Tired of that old, worn-out dresser collecting dust in the garage? Don’t kick it to the curb just yet! With a little creativity and elbow grease, you can transform that eyesore into a showstopping piece of furniture. Believe me, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as admiring (and showing off) a gorgeous dresser or chair you’ve refurbished yourself.
Not only will you save a ton of cash by upcycling secondhand finds, but you’ll also be doing your part for the environment. So grab your toolbox and get ready to dive into the wonderful world of DIY furniture makeovers!
Key Takeaways:
- Learn how to choose the perfect piece of used furniture to refinish
- Master prepping, sanding, and repair techniques for a smooth finish
- Discover paint types, color schemes, and decorative finishes to create unique looks
- Get tips on properly applying paint/stain like a pro
- Find out how to add decorative touches and protect your hard work
- Price and sell your furniture flips for a profit
Choosing the Right Piece of Furniture
- Consider the size, style, condition, and wood type
- Check thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces for affordable gems
- Inspect for good bones and structural integrity
Before you start scouring for pieces to makeover, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. First up, think about the size and overall style you’re going for – does it need to fit a specific space or aesthetic in your home? Overly large, bulky pieces may not be worth the effort unless you have a grand, open room to showcase them.
As for style, stick with simple, classic designs that have “good bones.” You can always modernize and add personality through paint, but those ornate, fussy antiques can be a nightmare to work with.
Next, carefully examine the condition. Sure, you’ll be refinishing the surfaces, but you don’t want to inherit major structural issues down the road. Give the drawers a tug, rock it back and forth, and watch for crumbling veneer or excessive wobbling and creaking. If it seems solid overall, those minor blemishes are easily fixed!
Finally, get familiar with identifying common wood types like oak, pine, and maple. Certain woods take finishes differently, so this will impact your prep work and finishing options. For beginners, softer woods like pine are generally easier to work with.
Where can you find these hidden gems? My go-to sources are local thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. You’d be amazed at the fantastic pieces people get rid of for a steal. The key is being patient and constantly on the lookout!
Preparing the Furniture
Now for the not-so-glamorous part: prep work. Getting that old, gunky finish off and achieving a smooth base is crucial for professional-looking results. Here’s the process:
- Strip existing finishes with chemical strippers, a heat gun, or good ol’ elbow grease sanding
- Fix any damages like wobbly legs, veneer peeling, or deep scratches
- Sand progressively with higher grits until buttery smooth
- Clean off ALL dust and debris
If you’ve got a piece with layers of paint or heavy varnish, you’ll likely need to use a chemical stripper or a heat gun. Be very careful with heat guns, as they can easily scorch the wood. Many pros recommend starting with a low-grit sandpaper like 60 or 80 and working your way up through the grits to 220. Don’t rush this step!
While you’re at it, check for any structural issues or damages that need repair. Loose legs or sides can usually be fixed by re-gluing and clamping. Replace any missing or crumbling veneer. And for scratches or dents, use a wood filler product before your final sandings.
Cleaning is also crucial at this stage to ensure your new finish adheres properly. I like using a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove every last speck of dust. Tack cloths work great too. A smooth, clean, and dry surface will be your canvas!
Before: This old dresser had a ton of dings, scratches, and a thick varnish
After: Looking smooth and refinished after sanding and prepping
Choosing Paint/Stain and Finishes
This is where you really get to unleash your creativity! From modern colors and stains to rustic distressing, there are so many fabulous finishes to explore.
- Decide between paint, stain, or a paint/stain combo
- Choose colors and design scheme (modern, farmhouse, vintage, etc.)
- Use the right primer and topcoat products
Let’s start with paint. For furniture, you’ve got options like chalk paint (great for distressing), milk paint (vintage, chippy looks), or good old latex paint in any color imaginable. Stains are ideal if you love that rich, natural wood look or want to achieve a two-tone finish by combining stains and paint.
When it comes to color, grab some paint samples or scour Pinterest and magazines to settle on an overall design scheme you love. Maybe you want a sleek modern vibe with bold colors or a weathered, rustic style with soft pastels and whites. Or perhaps a funky boho look with mixed colors and textures is more your jam?
Don’t forget about primers and topcoats! These are essential for proper adhesion and protecting your hard work. Shellac, oil-based, or latex primers help seal the wood. And topcoats like polyurethane, lacquer, or wax provide durable protection and enhance that gorgeous finish.
For example, if you’re going for a modern look, consider using a colored latex primer to skip painting altogether! Then finish with a few coats of water-based poly. Or for farmhouse chic, try a custom chalk paint blend with a wax topcoat.
| Paint/Stain Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Chalk Paint | Great for distressing, vintage looks | Requires wax topcoat |
| Milk Paint | Gorgeous chippy finish | Tricky to apply, can be streaky |
| Latex Paint | Easy application, unlimited colors | May require more prep work |
| Wood Stain | Brings out wood grain beautifully | Doesn’t cover existing stains/damage |
Painting/Staining Techniques
With your products and vision mapped out, it’s time to get painting or staining! This part is all about technique and patience for that pro, magazine-worthy finish.
- Start with proper brush strokes or rolling/spraying
- Create distressed, antiqued looks through dry brushing and sanding back
- Get creative with decorative paint techniques
- Don’t rush! Allow each coat to fully dry and cure
When painting, always start with thin, even coats using high-quality brushes or a spray gun. Cheap brushes leave tons of unsightly streaks and bubbles. For broader surfaces, use a high-density foam roller and roll in overlapping W patterns. Allow each coat to totally dry before adding the next.
