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Do you do upcycing of furniture ?

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  • raisingirlraisingirl Posts: 7,093

    We used rust-oleum, I think. It's much cheaper. I don't think it's quite as thick as the Annie Sloane one but it was fine for what we were doing - probably depends what colour you're going to and from and how 'shabby chic' you're going. Eggshell paints are good if you want a smoother (satin) finish. Most of the big brands do those and most also do a 'flat matt' which is essentially what the chalk paint gives you.

    Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon

    “It's still magic even if you know how it's done.” 
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090

    If you use a chalk paint you have to let it set for a few days and then protect it with either wax or acrylic varnish.   Oil based matt or satin finish paints are better for wood that will see some use and not just be decorative.   High street brands will do fine.

    Annie Sloan chalk based paints are best on flat surfaces that will be stenciled and/or have some kind of aging effect and protective finish done on them.   It shows wear easily in my experience so not suitable for a sideboard or dresser.

    You can use wire wool or a fine metal brush to remove varnish on twiddly bits after applying a varnish remover.   

    Have a look at this site for some tips on general prep - https://www.erinspain.com/how-to-paint-furniture-a-beginners-guide/ 

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • I had two large pine chests of drawers,years old,that were looking shabby.I didn't really fancy upcycling them but needs must!

    I took the pine knobs off,gave the chests a good rub down with different gauges of sandpaper,finishing with the finest,then applied white spirit to clean the surfaces.

    I found the chalk paint pretty useless,so did an undercoat of white acrylic then Oil based Dulux in Calico.

    Really pleased with the result,after putting pretty knobs on, I also did my wooden jewellery boxes the same,and stuck on some sparkly stones!

    The one bit of advice i would give is to buy good quality brushes.I used Harrison's.

    The whole truth is an instrument that can only be played by an expert.
  • a1154a1154 Posts: 1,108

    I’m coming to the conclusion I won’t use chalky paint. Definitely don’t want a shiny gloss look though, I’ll have to find hardest paint possible in a Matt or soft sheen. 

    im interested in pics  Carole/ raisin / buttercup / obelixx. ? 

  • So sorry i don't know how to do pics,but the finish is Satin,not a bit glossy,and easily wiped over.

    The whole truth is an instrument that can only be played by an expert.
  • raisingirlraisingirl Posts: 7,093

    Have a look at eggshell paint - it's not super glossy.

    The ones I painted were in a previous house, don't think I've got any decent pics. The bits I've done here are all natural wood finishes, not painted.

    Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon

    “It's still magic even if you know how it's done.” 
  • I'll try to take a pic or two tomorrow,  don't have any of the pieces I mentioned, except maybe a bit part in a general shot!

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090

    This is an old dresser, bought for £é( years ago.  It's a mix of oak and oak veneer.  I stripped, repaired and then sanded it before "feeding" it and then painted it in a buttermilk satin oil based paint.   

    image

    This is an Ikea pine IVAR unit to which I added wheels and a lid then painted in white chalky paint then applied découpage bits from some wrapping paper and finally varnished to make a toy cupboard for Possum when she was little.  It ended up being a  shoe cupboard in the cloakroom and now stored paper and all the doings for the printer in the study.

    image

    I'll have to go an take pic of the latest white wardrobe jobby, also satin paint.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090

    Here its is.  Formerly very dull, dark, dingy oak but cleaned then sanded and primed and finished in white satin paint.  We removed all the metal fixings which were rusty and I gave them a soak in WD40 and a scrub with very fine wire wool.   It's  a perfect wardrobe for guests now.

    image

    Cost 39€ + paint and elbow grease.

    Last edited: 22 January 2018 12:23:35

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • I try to up-cycle recycle wherever possible and have repaired the shed roof with the help of an old bed frame,reconstituted an old table as well as making raised beds from old scaffold boards and a wardrobe image

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