How to Upcycle Furniture with Paint
Give a dated or second-hand piece a stylish new life with a durable painted finish.
Upcycling a tired chest of drawers or a junk-shop find is one of the most satisfying paint projects, turning something destined for the skip into a characterful piece. It is also forgiving, making it an ideal first venture for the hesitant.
The secret to a result that looks considered rather than slapdash lies in cleaning and keying the surface properly, then applying thin coats and protecting them. Here is how to approach it.
What you will need
- Sugar soap
- Medium and fine sanding paper
- Multi-surface primer
- Furniture or chalk-style paint
- Flat brush or small foam roller
- Clear furniture wax or topcoat
- Soft cloths
Assess and dismantle
Remove handles, knobs and any loose fittings, and tighten joints that have worked loose over time. Decide whether to keep the original hardware or replace it for a fresh look. Keep screws and fittings together in a labelled pot.
Clean and sand
Wash the piece with sugar soap to strip away polish, wax and grime, then rinse and dry. Sand glossy or varnished surfaces with medium paper to create a key, finishing with fine paper. Wipe off every trace of dust before painting.
Prime for adhesion
Apply a multi-surface primer, especially over laminate, melamine or heavily varnished wood where paint struggles to grip. Priming prevents peeling and gives a uniform base. Let it dry fully and lightly denib with fine paper.
Apply thin coats of colour
Brush or roll the furniture paint on in thin, even layers, working in the direction of any grain. Two or three thin coats look far better and wear far longer than one thick one. Allow each coat to dry and lightly sand between them for smoothness.
Add character if desired
For a distressed look, gently rub back the edges and raised details with fine paper to reveal hints of the layers beneath. Work subtly, as a little goes a long way. Dust off the piece once you are happy with the effect.
Seal and reassemble
Protect the surface with a clear wax or hard-wearing topcoat, buffing wax to a soft sheen with a cloth. This guards against knocks, marks and moisture in daily use. Refit the hardware once the finish has cured.