I want to upcycle a sideboard but I’ve never done anything like this before

[Buddyelf]

So I have a sideboard I got from next about 8 years ago and I’ve grown to hate it! It’s out of date but it serves a purpose and I still want a sideboard. I can’t afford a new one so I’m thinking I’ll just upcycle the one I have. I want it white with new handles.
I’m looking for any useful hints and tips on how to even start! I’ll attach a pic of the finish and handles
TIA

This is it

Is that a real wood surface? Hard to tell on my phone. I've got a wardrobe/drawer combo with those handles, I've gone off them too!

No it’s veneer. Yeh the handles, the colour, it’s all out dated

If it's a good shape then you can probably paint it (several thin layers for best effect) and change handles. On Money for Nothing, they always stick on hairpin legs too .

There is a pint called Frenchic.
They have a forum.
Have a look on there for inspiration.

Frenchic PAINT

Might sound obvious but take off the handles before you paint it, take out the drawers, mark them on the back so you know which one fits where. Sand lightly and clean well before painting. Rustoleum paint is easy to use. You may need some sort of primer/undercoat, a lot friends on the paint you choose. A small paint roller is good for painting big pieces of furniture. Lots of tutorials online, especially using chalk paint eg Annie Sloan paint.

Thanks for all the tips! What are hairpin legs?

Hairpin legs, made of metal, about 1cm thick, bent in half like a wire coat hanger, the bend becomes the foot. Kind of industrial looking, you may just want to stick to new handles!

try the back first, if you mess it up a bit it won't be seen.

OP, if you do it, please post a pick!
I'm toying with doing the same. I have a v similar unit to you. My whole house is being renovated so I really can't justify new furniture and love the idea of reusing this.

I will do if I am brave enough and its not a total disaster

I'd recommend going on the Facebook group Frenchic Fan Forum. Their paint is great but even if you don't use that one you can search for sideboards for some inspiration

Lava I've just been having a look. It looks amazing! I've fallen in love with the uPVC front door painted with it. I have the grottiest, oldest uPVC you can imagine but can't really afford a new front door this year as the whole bloody house needs work

Have you used the paint?

I love the wild sage colour...

'Wise old sage' rather

I've painted quite a lot with it and it's come out great. I did our kitchen cupboards and UPVC door in greyhound. I'm a novice but it does look good and is wearing really well. I did the backdoor incase it went horribly wrong I've added quite few different colours to my collection now , although I'm not so keen on the 'trim' range

I've even painted my scruffy leather sandals with it The only part that flaked off was where the leather was falling to pieces

Is it like chalk paint? I am looking for something to repaint my mdf wardrobes but I can’t stand the feel of chalk paint.

Yes it is a chalk paint. I've not noticed a funny feel to it, feels the same as normal paint to me. Although it's the only chalk paint I've ever used so can't compare it to any others

Use chalk paint. You don't need to prime and it sticks to any surface. First coat looks shite, second coat smooths it's self out. It's a doddle

I am v tempted... I like the look of spitfire

Have you used the “lazy” version with the wax in or do you wax it afterwards?

I've not tried the lazy version yet. I believe the old version you used to buff to activate the inbuilt wax, whereas the new version you don't buff and the wax is inbuilt. I've used afresco on its own on my upvc door and then afresco plus finishing coat for the kitchens. The finish coat makes it even more durable and has a sheen to it for a more satin finish as the alfresco range is matt

The kitchens should say the kitchen cupboards!

That’s really helpful, thank you.

I shall poke around in their forum a bit more.

It gets addictive they have local stockists too, although mine isn't so local so not popped in yet, probably a good thing for my bank account though. I was eyeing up the wall paint but it's a bit too pricey for me. Saying that a little seems to go a long way!