This sideboard was stripped back to natural timber before a light paint wash and stain and varnish was applied. It was the winner of best upcycling makeover in our 2024 search for Australia's best D.I.Y. projects.
The project
I wanted to update this old console to create a fresh coastal feel. I'm really happy with how it turned out!
Steps
Step 1
I started by removing the handles and all of the existing finish. I used a carbide scraper to remove the varnish, followed by an orbital sander to reveal the natural timber. I worked up from 120 to 400 grit sandpaper to ensure a smooth finish. I used my Ryobi multi tool as a detail sander for the hard to reach areas.
Step 2
Once the old finish was completely removed, I gave the sideboard a thorough clean and applied a light paint wash (in Dulux Colorbond Evening Haze) to keep the timber from yellowing. I then used a foam brush to apply one light coat of Cabot's stain and varnish, followed by two coats of just the clear. I sanded with a high grit sandpaper between coats to ensure a silky-smooth finish.
Step 3
For the handles, I cut some pine dowel to size using a mitre box, sealed the dowel with clear coat for durability and fastened to the drawer fronts with wood screws. And this is the final result!
Tools and materials
Materials used in the project:
Tools used in the project:
Before and after
After:
