Assembling a basic Upcycling/DIY Toolkit
You can get all the tools you need to complete almost any upcycling or DIY project from your local hardware store with the exception of some upholstery specific tools which I will discuss in a future post.
Walk into any Bunnings and you will see thousands of tools on display - don't get carried away! You can build your kit as you go but here are some suggestions for where to start!
Basic Hand Tools
It may seem obvious but every upcycler needs a hammer and screwdrivers. Make sure you include a variety of phillips head and flathead screwdrivers, some long nose pliers for getting out stubborn nails and a rubber mallet which will come in very handy come upholstery time. I also like to keep a measuring tape, spirit level and a chisel!
Preparation Supplies
It is handy to keep some cleaning supplies handy, standard spray and wipe and cloths to clean down your item of furniture before you make a start, and after sanding. If working in a shed and coming back to unfinished projects you may find dust accumulates which can affect your paint job if not properly removed.
Sanding Accessories
Sandpaper and sanding blocks are all you will really need, but if you can invest in a powered sanding tool it will save you a lot of time. (You don't NEED one though so it can go on the wishlist!)
I prefer detail sanders as they can get in to hard to reach nooks and crevices. Belt sanders and orbital sanders are good if you work with large flat surfaces.
This Ryobi 80w Palm Sander is one of my favourites. It has a bag which collects most of the dust and a handy triangle attachment great for smoothing edges and getting into corners. It can be found for just $69 at Bunnings (as at 26/05/2016)
Undercoat and Prep.
I always undercoat my projects with Zinsser 123, as it is a stain blocker and primer in one. There is nothing worse than old stain or paint colour bleeding through your nice new finish. Primers normally dry in under 30 minutes and I highly recommend as your first step in any furniture painting project.
Try and use water based paints and undercoats - much easier to clean up and less VOCs than an oil based products.
Painting Supplies
(Image courtesy of Lilyfield Life)
Make sure you purchase good quality paintbrushes of varying sizes. Believe me, you won't regret paying more for a good quality paintbrush when you see the results. Sure, that cheap $2 paintbrush seems like a bargain but it will likely drop hairs and leave very obvious brush marks. It will not last as long as a well looked after good quality paintbrush.
Another option is a small roller kit. These are great for larger flat surfaces, saving both time and effort!
Also - ensure you include a round brush as these are great for applying your final wax finish at the end of the project!
(Image courtesy of Lilyfield Life)
Finishing Supplies
The finish product you choose will depend on your paint choice.
I always seal my painted furniture with wax (if I have used Chalk Paint) or a Clear Polyurethane (Acrylic house paint).
