DIY Re-painting & Refurbishing Furniture Ideas

There are many advantages to refurbishing an old piece of furniture. It is budget friendly, eco-friendly and it brings personalization to your space. What may appear to be a professional job will come easily with ergonomic and fuss-free tools from Fiskars.

To refurbish old furniture such as a dresser:

1.Clean the surface with a damp sponge. Remove and paint the drawers using chalk paint and a foam brush and allow to dry completely.

2.To apply the stencils, mask off the area you do not wish to paint with painter's tape and position the stencil where required. Fiskars stencils are transparent, making it easy to see where you are applying the design. Tape in place.

3.Use a foam stencil brush to apply the paint to the furniture and allow to dry before removing and repositioning. Fiskars' stencils have a small cross mark in the corners that make it easy to create a seamless pattern, if required. Line up the cross marks and continue stenciling.

4.Allow the stenciling to dry thoroughly and finish your repainted furniture with a clear wax.

To create the stenciled cushion cover:

1.Cut one fabric piece to the exact measurements of your pillow insert using the Adjustable Three-Position Rotary Cutter. Unlike other single position rotary cutters, this one has three positions to help make cutting more comfortable.

2.Lay the fabric on a large, flattened cardboard box and position the stencil on top. Apply the fabric paint using a small foam stenciling brush and allow to dry, before repeating the pattern across the fabric.

3.Use the cross marks on the stencils to help accurately align the design and create a seamless pattern. Allow the fabric paint to dry.

4.Use the Adjustable Three-Position Rotary Cutter to cut the two back cushion pieces. Each piece should measure the height of the front piece and 2/3 the width. Fold over one short edge of each back cushion piece and hem with a sewing machine.

5.Place the cushion front on the cutting mat with the right sides facing you. Lay the two cushion back pieces on top with the right sides of the cushion front facing the right sides of the cushion backs. The hemmed short edges should be toward the center of the cushion. Pin around the entire perimeter of the cushion cover and sew with a 1/2" seam allowance.

6.Clip the corners using the RazorEdge™ Easy Action™ Fabric Shears for Tabletop Cutting and turn to the right sides. Insert pillow form to finish.

To upcycle an old chair:

1.Paint an old chair using chalk paints and add contrasting colors to the legs and cross bars.

2.Apply the stencil to the seat, holding it in place with one hand as you use a foam stencil brush to apply the paint. Use a free-form technique and instead of aligning the stencil pattern, follow the curves and shape of the chair to add stencils wherever you would like.

3.Finish your upcycled furniture with a clear wax.

You now have three new pieces to decorate your bedroom, office or guest bedroom, and you may have also found a new hobby. What will you refurbish next?

Click here for more inspiration on making the most of your small space!