Upcycling furniture with Tjhoko Paint is a great way to bring pieces from yesteryear into this century by creating a unique and personalised look for your furniture that reflects your personal style and complements your home’s aesthetic.
Here are some tips from our experts on the Tjhoko team on how to upcycle furniture with Tjhoko Paint.
- Choose the perfect piece.
You may already have your eye on your next project, or you may be on the hunt for the perfect item. There are a few things we take into consideration when buying furniture for our makeover projects – but the most important one is to look for pieces that have good bones and are structurally sound.
- Clean and prepare.
Your most important step is to clean. If this step is not carried out thoroughly, you run the risk of affecting the longevity of your finish. If the surface has been previously varnished, clean well with lacquer thinners multiple times if required to remove all dirt and oil. Allow at least 20–40 minutes for thinners to evaporate. Our unique formula has a built-in primer, which means no sanding is needed. Should your furniture piece be raw wood, then the only step is to ensure your piece is dust-free.
Pro Tip: We do not advise on painting furniture that has not been oiled or varnished within the last 6 months, as you could experience furniture-bleed where the trapped oils seep through your newly painted finish. Visit our website FAQs to see how to treat furniture bleed.
- Choose your tones
Tjhoko Paint shades come in a curated selection of trendy and classic hues, so you can choose the colours that make your heart flutter. Consider the colour scheme of the room where the furniture will go, and choose colours that will complement the existing decor. You can also experiment with unusual options for bold accents or subtle pairings.
- Time to Tjhoko!
Use a tool best suited for the job – such as a paint brush with soft, high-quality bristles, a foam roller or a mohair roller – to apply an even coat of Tjhoko to the surface. Your first coat should be even and smoothly applied. Allow your first coat to dry for 20–60 minutes, depending on the temperature and humidity where you are painting, before doing your second coat.
- To technique or not to technique…
What makes this process so unique is the fact that we all have different tastes and different things that appeal to us. There are hundreds of possibilities when it comes down to it. Visit our Tjhoko Paint YouTube channel for endless how-to inspirational videos on looks that work with all tastes and aesthetics.
- Optional step – Protect the finish
Tjhoko has a built-in sealer, so this means no tedious waxing is required once your project is complete. However, for surfaces in high-traffic areas, we advise sealing your project with Tjhoko Paints Clear Glaze. With easy-to-follow instructions on the lid, our Clear Glaze gives your project an extra layer of protection and makes the surface UV and stain-resistant.
Pro Tip: Apply Clear Glaze in a well-lit space and with two coats waiting at least 20–60 minutes between coats depending on the temperature and humidity levels of your environment.
Upcycling furniture with Tjhoko Paint is a fun and creative way to transform old, worn-out pieces into something new and beautiful. Whether you’re upcycling an old dresser, a coffee table, or a set of chairs, Tjhoko Paint can help you create a piece you’ll be proud to display in your home.
Tjhoko paint has an international community that offers help, inspiration and endless creative ideas. Join our international family and follow us on social media or get in touch with us on support@tjhokopaint.co.za
