How To Upcycle A Table
Upcycling a table is a fantastic way to give new life to an old piece of furniture, adding a personal touch to your home décor. If you have an old table that needs a little TLC, and want to avoid hitting the shops to buy a new one – you’re in the right place! This step-by-step guide will help you learn how to upcycle a table like a pro. Ready to get started?
Things you will need
Old table
Sandpaper (various grits: coarse, medium, fine)
Wood filler
Screwdriver
Paint or wood stain
Paintbrushes and foam rollers
Floor covering or newspaper
Wire brush
Safety goggles and gloves
Respirator mask
Clean microfibre cloth
Step 1
Prepare Your Workspace
Choose a well-ventilated area like a garage or outdoor space to work on your table. Lay down a floor covering or newspapers to protect the surface from spills and drips, and ensure all of your equipment is ready to go.
You should also wear safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands during the DIY process. If you’re using paint or stain, wear a respirator mask to avoid inhaling fumes
Step 2
Disassemble the Table
Now you are prepped and ready to go, it’s time to get stuck in! If your table has removable parts like drawers or hardware, use a screwdriver to carefully take them apart. This makes the upcycling process easier and ensures you can access all areas.
Step 3
Surface Preparation
Once the table is disassembled, begin by sanding the entire table’s surface with coarse sandpaper. This removes the old finish and helps the new paint or stain adhere better. Sand in the direction of the grain of the wood for the best results. Once you’ve covered the table with coarse sanding, switch to medium grit, and finish with fine grit for a buttery smooth surface.
Step 4
Repair Imperfections
Now that you’ve sanded everything down, any imperfections should be more obvious. Inspect the table for any cracks, splintering, or holes, and fill them with wood filler, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Sand the repaired areas once the filler is dry to ensure a smooth finish.
Step 5
Maintain Metal Parts
Now, let’s address the metal parts. If your table has worn down hardware or rusted metal accents, apply a spritz of WD-40® Multi-Use Product generously to the affected areas. Allow the product to sit for a few minutes, whilst its innovative formula works to gently dislodge rust and grime. After a few minutes have passed, wearing gloves, use a wire brush to gently scrub away at the metal surface. Then, wipe away any excess product and rust residue with a clean microfibre cloth.
Top tip: For an extra shine and added layer of water displacing protection, reapply a thin layer of WD-40® and buff it in with a microfibre cloth.
Step 6
Apply Paint or Stain
Now it’s time for the fun part! Before painting, dust off the entire table to remove any sanding debris. You can also use a damp microfibre cloth to wipe it down for a thorough clean.
Then, choose your desired paint or wood stain colour. Using a paintbrush or foam roller, apply an even coat to the table’s surface. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times between coats. Apply multiple coats as needed, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
Step 7
Reassemble the Table
Once the paint or stain is dry and you’re satisfied with the finish, reassemble the table and re-apply the hardware.
Place your upcycled table in your desired location, and enjoy the refreshed piece of furniture that adds character and style to your home!
Now you know!
So, there you have it – a rejuvenated table that has been saved from the scrap heap! Congratulations, you have officially learned how to upcycle a table like a pro. Remember, upcycling allows you to get creative, so don't be afraid to experiment with different paint or stain colours to match your decor. Happy upcycling!
Want to find out more ways WD-40® can help with DIY tasks around your home? Check out our blog page.
The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.
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