Whether this is through increasing our recycling, or purchasing eco friendly products, it is down to us as individuals to do our part and sustainable shopping is one of the latest trends. As part of this, many people have been embracing the upcycling trend and have been keeping an eye out for old gems that can be transformed into something special. In addition to playing your part in helping the environment and having a fashionable new piece of furniture, it’s also a great hobby to pursue and embrace.
Woodwork expert, Alex Dalton from Daltons Wadkin, is encouraging others to join the upcycling movement and gives top tips on how to breathe new life into second-hand furniture and home wear.
- Preparation is everything – Ensure everything is given a thorough wipe down before you do anything – without doing this you risk getting cobwebs and dust stuck in the paintwork, which will spoil the finished look.
It is also good practice to sand down furniture using wire wool or sandpaper before painting as this will help to give it a smooth, flat surface. Doing this will also help the new colour last for longer and will give it a more professional and clean finish.
- Stay on the lookout – Try and get creative when you are out shopping for pieces to upcycle. Think outside the box. For example, old ladders can be made into quirky bookcases or shelving units. Creative ideas can give a new purpose to something that would have otherwise been cast aside, so next time you see something you like on the high-street, break down in your head what the main components are and whether it is feasible to give it a go yourself.
- Have fun and be bold – The best part about upcycling is that you can create whatever you want to and you are not restricted by what is available on the high-street. Be bold in your colour choices and experiment with stencilling to add a personal touch to your furniture. Don’t panic if it goes wrong – you can always paint over it and you will learn valuable tips and tricks along the way.
- Use the right materials – It is so important to match the right paint to the right material. Chalk paints are great for painting over a dark stain or veneer, as they don’t need to be primed and give smooth, all-over coverage. Always apply at least two to three thin layers of paint to ensure a flawless finish.
- Take care – Once you have finished your pieces, be sure to protect your hard work with a wax or varnish. After putting so much effort into your pieces, you want them to stand the test of time, so by completing these finishing touches, you will have beautiful furniture that you can enjoy for years to come.
Upcycling poses a huge number of benefits to the environment; not only does it reduce the amount of
reduction of, air pollution, water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
So, not only will upcycling save you money, you will also be playing your part in saving the environment.