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How to upcycle furniture

The room has a bed with black bedding and lamps on both bedside tables.

Overview

Upcycling is a fun and sustainable way of breathing new life into old furniture. If you’ve thrifted a piece that has potential, or if some of your older furniture needs a little TLC, check out this step-by-step D.I.Y. guide to upcycling.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. Always store products out of the reach of children and pets and always work in a well-ventilated area when working with spray paint.

Steps

  1. 1

    Prepare your workspace

    Prepare your workspace by clearing the area and organising all necessary tools and materials. Cover any surfaces with drop sheets to protect your floors. If you’re painting indoors, ensure proper ventilation by opening windows and doors.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Remember to remove any items inside the piece of furniture you're working on before placing it on the drop sheet. This will make it easier to work with.
    Bedside table place on floor.
  2. 2

    Remove hardware

    Use a screwdriver to remove any existing hardware on the furniture that you don’t want painted, such as handles, knobs, hinges and screws. Place the hardware in a bag or container to keep it organised and safe for reattachment later.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: If the hardware is outdated or damaged, or if you want to refresh the look with new hardware (which is an easy, inexpensive update), now is a good time to do that.
    Removing existing hardware.
  3. 3

    Sand the surface

    Prepare the surface by sanding it down to remove any old finishes. Depending on the size of the piece you’ve chosen, you can use a hand-sanding block, rotary tool, detail sander, or even an orbital sander if you’ve chosen something larger, like a dresser. Use medium-grit (80 grit) sandpaper to remove old finishes, smooth imperfections, and create a suitable surface for paint adhesion. Always sand in the direction of the timber grain and apply even pressure.

    Any holes, dents, or scratches in the furniture can be repaired with timber filler. Apply the timber filler to the damaged areas, ensuring it's slightly overfilled. Once it’s dry, sand the filled spots with fine-grit sandpaper until it’s smooth and level with the surrounding surface. This will give you a seamless base for painting, leaving the furniture looking fresh and blemish-free.

    A Bunnings team member is sanding a bedside table top.
  4. 4

    Clean the furniture

    After sanding, wipe down the furniture with a damp cloth to remove any dust and ensure a clean, smooth surface for painting. It’s also a good idea to replace the drop sheet to avoid getting any dust mixed into your paint.

    Wiping the furniture with a damp cloth
  5. 5

    Apply an undercoat

    Make sure you’ve selected the right type of undercoat for your furniture piece. This will allow the paint to have a nice, clean finish. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific surface and conditions. Apply the undercoat evenly with a paint brush or roller, allowing it to dry completely.

    Applying primer with a roller.
  6. 6

    Begin painting

    Paint the furniture by applying a thin, even coat using a paint brush or roller. Use the brush for any corners and edges; use the roller for any flat surfaces. Follow the grain for a seamless finish, working in small sections to avoid drying lines. Allow each coat to dry completely.

    Applying a coat of paint with a paint roller.
  7. 7

    Reattach hardware and apply final touches

    Once your piece of furniture is completely dry, reattach the hardware you set aside earlier. Or, if you’ve opted for new hardware, attach these instead. Give your piece one final wipe down with a damp cloth and enjoy your upcycled piece of furniture!

    A hand on the black bedside table drawer handle.
  8. 8

    Style your upcycled furniture

    If you want to go the extra mile and show off your creativity, add a vinyl decal for a different look.

    A person's hand on a bedside table.
  9. 9

    Another easy refresh for your home....

    If you’re looking for another easy D.I.Y. way to transform your home, why not try painting a room?

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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.