If you want more of a distressed, antiqued vibe, dry brushing with a dry, loaded brush is a great way to add texture over your base coat. Or try sanding or chipping back your topcoat a bit for that perfectly worn feel.
Other fun decorative techniques include:
- Stenciling patterns or lettering
- Color washing (dragging watered-down paint for dimension)
- Crackling for an aged look
- Two-tone or ombré fades
Don’t rush the drying process! Improper curing and skipping coats is the kiss of death for a pro finish. Always check the product’s recommended drying time between coats and before applying topcoats. It may take a couple of days, but it’s so worth it.
Decorative Touches
Once you’ve nailed that perfect paint job or stain, it’s time to add some decorative flair! These little accent details are what really elevate your piece and give it that custom look.
- Switch out the hardware with new knobs, pulls, and hinges
- Line drawers or shelves with patterned wallpaper or stencils
- Add decorative trim or moulding
- Reupholster seats or cabinet fronts
New hardware is an inexpensive way to totally transform the look of any dresser or cabinet. Swap out those dated brass knobs and pulls for stylish glass, ceramic, or brushed metal options. Mix and match different styles for a unique touch!
Don’t overlook the insides too! Lining drawers with patterned wallpaper or stenciling with paint is such an easy way to add a fun pop of color and personality. Imagine opening up that dresser drawer to a bright floral or geometric print!
You can also get creative by adding decorative trim, moulding, or appliques to the drawer fronts or sides of the piece. Pick up some inexpensive moulding at the hardware store and play around with designs. A simple beaded trim can elevate a plain dresser to a total showstopper.
For a truly custom touch, reupholster the seat or door/drawer fronts with gorgeous fabric! This works especially well for rehabbing old chairs, benches, or china cabinets. You’ll need to remove the existing fabric, cut and attach new foam if needed, then use a staple gun to tightly wrap and secure your new fabric covering.
Before: This vintage chair had outdated, worn fabric and scratched wood
After: With a bold blue paint job, new upholstery, and glass knob accents, it’s a stunner!
So get creative and have fun making each piece uniquely yours. Those special decorative touches are what put the “ooh” in “upcycled”!
Protecting and Maintaining
You’ve invested so much hard work into this makeover, so be sure to protect your beautiful new finish for years to come. With just a little maintenance, your piece will stay looking freshly refinished. Here’s how:
- Seal and topcoat properly using polyurethane, lacquer, or wax
- Allow the full recommended curing time
- Clean regularly with the right products
- Promptly repair any chips, scratches, or damage
Topcoats like polyurethane, lacquer, or wax aren’t just for looks—they create a protective shell over your paint or stain to guard against scratches, water damage, and wear over time. For maximum durability on high-use pieces, multiple thin coats of oil-based poly or lacquer are best. Wax is great for that vintage, low-luster finish.
But be patient here! These topcoats require ample drying time between coats and full curing before regular use, which can take over a month for oil-based poly. Rushing it leads to gumminess and potential curing issues down the road.
Once fully cured, clean your furniture regularly with just a lightly dampened cloth or furniture polish—no harsh chemicals needed. For quick touch-ups, mineral spirits or salad bowl finish restorers work great for removing light scuffs and rejuvenating the topcoat.
If you do get a chip or scratch over time, lightly sand, retouch with the same products you originally used, then reapply the topcoat in that area. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way!
Selling Tips
Of course, many furniture flippers take on these fun DIY projects to resell for profit. If that’s your aim, you’ll definitely want to keep these selling tips in mind:
- Price reasonably but high enough for a good profit margin
- Utilize online selling platforms and local selling avenues
- Stage and photograph pieces beautifully to stand out
- Market actively through the right channels
When pricing your pieces, research what similar refinished items are going for locally and online. You’ll generally want to aim for around 3-5 times the cost of your materials and labor for a reasonable markup. Don’t undercut yourself, but also be competitive in your market.
There are tons of selling avenues to explore, both online and in-person. Online options include Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Etsy, eBay, and even your own website or Instagram shop. Locally, look into flea markets, craft fairs, antique malls, or consignment stores.
No matter where you sell, quality photos and proper staging are crucial! Artfully arrange each piece and take well-lit photos from multiple angles. Use proper photography backdrops or neutral room settings to help buyers envision the item in their home. Editing tools can also enhance the colors and finishes.
Finally, promote, promote, promote through all the right channels! Create listings with searchable keywords, share your items and story on social media, email friends and family—you name it. You never know where your next buyer may come from.
Conclusion
There you have it—everything you need to know to take on DIY furniture makeovers like a total pro! While it does take some patience and elbow grease, the satisfaction of breathing new life into old, neglected pieces is so rewarding.
By following the steps we covered—from properly prepping to achieving gorgeous finishes to protecting your hard work—you’ll end up with stunning, one-of-a-kind furniture makeovers you can be truly proud of. Who knows, you may just uncover a new passion and income source along the way!
So get out there, start scouring local thrifts and second-hand sources, and don’t be afraid to take a risk on an old, dated piece with potential. With some creativity and these expert techniques under your belt, you’ll have show-stopping furniture flips to enjoy for years or earn some profits from.
I can’t wait to see your amazing furniture transformations! Be sure to share your DIY refinishing projects by tagging #furnitureflipper on Instagram.
Looking for more budget home decor ideas? Check out my post on Simple DIY Wall Art Projects next!
