Learn simple techniques for restoring or upcycling furniture - for beginners

Whether you want to save money, reduce waste, or build confidence in basic home repair this session will help. Get advice on how to make minor repairs, restore or refinish surfaces, and upgrade hardware and other components to give pieces a functional second life.

Participants will learn simple, low-cost techniques for improving furniture using readily available materials and hand tools. We’ll cover how to select a piece of furniture and assess it for repair potential, choose appropriate products for the work at hand, and make a plan to revive old pieces for a new or improved use. Get advice on everything from simple touch ups and cosmetic improvements, to complete makeovers.

You'll leave with practical repair know-how and a new appreciation for keeping quality materials out of landfill. You’ll also leave with the steps to undertake a project at home. Participants are welcome to bring a small item of furniture to get personalised advice and tips, and to share creative ideas among the group.

You'll learn how to:

select a piece of furniture and assess its potential
choose appropriate tools, materials and products for each job
remove, restore, and reapply surface finishes like paint, stain, varnish and oils
plan next steps for reviving an old piece or undertaking a complete makeover.

What to bring

Participants are welcome to bring along an object or small item of furniture for personalised advice and tips. If you can't bring the whole item, bring a photo or sample piece like a drawer, frame, table top, or leg.

NOTE: This session is for advice and demonstration only. You won't be working on furniture during the session.

Who is it for?

The session is aimed primarily at beginners and those with limited repair skills.

Additional info

The session will be held indoors.
We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible event environment for all attendees. If you have accessibility or inclusion concerns regarding this event, contact us about how we can help.

The REthink Nillumbik program is funded by Nillumbik Shire Council and supported by Edendale Community Environment Farm and NECAH (Nillumbik Environment and Climate Action Hub). The project will be delivered by Going Green Solutions and supports Council's climate action goal of net-zero community emissions by 2035.

Image from https://www.trademe.co.nz/c/marketplace/article/upcycling-transform-your-space-with-upcycled-furniture?srsltid=AfmBOor9EtS9rC8WIHOQX079Uh98hjDS7XaITdXWJvONEQUkCQrefHjd

Contact the host of Make a start on upcycling furniture