Ideas for Upcycling Furniture with Acrylics
Creating beautiful art is not always about putting brush to canvas or paper or any commonly used surface. When it comes to painting there are so many ways that you can span across the world of crafting and explore unique ways to express your creativity and discover various objects to use as surfaces.
Let your inspiration soar and exhibit your inventiveness by spreading it throughout your home or workspace with the exciting activity that is furniture upcycling. This creative project can transform your home and style by taking your old furniture pieces that are drab and sad and turn them into something magnificent, full of colour and life.
Add some zest to that old chest of drawers or filter some vibrancy back into that outdated coffee table that’s been sitting in the corner unnoticed. Interested in furniture upcycling but have nothing that needs a makeover lying around the house? No need to worry, just pop down to your local second-hand store and see what potential projects you can find – searching for the perfect piece is one of the most enjoyable parts of furniture upcycling! With Reeves acrylic paints you can transform any old piece of furniture into something that will add excitement to any room and uplift your senses through Feng shui and unique style.
Preparing your Furniture for Upcycling
Once you have chosen your project, it is time to prepare it for its transformation. Unfortunately, you can’t just paint your piece and wait for it to dry, but the process is all part of the fun. In some cases, your chosen piece may have been sitting in a corner accumulating dust so be sure to give it a wipe down before you begin. If your piece contains drawers, make sure they are removed and worked on separately.
The next step is to get sanding. You want your surface to be perfectly prepared to be able to hold onto paint that is applied so get your hands on some sand paper. Stripping the glossy finish will leave you with a surface that is ready to be primed.
Dust off your piece of furniture, it’s time to prime! Applying primer to your piece will cover any stains and have your wood ready for transformation.
It is recommended to sand again and in between coats of paint with a fine-grit sandpaper to ensure you are achieving the best possible finish – but remember to dust off any excess dust each time.
Once you have prepped and primed it’s time for the really exciting part – painting! With this part of the process you can get as creative as possible. When it comes to brainstorming ideas for upcycling furniture, think outside the craft box. Let your inspiration roam free and use your artistic imagination to come up with a unique style that is an expression of your personality, talent and lifestyle. Paint against the rules – you don’t have to stick to solid and neutral colours. Be bold and use loud colours and even creating patterns or murals to bring your piece of furniture to life.
Acrylic Painting Techniques for Furniture
It’s not just canvas or paper where you can show off your mastered acrylic paint techniques – and for beginners, don’t worry – practice these methods on some paper beforehand and you’ll be ready in no time to transfer your skills onto your furniture and turning your home or workspace into an Eden of colour and comfort.
Believe it or not, when using acrylic paint on furniture you can apply some of the commonly used techniques that are usually used for painting on canvas or paper. Both beginners and experts, be playful with your upcycling adventure by using some classic acrylic methods to spruce up your piece.
Stippling doesn’t have to be just for a landscape or portrait. Create an assembly of tiny dots to make up a pattern or exhibit effective texture. Flicking is another great technique that can be used to make your piece pop. Dip your paint brush in the shade of your choice then slightly wet the brush and gently flick paint onto your piece to create a splatter effect. This is a great way to add a funky flair to that chest of drawers or jazz up your coffee table.
A fantastic method that is fun and simple for artists of all levels is dabbing. Using an acrylic paint covered sponge use a corner to dab colour onto your furniture. This can give your project great texture and is even a nifty way to cover your entire piece with this striking and edgy look. Try mixing colours with sponging by applying one colour then a different colour on top to give your upcycled furniture a multi-coloured, pick and mix, tie die appearance.
If you are bold and brave enough to take on an upcycling challenge, why not give your piece some fine detail. Paint a mural on your furniture by creating your favourite animal, or escape to a sandy paradise beach. Add your most adored flowers or dive deep into your imagination and reveal your inventiveness to create a stunning bespoke pattern by freehand painting using a fine, thin brush to achieve perfect strokes and intricate lines.
Once your impressive masterpiece is complete, make sure it is stored in a well-ventilated room where it can dry for approximately 24 hours. Once dried, it is time to protect! Sealing your furniture will give it that extra protection from unavoidable mug rings or wine stains and makes it easier to clean. You can use a special sealant or wax to cover your piece. Once dry, it is ready to be put out for display.
Furniture upcycling with acrylic paint is the ultimate way to exhibit your artistic abilities and incorporate self-expression and personal style into your home or workspace. There is no better way to unleash your creativity than taking something old and run down and turning it into a magnificent masterpiece – bursting with life and colour. Upcycling furniture is also a great way to redecorate on a budget. There are no rules with this type of project, opening the rainbow doors for you to let your creativeness soar higher than ever before as you use your arty skills and your imagination to make personal gifts or bespoke pieces that you can cherish forever.
Find your local Reeves supplier and get your hands on a set of acrylic paints today to begin your furniture upcycling journey!
Some furniture in need of some love, and your favourite acrylics
Acrylic: Your Go-To Paint for Unfinished Wood
Here at Woodpeckers Crafts, our creative team uses acrylics
for almost all the wood projects we paint. Acrylic paints are the best for painting wood
crafts, hands down! Here’s why:
1. More Color and Texture Options
Acrylic paints come in an incredibly wide range of colors – there are literally thousands to choose from. Because they are inexpensive, you can build up a really nice collection without breaking the bank. (a starter set costs less than $20) To bring your project up a
notch, choose from the various specialty textures and finishes available in acrylic paints, like pearlized or metallic. Acrylics are also flexible, and easy to alter using a medium. You can thin the paint (just add water), thicken it (texture mediums), crackle it (you guessed it – crackle medium), or make it shimmer (use iridescent medium for that) just to name a few.
2. Smooth Painting Experience
Did you know that painting is proven to reduce stress levels? Acrylic paint has a cream-like consistency which flows well and is easy to brush, maximizing the relaxing, therapeutic experience of painting. The paint goes on smoothly and gives you good coverage, so when painting on quality wood, one layer is often enough. When you do want to layer the paint or add a design on top, it’s easy. Acrylic paint dries relatively quickly so you won’t need to wait a long time.
3. Safe, Fume-Free
Is crafting a family project in your home? Are you looking for supplies that are kid friendly? Anyone can paint with acrylics, even kids. The paint is non-toxic which means it releases no toxic fumes. In fact, it barely has an odor. This is one reason acrylic paint is a popular choice for schools, and for anyone painting with kids. Even when doing an adult project, it’s great to be able to use the paint without worrying about the kids and pets nearby (and your own safety!).
4. Less Mess!
As crafters, we know that crafting – especially painting – can get messy! The good news is, using acrylic paints keeps the mess to a minimum. First off, you don’t need a lot of supplies. Just a couple of brushes, a cup of water, the paints – and you’re ready to start. (Though you may first want to cover your surface with Kraft paper for a super easy cleanup.) Also, crafters grade acrylic paint comes in convenient bottles which you can paint straight out of. To clean paintbrushes, just wash them with water and the paint will slide right off! (Just make sure to do this before the paint dries. Once dry, it won’t wash out of brushes – or clothing.)
5. Beautiful Finished Product
Now for the rewarding, step-back-and-admire-your-work part! You’ll love the finished look of acrylic paint on wood. When dry, colors are vibrant, long lasting, and even mostly waterproof. Many crafts won’t need any sealer or varnish, as the acrylic paint is strong enough on its own. (Though we recommend varnishing for something you plan to keep outdoors.)
Planning to do some crafting or DIY home décor? Hosting a paint party? Choose from our wide variety of wooden cutouts and wooden shapes, stock up on some acrylic paints, and paint away!
P.S. Don’t forget to send us a picture
