Have you just acquired a second-hand piece of furniture at your local flea market and are wondering how to give it a makeover? If you're lacking inspiration, Pinterest is full of furniture makeover ideas. At Recyclage Market, our job is to make something new out of something old. You'll find several pieces of furniture on our website that have been repurposed from... clearance in Switzerland, which we've customized and updated. We're sharing some interesting tips, tested and approved by us.
To give a second-hand wooden piece of furniture a makeover, you have several options. Depending on the condition of the piece and your decorating inspiration, you can paint it, customize it with wallpaper or masking tape, or simply protect it with oil or stain. The key is to use the right materials to avoid damaging your furniture.
The first step is to strip the piece of furniture back to its bare state. If it's simply waxed, sanding is all that's needed. However, if it's painted or varnished, you'll need to strip the wood. Use a universal paint stripper and let it work. Then, remove any remaining paint with a scraper and thoroughly wipe the furniture with a cloth to remove all debris. Also, check for any holes; you can fill them with wood glue.
The second step is to apply the first coat. We recommend using acrylic wood paint, which dries very quickly and is odorless. Once the first coat is dry, you should lightly sand the wood. To do this, use linen-grit sandpaper and sand gently. Then, buff with a cloth.
The third step is to apply a second coat. You'll need at least two coats of paint to achieve the desired effect. For a smooth finish, lightly sand your furniture after this second coat.
Customizing a wooden piece of furniture can be done in various ways. You can use wallpaper, which you stick directly onto the furniture, or masking tape, or simply change the handles or baseboards. In any case, before covering your furniture, you must ensure that its surface is smooth and free of holes to facilitate adhesion. Then, cut the paper to the appropriate dimensions and stick it onto your furniture. This solution, in addition to being very easy to implement, is not permanent. You can change the look of your furniture as you wish with a simple gesture. A pair of scissors and you're done!
Easy maintenance is undoubtedly the primary advantage of wooden furniture. A simple wipe with a cloth is all it takes to dust the piece. To protect the wood, consider applying a coat of protective oil to your furniture with a cloth.
Leather is a trendy but delicate material. To care for it, we recommend using products specifically designed for leather, such as leather paint or varnish. The first step in restoring leather furniture is cleaning. To clean the leather, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from every nook and cranny. Then, take a slightly damp cloth and some black soap and rub your sofa, then dry it with a microfiber cloth. Finally, the last step is waterproofing. For this, use a special varnish or wax. This cream protects your sofa and prevents the leather from wearing out. As an extra layer of protection, it's very fashionable to cover your sofa with a throw or a sheet. You can play with patterns to add contrast to your decor.
