How to Inexpensively Turn Old Furniture Into New

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Garage Sales & Flea Markets are great places to pick up you next piece of treasured furniture!

Do you have the white and pine farmhouse dining room set, a chrome bookcase, a Spanish style coffee table, or other mismatched furniture that needs a facelift? Here's an easy idea to turn your hand-me-downs and dated furniture into beautiful, coordinated "New" treasures!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Black Spray Paint
outdated or scuffed furniture (not antiques!)
painter's masking tape
tarp or plastic sheeting

Step 1

Using black spray paint to turn old furniture into new is an easy and inexpensive way to create a cohesive room. Krylon is a brand of spray paint readily available at most hardware and big box stores (Home Depot, Walmart, Lowes), that comes in both matte and gloss finish, and can be used on wood, wicker or metal furniture. There are many comparable brands as well - it just happens to be the one that I've personally used with great success.

Black Lacquer (or a shiny gloss finish) is great for a Modern black & brushed chrome theme, Traditional or an Asian theme (mixed with reds and golds).

A matte black finish can be used with Shabby Chic, Paris Apartment, Americana, Lodge, French Country, and many other styles of home decor.

Gather the furniture you'd like to update, and decide on which decorating style fits your basic needs and personality.
Step 2

Krylon - The Frugal Decorator's Best Friend

You'll need to purchase enough cans of paint to finish your projects. One can can cover: a small end table & a framed mirror, a headboard, or 2 side chairs, but a large bookcase will probably require at least 1 1/2 to 2 cans. Most spray paint for indoor use is $5.00 or less, making a $50-$100 remodeling budget go a long way!
Step 3

Spray paint should NOT be used in an enclosed space! Find a well ventilated area (I prefer my covered patio) and prepare your space by laying down enough tarp, plastic sheeting or newspaper to fit the piece of furniture you will be spraying PLUS 2-4 ft. in each direction. Tape down the edges of your tarp or newspaper to prevent it flying up if it becomes windy.
Step 4

Wipe down the furniture to be painted and make sure it is dry before you begin. Unless there is a heavy buildup of paint already on your furniture piece, there's no need to sand it first.

If you are repainting a framed mirror, or any item that has a glass inset, be sure to cover/mask before spraying.

Spray with a sweeping or circular motion to avoid drips. Most items will require a second coat. Make sure to allow drying time between coats, and allow your item to dry overnight before bringing it back inside your home.
Step 5

Black furniture can be incorporated into most design schemes!

Be creative and think outside the box. I once picked up a Baker's rack at a garage sale for $10 that was chipped white paint and had wicker shelves that were filthy. But after hosing it down, drying and then giving it two coats of a matte finish spray paint, it was BETTER than the original and comparable to ones I had seen at an Interior Design showroom that was priced at $250.00! My total cost: $22!

Comments

veryirie said

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on 1/19/2009 Good read; you CAN work wonders with spray paint. Thanks! :)

jenkinr said

on 1/16/2009 I'm sharing your article with my wife. She loves making old things into new decorative items. Good ideas...5 *

OBigDaddyO said

on 1/14/2009 Try using high heat flat black paint to paint the inside of a dirty old fireplace (after cleaning), to give it a nice uniform and elegant look. Great article!