Up-cycled furniture

[Pacman]

Just thought I'd share this as Jumble Town is a fantastic resource that helps keep waste down and you never know what another person needs or wants: my motto is "One's man's junk is another mans treasure".

I got this telephone table last year and enjoyed up-cycling it. It was easy enough to do - just keep all the bits of stuffing etc and take photos if you need to reference back (not much need on this one).

[Pacman]

Here is another project: the stool we had used for the piano was given to us by someone and had seen better days so it was time to sort it out. I took photos along the way of the inside to see what I should be doing with the threads etc. This took about 8 hours all in all.

[trish53]

Absolutely amazing,your extremely talented

[rubyruby]

Really love what you have done, just goes to show what crafty people can do with things others think is junk and would throw away, great job,..

[Chris P]

Fantastic work, Pacman!

Many thanks for sharing and inspiring!

Regards
Chris P
Admin

[Leo1]

Fantastic work! Can I ask you what type of paint and primer did you use on the phone table?

[felix1]

Two beautiful pieces now. Well done you

[irishrose]

Lovely work!

[Pacman]

Thanks for all the comments. These were just to encourage others to try these things. The telephone table above was fairly easy - it was just a thing of painting and then putting on the upholstery straight (keeping in mind the pattern and "measure twice, cut once policy).

The poof was a bit more tricky but very doable if you can use a sewing machine and have large needles and a staple gun. For anyone in Dublin, Kevin at East Wall Market is a wonderful place for material - €3 a meter: you can't beat that!!! Makes attempting these things affordable and no big loss if it doesn't work out.

Leo, I used Woodies pure brilliant white for wood and metal undercoat, and Woodies satinwood soft sand for interior wood and metal. I wanted that 'antique cream' kind of colour. I spoke with a very helpful guy there earlier in the week (a bit of a rarity in Woodies), who told me that you can now download an app and it will colour match and then they make it from that. I think that is Dulex. Also, he gave me a colour card and said if I picked a colour, that they could match it and make it up. It worked out cheaper than buying the colour ready made on the shelf - which I did the last time! Useful advise.

Hoping to start a new piece today :-)

[Leo1]

Good luck with your new piece; looking forward to seeing the pictures. Thank you for the advice. I have an old super value wine press that I am going to upcycle.

[Rachelirl]

Well done, It's great to see more people up-cycling. I love seeing new items added to the before and after forum - keep up the good work!

[Pacman]

I got this chair from a JT user. It looks very pink in the photo but it's actually red.

I did not collect it so did not see that there was no back cushion so if anyone has one that is no good to them anymore I would be grateful. It would just finish it off. I know I can get foam from Zhivago's but it's a little pricy for my budget. The width at the back is 50cm at the bottom. I did put a thread in 'wanted' and have replied to numerous threads of people giving away chairs / couches to say that if they didn't go, could I have the cushion. I understand why they don't want to part with them - useless without but if it is heading for the dump, I'd be delighted.

So! The chair. It took about a week in between other commitments just to take out the staples and strip it down! After that, it was a bit like doing a 5000 piece jig saw: you need patience, and to be able to piece it all together.

It only took two days to upholster once it was all ready to go. All I need now is a back cushion :-D

Thanks Rachael and Leo I am looking forward to seeing pics.

[melissabell]

I love upcycling too and I must say you're really good at it well done :)

[jeep2]

I wish I had as much talent in my whole body as some of you JTrs have in your little finger! Well done.

[Pacman]

I wish I had as much talent in my whole body as some of you JTrs have in your little finger! Well done.

Jeep2 just give it a try: what have you got to loose? If you get a piece of furniture for free and only spend a small amount on materials there is little loss if it doesn't work out but immense satisfaction if it does!! ;-)

There is a wealth of information on the internet and also here: you could post a pic of your project and ask for help or advise. And if your paint job does not look good - well it can be sanded and started again. Go on give it a try. And post your before and after photos when you do: we'd love to see them!

