Furniture Flipping

You may have come across the trend of furniture flipping.  You see a DIY influencers head to their local second-hand store, seek out an antiquated object in need of a bit of love, and then, at home, apply a quick layer of chalk paint. Mark up the price and resell it to you as a “refurbished vintage piece.” Often, in this process, the vintage beauty is lost, and the furniture itself is damaged. So, if you’re eyeing an old chest of drawers or a bookshelf that you want to overhaul, put down the paint and learn how to breathe new life into your furniture without causing any harm.

Most Important … Preparation

First and foremost, preparation is key. It may take a bit longer and require more tools, but by properly prepping your piece, you ensure a neat finish that will last twice as long. Cleaning is the first crucial step in your journey and should not be forgotten.  This involves the removal of dirt, grime, and surface contaminants to ensure proper adhesion and a pristine finish. Start by removing any hardware, then dust off loose debris. Mix mild soap or wood cleaner with warm water, wipe the piece with a damp cloth or sponge, and use a toothbrush for intricate areas, such as corners or crevices.

Stripping, on the other hand, is highly suggested when removing old paint or finish to prevent the build-up of multiple layers of paint that can affect the smoothness of the piece. In an adequately ventilated area, apply a paint stripper following the product’s instructions, allowing it to soften the old finish. Carefully scrape away softened material with a plastic or metal scraper, clean and neutralise with solvents.  Then sand the wood as needed to prepare for subsequent refurbishing steps – starting with a coarse grit (80-120) and progressing to finer grits (150-220) for a polished finish.

Primer

Before we get to painting, however, a primer is needed. If you want your furniture flips to look great and last for decades, this is a step not to be skipped. Primers provide a uniform and consistent surface, creating a smooth canvas for the topcoat of paint to adhere to, as well as resulting in better paint adhesion, improved coverage, and enhanced durability – ultimately preventing the paint from peeling or flaking over time. 

Paint or Stain

Now that all your prep is done, it is time to get to the fun part. But the all-important question must be asked: to paint or to stain? When you choose to paint a piece of furniture, you have the freedom to explore a wide range of colours.  From vibrant and bold to subtle and muted, allowing you to match the piece with your décor or express your personal style.

Paint provides excellent coverage, masking imperfections, and creating a smooth and uniform surface. It’s also effective in sealing the wood, protecting it from moisture and damage. On the other hand, staining emphasises the natural beauty of the wood, enhancing its grain and texture.

Stains are available in various shades, allowing you to achieve a rich, translucent finish that showcases the wood’s character. Staining tends to be less maintenance-intensive compared to paint, as it doesn’t chip or peel. When it comes to applying the actual paint or stain, follow the instructions provided on the product. Remember, apply paint or stain in thin, even coats. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat. Follow the direction of the wood grain and allow drying time between coats.

Safeguard by Sealing

Whether you’ve opted for painting or staining, sealing your piece safeguards the newly refinished surface and prolongs the life of your furniture. A protective topcoat, often in the form of varnish, lacquer, or polyurethane, adds a durable layer that shields the paint or stain from daily wear and tear, including scratches, moisture, and UV damage. The choice of the specific protective finish is yours, with options of matte, satin, or high-gloss, allowing you to achieve the desired level of sheen and aesthetic appeal.

You can now reattach your hardware. Whether you’ve decided to change it out or keep the originals, make sure to give them a nice clean down to match the beauty of the rest of your furniture.

Here are some helpful extra tips for your furniture refurbishing journey:

• Before you start, research the specific techniques and materials needed for your piece to achieve the desired look. Planning is always better than rushing in and damaging your furniture.
• Keep track of screws and other small parts when disassembling the furniture. Label them or keep them in a bag, so you don’t have to stress later.
• If you’re unsure about the paint or stain colour, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the furniture first.
• Take your time with each step, and don’t rush the drying or curing process. If your layers aren’t dry before applying another coat, you’ll get bubbling and peeling that is harder to fix than prevent.

By following these steps and keeping these tips in mind, you can successfully refurbish furniture and give it a new lease on life. It may take longer than a quick coat of paint, but you’ll appreciate the effort in the long run with the timelessness of your vintage refurbished furniture pieces!