Upcycling has boomed over the past couple of years. From clothes to upcycling furniture, revamping what we already own has become all the rage. Firstly, upcycling fits into the circular economy model where nothing goes to waste, aligning with discussions around sustainability. Another perk of upcycling is its budget-friendly nature, allowing you to spruce up an existing item without splurging on an entirely new piece altogether. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind ahead of your next upcycling project.
Beginners guide to your first attempt at upcycling furniture
Preparation is key to upcycling
As with anything, taking the time to plan out the task ahead is key to success – and the same goes for your upcycling project, whatever that may look like. Remember, you can’t get the original piece back once you’ve started working on it, so approach it with care. Check you have all the right equipment and tools check out the Milwaukee power tools range to help you get your piece completed to the best standard.
Physically prepping your object might involve sanding it down, applying a stripping product or giving it a thorough clean and wipe down so that any paint settles nicely. Remember to lay down the dust sheets and make sure you’re working in good lighting so that you can assess the progress as you go.
Match the era of the object with the style of upcycling
A sympathetic restoration is term often applied to buildings, and furniture shouldn’t be left out of the equation either. This essentially means keeping the historic features intact where possible, while adding your own spin. There might be engravings or markings you want to maintain alongside the core structural foundations.
Take the time to really assess the item and think about what you want to change and what might be best left alone. Adding accents of colour might work better than a full block approach, for example. Remember, you only really get one shot, so make it count!
Be creative and imaginative
Upcycling furniture is all about breathing new life into otherwise lifeless objects. While restoring items sympathetically is important, so is adding a touch of personality. So long as it suits its intended surrounding, go forth and conquer! Need inspiration? There are plenty of interior images online and on social media sites. You could even create a mood board so that you can identify the common themes across designs that catch your eye.
Protect all your hard work
No one wants to put their blood, sweat and tears into a project, only for it to become easily scratched chipped afterwards. Where necessary when upcycling furniture, make sure you wax or varnish the end result to give it that additional layer of protection. You want to give it a long, happy life, so taking the time to consider the aftercare is key.
Conclusion
Upcycling furniture is a great way to breathe new life into old, outdated pieces and create something unique and personalised. To get started with upcycling, it’s essential to prepare your workspace and ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials.
When selecting a piece of furniture to upcycle, it’s important to consider the era of the object and the style of upcycling that will best suit it. Let your creativity and imagination take over as you experiment with colors, textures, and finishes to create a truly one-of-a-kind piece.
As you work on your upcycling project, don’t forget to protect all your hard work by applying a protective finish or sealant. This will ensure that your piece lasts for years to come and can withstand everyday wear and tear.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or new to the world of upcycling, with the right preparation, creativity, and attention to detail, you can transform your old furniture into something beautiful and unique.
