The wonderful thing about upcycling is there is no restriction to what you can make. The only limit will be how far your creativity will take you. So, if you want to transform old, outdated furniture or objects to give them a new lease of life, you should read the following six mistakes to avoid when upcycling.
1. A Lack of Preparation
You can’t just buy paint and materials and get to work. If you want to create a beautiful piece that looks as good as new, you will need to ensure you clean the furniture or object first. You will not want an old cobweb or specks of dust to become stuck under the paint, which can detract from the design. You should also have all the tools and equipment you will need readily available to avoid mistakes.
2. Failing to Tap into Your Imagination
Upcycling is all about imagination. You will need to look at a piece and see a new design or use for the item. For instance, an old ladder could potentially be a unique, rustic display for plants. The more creativity you use, the more unique your pieces will be and the more impressive a focal point you can create within the home.
3. Not Doing Your Research
If you come across a piece of antique furniture you adore, don’t buy it. You can guarantee you will find a similar design in a retail store, yard sale, or online auction site. You simply need to do a little research to find a similar design before transforming it with a variety of protective wood oils. You can create a stunning vintage design for a fraction of the price.
4. Not Removing Old Drawer Knobs
If you are planning to upcycle a piece of furniture, you must never paint around the old drawer knobs or door pulls. If you do, you might remove the old ones to replace with new alternatives only to find they are smaller than the original so you’ll need to paint it again. Therefore, you should always remove the old drawer knobs first before you whip out your brush.
5. Buying Cheap Brushes
Many people are happy to invest in high-quality paint and oil but are a little cheap when it comes to brushes, but they can make or break an upcycling design. That’s because cheap brushes will leave lone bristles on your projects and will not provide good coverage. So, pay a little extra for high-quality brushes, and wrap them in cling film or tin foil between coats to keep them moist and then simply clean them once you’ve finished to use them on your next project.
6. Not Buying a Finishing Cream
If you want to add luster or shine to an upcycle project, you should consider applying a finishing cream to prevent a finish from wearing away. It is easy to apply, and you can choose from a range of colors, and it could protect the furniture while making it look brand new.