In this article, decorating brand Harris Brushes explains how to upcycle a wooden chair the easy way so you can join the upcycle revolution.
STEP 1
Wooden chairs generally live their lives in the kitchen and are subject to spillages; be sure to give the chair a good clean using a rag with some warm soapy water then leave it to dry.
STEP 2
While waiting for the chair to completely dry, put down the dust sheet. Use a coarse sanding block to sand back the chair and key the surface. This will help the paint to stay on the chair. Wipe the dust off with a damp rag and leave it to dry.
STEP 3
Apply a stain blocker using a 2" flat brush, this will prepare the surface for painting and stop any stains coming through the paint when it dries. Leave the stain blocker to dry.
STEP 4
Choose a brush based on the chair, and feel free to use different brushes for different areas. For example; a round brush may be better for more detailed areas and a flat brush for the seat. Apply one to two coats of your chosen colour. Allow the chair to dry completely between coats while you choose your style.
STYLE 1 – Smooth
If you want a smooth finish, apply a third coat of paint that you can sand back. This will make the chair super soft to the touch.
STYLE 2 – Distressed
For a distressed look, use a fine sanding block. Distress the chair outside if possible because this can create an awful lot of dust which is best kept outside of your self-build. The trick here is to distress in areas where everyday wear-and-tear would occur, such as corners and edges. Ensure all dust is removed from the chair before the final step.
STEP 5
Apply varnish using a 1" flat brush to protect the paint work. Leave to dry.
Finally, stand back and admire your new-look chair.