Furniture DIY for Beginners: Turning Old furniture into Treasures

As I began my journey into the world of furniture DIY, I was shocked to learn that the USA throws away tons of furniture every year. That's when I decided to give new life to discarded furniture. In this blog, I'll share my experiences with DIY projects and how you can benefit both creatively and environmentally by refurbishing your old furniture.

Prior to discovering the furniture flipping world, I never thought that old furniture could be even better than when you bought it! It turns out that restoring your furniture isn't just cheaper than buying it new, it can also become a profitable side hustle. In fact, many furniture flippers are selling restored furniture on Market Place, Offer Up, and Etsy, just to name a few!

I found the best beginner friendly tools and high quality materials to get you started. Here's my affiliate links to all the products I found on Amazon that will help you save time and money!

 

Prepping

First, let’s talk about prepping your furniture. Cleaning is a vital step for most DIY projects because it will help with paint adhesion and durability. I used Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner to remove grime and dirt along with a cloth and water to rinse the product prior to painting.

Shop Simple Green All-Purpose on Amazon

 

Fix holes and scratches

For an easy fix use Gorilla All-Purpose Wood Filler and scuff sand it with a 220 grit sanding sponge to give your furniture a flawless appearance.

Shop Gorilla Wood Filler on Amazon

 

Sanding

With the DEKOPRO Sander, everything is at your fingertips! It's easy to control with a comfortable grasp. For quick and efficient assembly and disassembly, this Orbit Sander is a game-changer. All you need to do is attach the sanding sheet to the backing pad and connect the dust collector and you’re ready to go! It can also be attached to a vacuum cleaner!

 Shop DEKOPRO Orbit Sander on Amazon

 

More importantly, always make sure your wear protective gear when sanding wood surfaces. It will help you work in a safe environment and protect you from breathing tiny wood particles. I found this reusable half mask and protective goggles that are easy to assemble and use.

 Shop KISCHERS Reusable mask and Goggle Set on Amazon

 

Primer

One of the most crucial steps for a successful makeover is choosing the right materials and tools. I've found that using eco-friendly primer is not only kind to the environment but also provides a safe and pleasant working experience. This clear primer was easy to apply and it is technically odorless. 

Look for brands like Country Chic!

 

Shop Country Chic Clear Bonding Primer on Amazon

 

 Paint

This Country Chic paint is absolutely lovely! The paint offers great coverage and it is eco-friendly, low VOC and Ultra Low Odor. With 50 colors to choose from, you will find the perfect color for your project! You will need synthetic brushes and foam roller to apply the paint.

Shop Country Chic Paint on Amazon

 

Brushes

Paint brushes play a significant role in achieving a professional look. You can invest in high quality brushes if you want to pursue a side hustle flipping furniture. However, since you need a foam roller to roll the paint, these affordable Pro Grade Paint Brushes will do the job!

Shop Pro Grade Paint Brushes on Amazon

 

Shop Foam Roller on Amazon

 

Top Coat

Use a Clear Top Coat to seal and protect your paint. If you are planning on using a water base paint, make sure you apply a water base top coat. For this project I used Country Chic Paint which is water based, therefore, I used a water based top coat. You can use the Mister Rui-Foam Paint Roller for both, to roll the paint and to apply the top coat, ensuring your paint job is consistent and aesthetically pleasing. Make sure to apply the top coat with the FOAM ONLY. Using just the foam will allow you to keep it steady across the surface and diminish marks and bubbles that might form while applying the top coat.

Shop Top Coat on Amazon

 

Knobs

Don't forget the small details that make a big difference. AOBITE Cabinet Knobs can add a stylish touch to your furniture makeover. I used the Brushed Gold half circles for the larger drawers and the small circles for the top drawers.

Shop Cabinet Knobs on Amazon

 

I already had a Rust-Oleum Metallic Spray Paint and decided to give this piece a touch of glamour by spray painting the bun feet.

Shop Rust-Oleum Metallic Spray Paint on Amazon

 

Finally, to add a unique touch to this piece, I used my own Peel and Stick Design for the drawer's liner! It's a great way to personalize your furniture and make it truly yours. This Peel and Stick is printed using Eco-Friendly inks so it was the perfect match for this project.

 

Shop my Peel and Stick on Spoonflower

 

By using these beginner-friendly tools and eco-friendly materials, you can reduce furniture waste while creating stunning customized pieces for your home. DIY furniture isn't just a creative outlet; it's a way to make a positive impact on the environment and your living space.

 

So, roll up your sleeves, grab your tools, and start transforming your old furniture into something amazing!