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A wooden side table painted white with a Morrocan-style patterned finish

Overview

Revive your tired timber console by giving it a Moroccan inspired makeover.

Steps

1Remove the handles

Take out the drawer and remove the handles. Check that other screws in the console are tight, such as those around the joint.

Person using a screwdriver to remove handle from a wooden drawer

2Fill and smooth

Smooth over dents and deep scratches with timber filler, and leave to dry. Use the 120-grit sandpaper and sanding block to remove chipped paint or flaking varnish, dirt and scratches, then repeat with the 180-grit for a silky finish. Wipe surfaces with a clean, slightly damp cloth to remove dust and ensure paint adheres evenly.

Person applying timber filler to a piece of timber

3Prime and paint

Brush three-in-one primer over all surfaces of the old timber console that need to be painted – don't forget the inside of the drawer. Leave to dry. Give the paint a good stir to distribute heavy particles, then pour into tray. Use the mini roller with micro fibre covers to apply the first coat of paint to the console, leave to dry, then repeat.

Between coats, load roller with paint and cover with plastic wrap, ensuring it's well sealed. Pour excess paint back into can and leave tray to dry. When ready to re-use, simply pull off the film of dry paint. Stir paint for at least one minuet before refilling tray.

Paint tin and brush next to an upside-down timber table painted white

4Prepare the adhesive

Before you remove the backing of the adhesive film, match up the printed pattern and centre the join in the middle of the table. Make a small snip at the side to make where you'll need to cut.

Follow grid marks on the backing paper to cut each piece for your console – how many pieces you will need will of course depend on the size of the piece. Mark the orientation on the back of the adhesive film so you know exactly where to position each piece you've cut. To cover the drawer face, position the piece so it folds into the drawer at the front and wraps around either side of the drawer by at least 25mm.

Person cutting a sheet of adhesive film with scissors

5Cover the tabletop

To cover the tabletop, take the adhesive film and pull the backing away by about 50mm from the front edge of the table top, checking it's straight on both sides. Gradually pull the backing paper from underneath the film while pushing from the top with a plastic scraper. Use the scraper to tuck film under the tabletop and trim away excess with a utility knife.

For the drawer, tuck the underneath edge into the joint to ensure the drawer opens smoothly. Fold corners in the same way you'd wrap a gift, pushing one side flat then folding the top section over adhesive side down.

Person smoothing patterned adhesive using a plastic scraper

6Apply the varnish

Wipe over the film to remove any dust. Shake the can of varnish. Hold it about 250mm away from the console, then apply a light, even coat. Let it dry before you apply a second coat. Varnish helps to seal the join and protect against moisture damage.

Pro tip: Used on furniture, adhesive film is here for a good time, not a long time. Fit a glass top if the table will see heavy traffic. Touch up corners with glue to help it last.

7Attach the handles

To attach the handles, measure halfway down the drawer front and 150mm form either side, then use the drill with the 5mm bit to make the holes. Mark the screw length, snap to size, then attach the handles, tightening with a screwdriver.

Person using a T-square to mark a hole for a handle in a drawer

8Revive your timber console

Add a touch of the exotic into your home by following our simple steps. Pick up everything you need to complete this project at your local Bunnings.

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.