5 Must Haves to Start Upcycling
If you're new to upcycling, you're probably wondering what you need to get started?
With a whole heap of products available to the hobbyist or professional upcycler these days, it's easy to become overwhelmed. However, start with your basics and extend you toolkit as your experience and skills grow. Don't walk before you can run and most of all, have fun learning!
(You can click on each image below for product links)
No 1 - The Degreaser
It's always important to degrease your furniture, regardless of its substrate. Years of greasy fingerprints and/or furniture polishes can cause a resist to your paintwork and stop the paint adhering properly. Some degreasers need wiping down with a damp cloth after use - please check the product instructions before use.
No 2 - Sandpaper
Just as important as your degreaser - giving your newly cleaned surface a scuff sand creates tiny scratches on the surface which helps your *paint take hold. Once scuff sanded, you do not need to degrease again, but you will need to wipe down with a damp cloth to remove sanding dust.
Sanding can be done by hand or even with an electric sander if you have one. 120 grit is recommended.
*This blog is based on Fusion Mineral Paint being the paint of choice. which is self priming - if using another brand please check if a separate primer is required.
No 3 - Brushes/Rollers
Technically you could treat these as separate 'must haves', but as they are for paint application I'm going to cheat and treat them as one.
Although having a few cheap brushes around can be useful for certain applications/techniques, it is definitely wise to stock up on at least one high quality, synthetic brush. They do cost a little more initially, but will save you money in the long run. A good quality brush when cleaned and looked after can last for years or decades.
And, don't be fooled that buying any old mini roller sleeve is OK. Trust me, after spending years using various rollers that left texture or tram lines, it really was a relief to find a brand that left the perfect rolled finish.
No 4 - Primers
So, I said in No 2 that Fusion is self priming, so why have a primer in your toolkit?
Well, even if a paint advertises that it is self priming, there are always exceptions to this rule - nothing is ever straight forward. To explain this in detail and the options available click on the link HERE and it'll take you to a separate blog detailing why, when and what primer you need.
No 5 - Paint
Of course, as a stockist of Fusion Mineral Paint I would recommend this brand. However, let me add that, having used many brands over the years, I chose to stock Fusion because it really is a superior product and I hadn't found a paint that ticked all of the boxes like Fusion does. Taking into account many considerations such as; it is non toxic, virtually odourless, has a great colour palette, goes a long way and is self sealing, really makes it a no-brainer as a stockist and a user!
Complete Starter Packs are availabe to purchase at Revamped Furniture and Home. The kit contains 12 items to base a good foundation for your upcycling toolkit. Please click HERE to see what is included in the pack.
I hope that this quick blog has helped simplify the start of your upcycling journey. Just be careful though, it is addictive and you will want to paint everything you own and more. As your addiction grows so will your toolkit.
Happy Painting! Bev
Comments