How to Take Old Furniture and Make it Look New!
Take your old furniture from drab to fab in a few easy steps.
Do you have an old, beat-up table or bureau that you have had for years? Did you consider not bringing it to your senior living apartment because you were scared of what it’d take to give it a face-lift? If you said yes, take a look at the steps below to give your furniture the much needed rehab it deserves.
Photo Credit | www.houzz.com
Below are a few pointers on how to infuse some new life into a worn, beat up piece of furniture. there’s zero reason for you to bypass that diamond-in-the-rough item you’ve had for years. If you can’t do it all yourself, ask your family members to help!
The first step is to decide what look you’re going for… Are you a shabby chic person who loves the distressed white glaze look? Do you prefer bright pops of color and want to go for two toned furniture? Whichever you choose, follow the same basic premise: Paint, sand, and seal. However, if you want something specific like a “crackle” finish you’ll have to purchase some wax and a crackling agent.
Prep: It’s imperative to start with a clean surface. Use a damp sponge to wipe off any dirt, dust, or other grime that has seeped into the nooks and crannies. Then make sure to thoroughly dry the furniture. Also remember to remove all existing hardware, and if there are any rough spots gently sand them down. Save the hardware in a plastic bag! Then wipe and dry the area again.
Paint: After you have chosen which color(s) you want, it’s time to delve right in. If you’re painting a wood cabinet, or any other wood object remember to paint in the direction of the grain. Keep in mind, if you’re going for a bold color peeking through a white top coat, remember to paint the accent color first and give each coat ample time to dry!
The devil is in the details: Are you going for that distressed look that is oh so popular? Make the piece look fabulously worn by sanding areas that would normally wear quickly—i.e. the tops of ridges, any high points, seams, edges, etc. This applies too if you’re doing two-toned furniture. Sanding edges and other spots will allow the base color to peek through.
Seal: Use a sealer, gloss, or other finish to coat your furniture. This will keep the paint intact and make it resistant to chipping and other forms of wear and tear.
Apply new hardware: Hardware is what will really make your new furniture POP! Don’t go for traditional hardware for an antique, be bold by choosing modern fixtures or knobs that contrast with the age of the piece. If new hardware isn’t an option here, then re-attach the original pieces.
If you have a success story make sure to share it with us! We’d love to see how your furniture face lift turns out.
And when you need to ship it to your new home, call Moves for Seniors and speak with a Specialty Move Coordinator who will help you ship your new furniture.
Call (800) 227-0515 or click here for a free consultation.