: Measure carefully to center the stencil, and secure it with low-tack tape. If the item is small or awkwardly shaped, simply hold the stencil firmly in place with your hand. Use a nearly dry brush when stenciling to keep the lines neat, dabbing on a little paint at a time. If a tiny amount of paint bleeds under the stencil, fold a small piece of 220-grit sandpaper into a point and gently sand off the mistakes. If a large amount of paint bleeds under, sand the entire area, repaint the base color and re-stencil. Once the project dries, buff on a wax finishing product or apply a spray sealer.

TRANSFER: Transfers usually include several designs or motifs on one large sheet. Cut out your chosen motif and remove the paper backing. This will expose the transfer that’s attached to a clear plastic overlay. Position the transfer on your decor piece and then rub over it with a credit card or wood craft stick. Peel up the clear plastic very slowly. If you find the transfer didn’t adhere well, replace the plastic sheet and rub over that area again. Carlene recommends using a sealer to protect it.