Furniture upcycling advice

[Merryoldgoat]

I’ve just bought a few bits of furniture that I’m going to upcycle - it’s a wooden dining set and a G-Plan cabinet.

I know I need to sand everything down nicely and make sure it’s all dust free - it’s the next bit I’m not it’s sure about!

Do they need priming? Should I use spray paint (quite keen on this)? Should I use chalk paint with a roller? Should I varnish afterwards?

I’m NOT looking for ‘shabby chic’ - I’m not distressing anything. I’m just wanting to give my house a retro feel with a modern twist with a funky paint job that works with my decor.

Any advice of getting the best and most professional finish would be very welcome.

Hi, you don’t always need to sand furniture, it depends very much if it’s damaged/marked/rough/type of wood, if it’s smooth & undamaged I would be inclined just make sure it’s clean & dustfree.
I would always undercoat/prime you can get this combined.
As for finish, chalk paint you need to wax once dry as it flakes off otherwise, I haven’t used it with a roller.
Spray paint, can be difficult to get an even finish so not my favourite method, unless a really small area.
My go to for painting furniture, is a satin eggshell finish it’s hardwearing & easy to apply.

Thank you very much - that’s really helpful. I think I might try the spray for the chairs and eggshell for the table. Gonna be a fun trip to B&Q!

I really like zinsser BIN primer.

Oh and you don't have to use wax, I used a clear Matt varnish from wilko and got a lovely finish. I used autentico paints, which I really liked but it is ££.

Yy zinsser really good primer/undercoat also, user148 is right as well you can use a varnish, I think rustoleum do a varnish as well that is cheaper than authentico.

I'd use Rustoleum Chalk Paint and Rustoleum Furniture Lacquer. I've used Annie Sloan as well but I much prefer Rustoleum, which is about half the price and much better in my opinion.

Unless the furniture is in really bad condition I wouldn't bother with sanding or priming. The idea of sanding is to create a 'key' for the paint to adhere too and chalk paint removes the need for this. The consistency of chalk paint also removes the need for priming because the coverage is great. Obviously if the surfaces of the furniture are in poor condition and you want the finish to be smarter you'll need to sand it back a bit. I'm also not a shabby chic person so I think I understand the sort of finish you're after.

I use lacquer rather than wax because it is heaps easier to apply, dries quicker and is far more hard wearing. If you do use wax, you need either a stiff brush or a clean cloth to apply it, apply sparingly and wait overnight for it to 'set'. Lacquer can just be painted on like paint.

I found the wax picked up fibres, dust etc whilst it was being applied which I couldn't get out. I've also been told that it doesn't withstand heat as well and if you put a hot mug on it the heat can draw the wood colour through the paint. The lacquer is what they use for kitchens and floorboards, I don't know why you wouldn't just do everything in it.

If you really want to spray, you will get a good finish if you get it right but your paint won't go as far. I think the furniture spray pints are about £10 each and in my experience they don't go very far.

Don't know anything about using a paint roller to apply.

As you can probably tell I've done quite a few up cycling projects and the Rustoleum products are by far my favourite.

Rustoleum do a satin finish furniture paint. Very durable ime and no waxing or varnishing necessary.

Thanks everyone - got some good ideas now! I’m about to collect the dining set soon so quite excited.

isnt g plan worth something?

@specialsubject - well, there were no bidders on eBay and I got it for £20...

I might have to check - although to be fair, I just want a nice living room and these pieces are gonna really ‘work’ I think...

there are some collectors for it if you are near London, depends on condition of course and if it is real 'mid century'. but if you got it cheap and like it, ehat the heck!