Image by AndyRobertsPhotos via Flickr
Furniture updating or restoration is a great way to change the look of your home without breaking the bank. Before you rack up bills buying brand new furniture, consider hitting the thrift stores for solid pieces that are sure to shine with just a little tender loving care.
For most projects, all you need is a sander and a good coat of paint. Strip the old coat from the wood furniture and sand it down gently. If you like the distressed look, whack the wood a few times with a hammer, a screwdriver, or a chain. This is one step where you wouldn’t mind getting the kids involved.
After distressing, apply your primer, undercoat, and topcoat according to how you want the finished product to look. Consider the overall color palate of the room before deciding on a paint scheme for the furniture piece. To maximize a distressed look, you may want to utilize a wax rub or rag painting technique.
To change the look of the furniture you already have, buy some translucent color glaze. Using an old, dry paint brush, apply the glaze to the surface and wipe it gently with a rag. This doesn’t give you the distressed finish of an antique look, but it will add interest to an otherwise boring piece of furniture.
The simplest way to update furniture is by getting rid of that outdated hardware. You can either replace old handles and knobs or use a metal primer to change the color yourself. It’s an inexpensive solution that can update the entire look of your home.
