Photo credit: Brushes to Beauty
by Schae Richards, community editor
Is that old dresser of yours collecting dust? Does that end table need a fresh look?
Michelle Jones, owner of Brushes to Beauty in Hyde Park, offers five tips for turning those worn pieces of furniture into beautiful treasures that will add charm to your home.
- Prep the furniture. All pieces of furniture need to be prepped. First consider the piece’s condition and what kind of paint you will be using. This will help you determine what is all necessary to prep the item. Most often, you will want to wash it with soap and water, or use a degreaser (if necessary) to remove oily residue. Not all paints require a primer, but always sand it down to help with the adhesion process.
- Use milk or chalk paint. These paints are specifically made for furniture. They dry fairly quickly, are smooth to use and leave very few brush strokes. They also don’t require as much prep work as some other paints. Pair the paint with a wax brush, and follow the instructions on the label.
- Seal with a wax or polyurethane. You want to preserve the paint for as long as possible, so it’s important to protect it with a top coat. For low-use furniture (e.g. a dresser), seal the paint with a wax, preferably from a company that sells milk or chalk paint — these are safer to use than a furniture wax from the hardware store. Make sure to reapply the wax anywhere from two months to twice a year. For high-use items (e.g. a dining table), use a polyurethane or polycrylic for a stronger protective finish. You can find several brands online or at a local home improvement store.
- Be safe. The more you paint, the more you need to make sure you are being safe. Always read labels on the containers, and try purchasing items with zero or “low” volatile organic compounds. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask when needed, especially when sanding or stripping old furniture.
- Be patient. You might make some mistakes along the way, but don’t worry. Be patient, and it will come together in the end.
Check out Brushes to Beauty online at www.brushestobeauty.com, or find them on Facebook. You can also purchase furniture, home décor and other products (Sweet Pickins milk paint, waxes, etc.) through their Etsy shop, or at the Country Village Antique Mall located at 760 W 200 N in Logan.