[jeep2]

Thanks Pacman, have a sideboard here that needs an overhaul so might just start it off tonight. You did great work with the pieces there, I'd love to be able to do it.

[noni]

Pacman, Do you recover professionally? I have a suite that needs recovering on a budget, that armchair you did looks great.

[Pacman]

Looking forward to seeing your before and after Jeep. Good luck with your project.

Noni I have only done it for myself and family. I would be happy to give advice if you were going to try it yourself. Send me a message and I'll give you my number etc.

[Pacman]

I love this table. It took hours of work but nothing too demanding talent wise. The legs were a bit of a pain to clean and French polish. I forgot to get lots of pics before hand so the photos tell little of what bad condition the table was in.

It's a draw leaf table and the leaves weren't too bad but the center part was covered in hundreds of cigarette burns and oil. I think it had been used as a work bench. I love the clever design and how solid it is. It was a pleasure to see it come back to life. I did French polish on the legs but a clear varnish on the top.

[daisybones]

Great makeovers, fabulous transformations! Look absolutely wonderful.

[Pacman]

Thanks Daisybones :) Next job is reupholstering some Edwardian chairs :-D

[Chris P]

I love this table. It took hours of work but nothing too demanding talent wise. The legs were a bit of a pain to clean and French polish. I forgot to get lots of pics before hand so the photos tell little of what bad condition the table was in.

It's a draw leaf table and the leaves weren't too bad but the center part was covered in hundreds of cigarette burns and oil. I think it had been used as a work bench. I love the clever design and how solid it is. It was a pleasure to see it come back to life. I did French polish on the legs but a clear varnish on the top.
That's one stylish table you've got there, Pacman!

Many thanks for sharing your great work!

Regards
Chris P
Admin

[Rachelirl]

I love this table. It took hours of work but nothing too demanding talent wise. The legs were a bit of a pain to clean and French polish. I forgot to get lots of pics before hand so the photos tell little of what bad condition the table was in.

It's a draw leaf table and the leaves weren't too bad but the center part was covered in hundreds of cigarette burns and oil. I think it had been used as a work bench. I love the clever design and how solid it is. It was a pleasure to see it come back to life. I did French polish on the legs but a clear varnish on the top.

Hi there,

fantastic job! can I ask you, how did you French polish the table, what products did you use etc?

thanks,
Rachelirl

[melissabell]

I can't believe how good the table came up my Mum had that exact same table when we were kids. You've really done wonders. Well done and please keep sharing your before and afters :)

[Pacman]

Thank you all for your lovely comments :)

Rachelirl:
1. Clean off old dirt, wax, polish etc with methylated spirits and medium grade steel wool. Use an old towel to wipe away the dirt. Keep doing this till all/ most of the dirt comes off.
2. Sand. Firstly with a heavy grade and getting lighter as you go. All depends on the staining and wood. Mine is oak so I could use a heavy grade but if you have a piece without much problem areas you could either just use a lighter sandpaper or a fine wire wool.
3. French polish. I used Rustins clear French polish. You will also need cotton wool, muslin and a jar! You would see how to apply on youtube.
4. I varnished the top in a clear matt varnish as I don't want to have to be too protective over using the table (as with French polish). I can't find the name of that one but any good hardware will advise you.

Hope that helps and PM if you need any more advise. :-)

[Rachelirl]

Thank you very much. Great to know how to do it - there'll be no stopping me now. :-)

[Eibhlin ni Sheambrai]

Pacman, you are so right. That is my philosophy too--just give it a go--only way to learn. Did you get a cushion for the back yet?

[featherstick]

Omg I know where to come for inspiration now. Absolutely love the telephone table and chair!!!

[Pacman]

Pacman, you are so right. That is my philosophy too--just give it a go--only way to learn. Did you get a cushion for the back yet?

Sadly no Eibhlin. I don't really want to go out and buy one and my brother is using a small cushion but I still feel it's unfinished. I have the material and still hope to get a cushion back..... some day! :-)


Featherstick thanks a mill :-) Edwardian chairs to follow.....

