Tips on Redoing Furniture

Prepare the Piece

• Starting with a clean piece of furniture simplifies the restoration process. Wipe down the furniture piece with clean rags and a mild cleaning solution if necessary. Remove any signs of grease or dirt, as these coverings make it difficult to recover the piece. For wood pieces that you plan to refinish, a light sanding is typically needed to help the new covering stick. You'll need to do a second wipe-down of the piece after sanding so bits of dust don't stick.

Fix Damage

• Once you have the piece prepared, you are better able to inspect it for any damage that needs repaired. Look for obvious damage, such as missing spindles on the back of a chair or torn fabric. The structural integrity of the piece is also an area that may need fixing. For example, a table that is wobbly needs reinforcements where the legs meet the tabletop to serve as a functional piece of furniture. Replace missing pieces with similar materials. If fabric is ripped, reupholster the piece with new fabric or apply a patch to the area.

Paint

• Painting a piece of wood furniture instantly gives the piece a new look without a large investment. After you sand the piece, use a brush or small roller to apply a thin layer of the primer, followed by enough layers of paint to create a consistent, even coat. Usually two or three layers of the main paint color is enough. Furniture pieces give you an opportunity to go with a bold color to create an accent piece. For a custom look, add stenciling or additional painted details to the furniture piece.

Choose a Purpose

• Identifying the purpose of the furniture piece helps guide the remodeling. For instance, if you plan to use an old end table as a nightstand, you may want to add another shelf on the bottom of the piece. A china cabinet turned into a TV stand might involve removing doors and shelves from the unit to accommodate the TV. An old chair or stool becomes a flower pot holder when a hole is cut into the seat. Look for ways to find a new use for old furniture to save money and reduce the amount of trash you create.