TIPS FOR REFINISHING FURNITURE:

​Over the years I learned a few tricks:
- pick a good solid piece
- free or cheap is great, but check out the piece carefully
- if you go to same place for your pieces (thrift store) pay well, it is for local charity and you will be back, they will remember you...  
- structural faults are tricky, some are easy to fix some are not
- upholstery is time consuming or expensive
- if you are going to do it to make extra cash, pick pieces that will sell (side tables are big hit, beds are not)
- always clean the piece well
- make sure you let it dry if you use water
- sand and wipe off any dust
- let dry between coats of paint
- age in spots that the piece would really get aged, edges, corners etc 
- varnish or wax finish product
- I like to make sure legs are clean (I work in our garage or outside) and I attach pieces of felt to protect floors 
- If you are selling, give customer small sample of the paint (or at least name)

Have fun and don't forget to take before picture! 

Kitchen cabinets facelift

This is probably the easiest furniture facelift...changing the door nobs is very easy project, painting them however is frugal option and adds so much. My tip: grab a piece of wood, hammer in nails (2" nails about  about 1/4 inch in), then put the nobs on the nails and paint. I prefer to do it outside (wear a mask) and use old sheets as a drop cloth. 

New pulls

Small changes big difference. I was not found if the ceramic door pulls so I replaced them for metal pulls with aged look
I prefer this look. Easy change for little bit of money. 

Small metal shelf facelift

An old metal shelf got a facelift. Cleaning, sanding and painting with rust-oleum spray paint. 

Refinished old metal table 

​Small outdoor table got a facelift. Cleaning, sanding and painting with rust-oleum spray paint. 

Painted side table

This small side table got a facelift. Sanded, cleaned and painted (two coats). Easy project, small tables are easy to find and handy to have.

Chunky coffee table refinished. 

This coffee table looks much better with new coat of paint and some aging.  I sanded it down, cleaned, painted (2 coats), aged (sanding edges that would get worn) and varnished. Great project for beginner. 

Side table - chalk paint top

Chair facelift

Found this amazing chair in the thrift store. I cleaned it, took the cushion off, used wax on the wood and changed the fabric. Easy project. Tools needed: staple gun
This chair is special to me it was made in my country (found it in the thrift store in USA). 

Upcycled bar stools

These old bar stools were in structurally great shape. I was considering finally learning how to reupholster, but then decided to turn them into a side tables.  I took off the cushions (used good tools, gloves and goggles!), cut off the back rest (jigsaw, again think safety), sanded and painted the body and then attached IKEA (you can never go wrong with IKEA!) cutting boards my friend wanted to throw out. I waxed the wood. I am very pleased with this project. If you have a vision you can do anything ;O). Requires some tools and skill.      

Stepping stool facelift

I had fun with this little stepping stool.  Cleaned, painted and decoupaged the top. I used an old map and my favorite media mod podge. Ease project, but the thickness of the paper makes a huge difference. It is good idea to have someone helps you hold the paper when you put it down. Attach it in the middle first then go to the sides...make sure you have no bubbles....you can use any flat tool to help you make it smooth. Extra layer of varnish will protect the paper. 

Cart facelift

This old TV cart got a facelift I am very happy with. I took off the back, sanded it down, cleaned it, painted, aged and varnished. I added a rope instead of pulls as it seemed more nautical. Great handy piece. 

Coffee table

Very easy project. Cleaning, sanding, painting, aging and a coat of varnish. 

Sofa table - that is serving as landing plant stand ;O).

Very easy project. Cleaning, sanding, painting, aging and a coat of varnish. I took off the nobs and put them back on on the end. 

Wicker chairs makeover

This was easy wicker chairs makeover...I used rust-oleum spray paint. i used 2 cans for this project.
I recommend doing it outside and wear a mask.

Wicker chairs makeover

​Wicker chairs before and after.

Coffee table

Oval coffee table

Coffee table

I fell in love with the detail on this table. Cleaned it, sanded it down, and painted it (2 coats) and then I had fun aging it. The carved in areas came out fantastic. I did coat of wax on the end. 

Pedestal side table

Side tables 

This side table makeover was a perfect example of thinking about side of the box. Instead of trying to fix the broken door I just removed them.    

Square coffee table

Round dining table

School desk

​Old school desk into girls bedroom side table. 
And yes I myself can't believe I painted it this color. 
(It was ups paint - only 2 bucks).

Wicker chairs

Very cool wicker bucket chairs.  Very satisfying project. 
Before and after:

Cobbler's bench

This interesting coffee table got a few licks of paint and was finished with aging effect. 

Side table

​Side table makeover. 
I love the wood detail on this one. 
I was thinking about aging it with glaze and brown paint, but I will keep it this way. It looks fresh.