Instagram Got You Dying to Upcycle Timber Furniture? Read This First!
It seems that everywhere you turn, someone is telling you that furniture upcycling is the next big thing – and the ultimate side hustle.
But while social media influencers certainly make timber work look appealing, they’re only offering half of the story. In reality, upcycling timber furniture can be great, but it’s also a lot of work, and there are risks.
So what do you need to know before you dive in? Here’s what Instagram isn’t telling you.
The Pitfalls of Carbide Scrapers
Carbide scrapers are a must-have tool of the trade when it comes to breathing new life into an old piece of furniture, but they aren’t as easy to use as you might think.
Used to strip unnecessary materials from wood, these nifty tools can easily scratch the surface or leave nasty chipping in their way if you don’t know how to use them just right, with the perfect pressure and angle.
It’s also important to remember that carbide scrapers are sharp! It’s easy to get injured if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Scuff Sanding is Still Sanding
Often, online influencers make scuff sanding look so light and easy that anyone can do it. But that’s not exactly the case.
To ensure quality adhesion of new paint, you need to remove the entire surface of the old paint. That requires careful sanding work with strong technique. It’s more complicated than a quick, simple onceover with a scrap of sandpaper and can be time-consuming.
Damage to Heritage Pieces
If you want to turn upcycling into a viable business venture, the real money is in quality furniture. Think iconic details and brand-name craftsmanship or even antiques.
The bad news is that it’s easy to do irreparable damage. If you sand, paint, or alter a beautiful piece of furniture, you might be destroying a piece of art. Remember, you’ll need to practise before you’re ready to take on the intricacies of more complex pieces.
Still Want to Try Your Hand at Upcycling?
If you’re still feeling inspired to try your hand at upcycling, it’s important to set realistic expectations.
You won’t be making thousands of dollars a day, at least not at the beginning. It takes time to build the skills and following needed to generate that kind of income.
Start small. Try upcycling a cheap bedside table before working your way up to more complex and valuable furniture pieces. Do your research, and learn new techniques.
Most importantly, pace yourself, and work safely to avoid injuries that can occur when using tools.
Want more hints to help you paint and refurbish furniture? Learn more here.