[Pacman]

I have these chairs about 15/18 years and have made various attempts to restore them with varying degrees of success. Anyway I've got two done and two to go but am thrilled with them. I'm going to use them with that big oak table I restored :-)

[Pacman]

.... I've got the four chairs done. At last! In the meantime I've found out that what I did with the table was not the best option. Still and all: I'll know for next time and at least I can put a hot cup of tea straight down on it!

[irishrose]

It looks terrific! Well done!

[noni]

Well done, they look great!

[Gormal]

Amazing, I just love the styling of the telephone table, you're very lucky to be able to get fabric at that price, I'm a little jealous..lol

[melissabell]

My Mum had that exact table when i was a kid and it never looked as good as that!!!! Well done and the chairs are fab really regal looking :)

[Pacman]

Many thanks Gormal, noni, irishrose and melissabell. The fabric on the telephone table was in a remnants bin at homefocus Gormal so not at the €3 per meter price but still a good a deal ;-)

[Pacman]

Having done the poof, the previous armchair, the Edwardian chairs and been inspired by Cherry (another Jumbletowner), I decided to tackle my couch and an armchair: here are the results.

My advice is to take photos along the way, keep the pieces as a template for when you are cutting your new upholstery, and to write down the sequence you took them off as you will be working the other way putting them back.

Some old couches are much better quality than anything available on the market today so it can be worth looking past that old fashioned material and seeing the shape and structure of the couch beneath. :-)

[irishrose]

Absolutely gorgeous! Well done you!

[melissabell]

Amazing!!!!

[Pacman]

Thanks so much: I'm thrilled with the end result. If anyone wants advice on box cushions, piping, supplies etc just message me or leave your question here. Happy to help ;-)

[Cherry]

when it comes to the quality of old versus new I couldn't agree with you more... its wonderful Pacman, looks so comfy and inviting, you've done fabulous work updating and reinvigorating a lovely piece of furniture.
really well done!

[Pacman]

when it comes to the quality of old versus new I couldn't agree with you more... its wonderful Pacman, looks so comfy and inviting, you've done fabulous work updating and reinvigorating a lovely piece of furniture.
really well done!


And many thanks to you Cherry ;-)

[Teeny38]

Just looked through your stuff and it is all absolutely amazing you are really talented!
I have a chair that I bought and said I would redo and and feeling inspired to have a go from looking at your stuff but a couple of questions:

The chair as the 'old' smell - obviously stored somewhere damp, perhaps for quite a while and I have steamed, left out in the air, and made a large lavender sachet to leave on it, but it still smells - any suggestions?
Do you know if the guy might still be at East wall market and if so where is that exactly?!
I had thought of covering over the existing material but by the looks of your perfect stuff, you removed (if they weren't already gone) the old covers -I am nervous of the whole structure falling apart if I do that - any advice welcome!
Measuring it/making a pattern is a huge challenge to me - not the best at the measuring!
of course removing the material might solve the first problem...
thanks for sharing
kind regards
T

[Pacman]

Hi Teeny38,

Thanks for your kind comments. I would say to go for it. It is not an easy job but very rewarding.

All chairs need to be stripped back to the wood below and if they are going to fall apart, that bit needs to be repaired: you cannot just have material holding your chair together - it needs to be structurally sound first. You may need to polish up wood etc if it needs it.

It is crucial that you keep all the material that you take off as this will be your pattern. I wrote on the back of pieces what they were and took lots of photos. Make notes too - whatever helps to re-jog your memory on how to put it back together. Whatever comes off last, goes back on first!

They guy in East Wall Market is Kevin and he is there every weekend. All materials are €3 per meter. As you go in the front, he is on the right.

You will probably need filler for your chair too (having no idea what it looks like) but you can get a lot of supplies from Zhivago - http://www.zhivago.ie/ Sorry I took a while to reply - I was away ;-) You could always email me a pic or post it here.

