Upcycling is a creative and sustainable way to give your old Ikea furniture a fresh, new look. Whether you want to breathe new life into a chest of drawers, cabinet, or side table, Hemway Furniture Paint offers a simple and elegant solution.
With a little effort and the right tools, you can transform plain furniture into something beautiful and unique. Follow this step-by-step guide to upcycle your furniture with ease!
To Upcycle a Chest of Drawers You'll Need:
- Hemway chalk based furniture paint
- A paint brush (we recommend a Hemway chalk and wax brush)
- Wood mouldings (measure the front of your drawers to determine the length you will need)
- A saw
- Measuring tape or T-square
- Wood glue
- Hemway clear lacquer
- Wood filler
- New handles for drawers
Step-by-Step Guide to Upcycling Your Ikea Furniture
Step 1: Measure and Mark the Mouldings
Start by measuring the mouldings or decorative trim against the front of the furniture drawer(s). Place the mouldings around the edges of the drawer to determine where you will need to make your cuts. Use a pencil to mark the measurements directly onto the moulding for accuracy. Make sure to measure twice to avoid any mistakes!
Step 2: Cut the Mouldings at a 45-Degree Angle
Using a saw, carefully cut the mouldings at a 45-degree angle. This is important to ensure the pieces fit together neatly to form a rectangular frame on the drawer. Take your time and double-check that each cut aligns correctly.
Step 3: Glue the Mouldings in Place
Apply wood glue to the back of each cut moulding piece. Carefully position them on the drawer fronts to create the rectangular frame you measured earlier. Press firmly to ensure the mouldings adhere securely to the surface. Allow the glue to set as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 4: Fill the Gaps with Wood Filler
Once the mouldings are in place, use wood filler to fill any visible gaps, joints, or imperfections. Apply a small amount of filler to your fingers and press it into the gaps. Smooth the surface as much as possible, and allow it to dry completely before moving to the next step.
Step 5: Paint the Drawers with Hemway Furniture Paint
Now comes the fun part - painting! Choose your favourite shade of Hemway Furniture Paint and apply an even coat to the drawers and surrounding surfaces using a paintbrush or roller. Hemway paint is designed to provide excellent coverage, so you may only need one or two coats, depending on the colour and finish. Allow the paint to dry fully between coats (check the paint instructions for drying times).
Step 6: Mark and Drill Holes for the Handles
Once the paint has dried, it’s time to add the handles. To ensure perfect placement:
- Place a piece of painter's or masking tape over the existing screw holes (or where you want the handles to go) and mark the centre points with a pencil.
- Remove the tape and carefully place it on the centre of the drawer front.
- Use the marks on the tape as a guide and drill the holes for the handles. Be sure to drill straight and avoid going too deep.
Step 7: Attach the Handles
Once the holes are drilled, attach the handles using the provided screws. Tighten the screws securely but avoid over-tightening to prevent damage to the furniture.
Drill holes and attach handles
Step 8: Apply Hemway Clear Lacquer
For a long-lasting, durable finish, apply Hemway Clear Lacquer over the painted surface. The lacquer will protect the paint from wear and tear, giving your upcycled furniture a professional, polished look. Use a clean paintbrush to apply a thin, even coat, and allow it to dry completely before handling.
The Final Result
Congratulations! You’ve successfully upcycled your Ikea furniture using Hemway Furniture Paint. The combination of decorative mouldings, vibrant paint, and clear lacquer can completely transform a plain piece of furniture into a unique and stylish focal point for your home.
This process is simple enough for beginners but allows for plenty of creativity and customisation. Whether you opt for a bold pop of colour or a classic, neutral finish, the possibilities are endless!
Who is The Carpenter's Daughter?
Vikkie (AKA The Carpenters Daughter) is a passionate DIY enthusiast and content creator known for her hands-on approach to upcycling and home improvement projects. Combining creativity with practicality, she inspires her audience to transform everyday furniture into unique and stylish pieces. Through her blog, videos, and tutorials, she shares expert tips and step-by-step guidance, empowering people to embrace sustainable living and give new life to old items. Her work highlights the beauty of upcycling, proving that with a little imagination and effort, anyone can create something extraordinary.
