Sometimes creating something of your own is so much more satisfying than buying an item.
So, take advantage of summer garage sales and thrift stores, and pick up some drab things to DIY. Your creations can reflect who you are and make your apartment, bedroom or dorm room look unique.
In this DIY tutorial we will show you how to turn a dated headboard into a stylish one.
What You’ll Need
- Find a headboard that you would like to repurpose.
- Paint brushes, both bristle and sponge to get in all the little details of the piece.
- The paint you would like to use. If you are painting a very dark piece of furniture a lighter color, keep in mind you may need to use a coat of primer.
- Sanding sponges. We recommend buying two, a high grit and a medium grit sanding sponge.
- Cheesecloth. You may want to pick up several of these, as well.
- A drop cloth or an old sheet.
How To
Start by cleaning the headboard with a damp cloth and warm water. Don’t use any sort of furniture polish. It will only make the item stickier and less likely to hold paint.
Next, sand it down. This will take any finish off the item and make it easier for the paint to stay in place. Make sure to get in every nook and cranny. We recommend using a higher grain sanding sponge followed by a medium grade one.
Once the item is fully sanded, wipe off the headboard. This is where the cheesecloth comes in handy. The sticky texture will pick up the sawdust that was left behind.
Now it’s time to start painting. The key to painting is to put it on thick enough so it will cover the wood but not too thick to let it drip. If you notice dripping, quickly catch it and smooth it out before it leaves a bump of paint. Do a few coats of paint, so you get full coverage. Allow several hours (or to be safe, a full day) between each coat of paint.
Lastly, there is nothing left to do but decorate. Find some fun sheets that work well with the color paint you chose. Decorating can completely transform and complete your project.
These steps can be used for other furniture, too! Be creative.
Just because something is old does not mean you can’t make it new again. Use your imagination and and you may be able to transform another man’s trash into your own personal treasure.