Best of luck with it and don't forget, you have nothing to loose.

[Teeny38]

thanks so much, that's brill advice. I will have a go - and keep you posted.
thanks again.
Teeny

[Pacman]

Just to show what a lick of paint can do: I used chalk paint and waxed after.

[irishrose]

That looks terrific!

[AONB]

can you tell me what the point of waxing an item that has been repainted?
Ive read most things that are repainted are being waxed, but dont know why that is...
Thank you!

[Pacman]

Hi AONB,

Sorry about the delay: I don't check this all the time.

Regarding your question about waxing an item, it would depend on the job you have done and the finish you want. You could just use a satinwood paint straight onto wood and that is made to be a durable finish so you don't require any more protection for your piece.

On the item above I did a chalk paint effect on the piece and that would come off fairly quickly with wear and tear if I did not use a few layers of wax. The wax will protect the paint and made the chalking more durable. I am going to post pics now of another piece that I waxed and that waxing was to protect the wood.

Hope that helps ;-)

[Pacman]

This chair was made by my son-in-law who asked me to finish it off for him. It is a lovely chair and very well made but had been left outside in a shed for years without being treated with anything.

It took many hours of sanding it down as there were a lot of black flecks in the wood. I started sanding the wood with a rough sandpaper going on to a medium grade and then fine before waxing it twice with a clear wax and wire wool. Then I upholstered the chair.

I hope that answers a little more about waxing AONB ;-)

[trish53]

Love it,you are very talented,keep up the good work.

[Eibhlin ni Sheambrai]

This chair was made by my son-in-law who asked me to finish it off for him. It is a lovely chair and very well made but had been left outside in a shed for years without being treated with anything.

It took many hours of sanding it down as there were a lot of black flecks in the wood. I started sanding the wood with a rough sandpaper going on to a medium grade and then fine before waxing it twice with a clear wax and wire wool. Then I upholstered the chair.

I hope that answers a little more about waxing AONB ;-)
Wow!! Love it. Beautiful job. Well done.

[Chris P]

Fantastic work (as usual), Pacman.

Thanks for sharing and inspiring!

Regards
Chris P
Admin

[Pacman]

Thanks All.

I just love this website: love what it does, the inspiration it gives, and the encouragement of one user to the next. There's a whole world of waste that can be re-used, re-homed and re-designed.

I would encourage anyone to give things a try: if you fail, what odds? - it was for the bin anyway ;-)

[Pacman]

Not a bad time for clearing out, giving away or up-cycling that project you had in mind for a while...

Here's a little something I did a while ago and completely transformed a table and chairs I collected from someone who had had enough of them. I love the look of it now whereas I wouldn't have given them a thought before the paint job.

[garden.junkie]

I recently bought an antique chair and would dearly love to reupholster it but I don't want to destroy it. Do you have any tips?

[daisybones]

Loving all the makeovers - lots of talent and good eye on this board. Great to see good things not ending up in landfill.

[TallStanley]

Loving all the makeovers - lots of talent and good eye on this board. Great to see good things not ending up in landfill.

Yeah, me too. It's always painful for me when people just throwaway stuff without any attempt to fix it. Or maybe that's just me :D
By the way, does any of you know anything about vinyl furniture repair? I've heard a lot of positive things about this, well, let's call it a hobby, and planning to get a repair kit as mentioned here (https://toolsngoods.com/best-vinyl-repair-kits/) to test it. What do you think? I'll definitely post photos here or in a new thread later. Cheers!

[MilianaCrawford]

I never would have thought that this could be done with old furniture. You have golden hands master.

[Pacman]

I recently bought an antique chair and would dearly love to reupholster it but I don't want to destroy it. Do you have any tips?

Hi Garden Junkie,
You could put up a photo of the chair on this website and ask for help. Usually the chair would need to be cleaned and repaired before deciding on the finish. People on here would be glad to offer advice.

Sorry about the delayed response.