HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT PIECE FOR YOUR FIRST PROJECT
Just getting started on your furniture painting journey?
Choosing the right piece for your first project will help ensure your success - giving you confidence to go bigger and better next time!
Check out my top tips for picking the perfect piece...
Size Matters!
Everyone loves a challenge, right?
It's good to put yourself a little outside your comfort zone - it helps us grow and achieve results.
When you're just starting out painting furniture, remember that you are learning a new skill (lots of new skills actually). Be kind to yourself - it's probably better to choose something on the small size for your first project, as finishing in a timely fashion will help with your confidence, and motivation, when it comes to doing your next piece.
Try to choose something that you can paint from start to finish within a 4 hour period.
These little IKEA step stools are the perfect size, and have a great combination of flat surfaces and corners to help you hone your technique.
Other good suggestions are small, simple bedsides, or end tables, small coffee tables, kitchen stools etc..
Size Matters!
Everyone loves a challenge, right?
It's good to put yourself a little outside your comfort zone - it helps us grow and achieve results.
When you're just starting out painting furniture, remember that you are learning a new skill (lots of new skills actually). Be kind to yourself - it's probably better to choose something on the small size for your first project, as finishing in a timely fashion will help with your confidence, and motivation, when it comes to doing your next piece.
Try to choose something that you can paint from start to finish within a 4 hour period.
These little IKEA step stools are the perfect size, and have a great combination of flat surfaces and corners to help you hone your technique.
Other good suggestions are small, simple bedsides, or end tables, small coffee tables, kitchen stools etc...
K.I.S.S It.
Keep it sweet and simple - that's what I tell all my workshop attendee's who come along to our Beginners Workshops.
Not only does keeping your first project simple help with building confidence and maintaining motivation, it also means that you don't need any complicated or expensive tools to get the job done.
A project like this simple bedside table can be completed with the basic 'toolkit' needed for furniture painting - some medium grit sandpaper, a 250ml bottle of Vintage Bird Furniture Paint or small sized Vintage Bird Milk Paint, a good quality brush, and a top coat to help give the painted finish some extra protection.
We have a range of top coats that you can find HERE.
Sometimes you may need an undercoat or bonding agent as part of your prep - it depends on the surface you are painting, and the timber type.
K.I.S.S It.
Keep it sweet and simple - that's what I tell all my workshop attendee's who come along to our Beginners Workshops.
Not only does keeping your first project simple help with building confidence and maintaining motivation, it also means that you don't need any complicated or expensive tools to get the job done.
A project like this simple bedside table can be completed with the basic 'toolkit' needed for furniture painting - some medium grit sandpaper, a 250ml bottle of Vintage Bird Furniture Paint or small sized Vintage Bird Milk Paint, a good quality brush, and a top coat to help give the painted finish some extra protection.
We have a range of top coats that you can find HERE.
Sometimes you may need an undercoat or bonding agent as part of your prep - it depends on the surface you are painting, and the timber type.
Last, but not least...
The other two things to consider when you're choosing your first piece are to consider the size of the project, and the size of the area you have to paint in. Try to choose something that you can easily move around by yourself. It shouldn't be too big, awkwardly shaped, or too heavy.
Also, try to choose something that doesn't have too many moving parts. Minimize the amount of drawers, or doors that need removing from their hinges etc...
Last of all, try to find a piece that doesn't require any major repairs or alterations. It's really satisfying to successfully fill holes, mend cracks etc... but for your first project, try to concentrate on honing your brush technique, and getting a feel for the paint and finish products.
If you choose a small, fuss free piece, you'll have your project finished within a few hours - ready to show off to the world (or at least your household). You will also be ready to hunt down a more in-depth project for your next challenge!
If you're just getting started, and wondering which paint and other tools you will need, we have put together the perfect painting kit for you.
The Rejuvenate Kit contains everything ou need to paint your first one or two projects (depending on size). It includes a choice of colour from our 500ml varieties, prep & finish items, as well as premium Cling On! brand brush, which will last you for years!
Happy painting.
Corrina, from Bird on the Hill xxoo
Here's 3 more reasons to up-cycle your old furniture rather than buying new...
It's Super Easy To use
You'll be amazed at how quick it is to makeover your old furniture & make it look amazing again! Our paint & finishes dry fast so you don't have to wait forever to show off your 'new' piece. It's also water wash up, so quick to clean up too!
It Does Good!
Our non-toxic, low/no VOC products aren't just good for you, but the water-based finishes are good for the environment too. Not to mention the good to your hip pocket - it's a great budget friendly way to makeover your home.
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Not sure you're in love with the colour when it arrives? No problem, just contact us & we'll help you choose another colour, and send it to you for FREE. We're also here if you have any questions about our range. See our full T&C's here
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