Transform Your Chest of Drawers: A Guide to Upcycling Furniture from Facebook Marketplace

Upcycling furniture is a creative, sustainable, and cost-effective way to give your home a fresh, personalised touch. Facebook Marketplace is a treasure trove for hidden gems, and with a little effort, you can transform an old chest of drawers into a chic, unique piece that fits your style. Here's how to do it step-by-step!

What You’ll Need to Upcycle a chest of Drawers:

Before diving into the project, make sure you have all the tools and materials you need. Here's your checklist:

• A chest of drawers
• Replacement handles 
• Hemway Chalk Based Furniture Paint (available in a variety of gorgeous colours)
• Hemway Clear Lacquer (for protection and a matte finish)
• A paintbrush (we recommend the Hemway Chalk & Wax Brush for smooth application)
• Masking tape
• Measuring tape
• A drill or screwdriver

Now that you’re armed with supplies, let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Upcycling Process:

1. Remove the Existing Handles

Begin by removing the old handles from your chest of drawers using a drill or screwdriver. Keep these aside - you may want to repurpose them for another project!

2. Clean the Chest of Drawers

Thoroughly clean the chest of drawers to remove dirt, dust, or grease. Use a gentle cleaner and a damp cloth, ensuring the surface is completely dry before proceeding. This step is crucial for a smooth, long-lasting paint finish.

3. Apply Masking Tape

Use masking tape to protect any areas you don’t want to paint, such as the edges of drawers, decorative accents, or inner sections. Taking time to tape carefully will save you clean-up and ensure a neat finish.

4. Paint the Drawers

Using your Hemway Chalk Based Furniture Paint and a high-quality brush, start painting the drawers. Apply thin, even coats, allowing sufficient drying time between layers. Chalk paint provides a beautiful matte finish and adheres well to most surfaces without priming.

5. Mark and Measure for New Handles

Once the paint is completely dry, it’s time to measure and mark where your new handles will go. Use a measuring tape and pencil to ensure the placement is even and symmetrical. Double-check your markings before proceeding.

6. Attach the New Handles

Carefully drill pilot holes where marked and attach your replacement handles using screws. Take your time to ensure everything is aligned correctly. Once the handles are secure, remove the masking tape to reveal crisp, clean edges.

7. Apply Clear Matte Lacquer

For extra durability and protection, apply a layer of Hemway Clear Lacquer over the painted surfaces. This step helps protect against wear and tear while maintaining the beautiful matte finish. Allow the lacquer to dry thoroughly before moving the drawers back into use.

The Final Reveal - Upcycled Chest of Drawers

And there you have it - a stunning, refreshed chest of drawers that looks like it came straight out of a designer showroom! Upcycling furniture not only saves money but also allows you to express your creativity and reduce waste. 

Pro Tip: Pair your upcycled piece with complementary décor items, such as plants, photo frames, or a stylish table lamp, to complete the look.

Happy upcycling, and don’t forget to share your before-and-after photos with us - we’d love to see your creative transformations!

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 with furniture paint. Her work highlights the beauty of upcycling, proving that with a little imagination and effort, anyone can create something extraordinary.