🖼️
The project:
To refresh our son’s bedroom without buying brand-new furniture, I transformed a heavy, orange-varnished timber suite into a light, modern coastal retreat. The goal was to eliminate the dated yellow undertones while highlighting the natural timber grain. After sanding, I paint washed the fronting and top surfaces then primed and painted the outer frames and legs in for a clean, structural contrast. This simple furniture flip completely modernized the entire room, proving how sanding and paint can give quality timber pieces a second life.
- Materials:
- Tools:
2x microfibre cloths
125mm orbital sanding pads (80, 180, and 240 grit)
Ryobi 125mm Random Orbital Sander
Painter's tape
Drop sheet
Paint stirrer
Monarch 38mm Doors and Trims Paint Brush
Uni-Pro 100mm Microfibre Paint Roller
Uni-Pro 160mm Paint Tray
Brown paper bags
- Step 1:
Deconstruct and clean: Deconstract bed and remove all drawers, screws, and hardware. Clean every surface thoroughly with sugar soap and microfibre cloth to ensure all dirt is removed.
- Step 2:
Sand: Strip the old varnish depending on how you want to finish each surface. For any surfaces you want to keep natural, use the orbital sander with 80 grit sanding discs to remove the varnish, then smooth the raw timber using 180 grit sanding discs, and then a 240 grit sanding disk to create a silky base for stain aborption. For any areas you are going to paint, use the orbital sander with 80 grit sanding discs to scuff-sand (remove the glossy finish but not all the paint). Once sanded, use a damp microfibre cloth to wipe away all leftover dust.
Note: In this project, I kept the main and top panels of the bed frame natural (paint wash) and painted the legs and side pieces that hold the slats. For the bedside tables, I kept the top of the frame and fronts of the drawers natural and painted the remainder of the frame.
- Step 3:
Apply Paint Wash: Use the paint stirrer to mix Porter's Paint in Rubble with water at a 3:1 ratio (water to paint) in an old container. Apply the wash evenly with a microfibre cloth to one panel/area at a time and immediately wipe back with a lint-free muslin cloth to reveal the natural timber grain. Continue until you have done each panel/area that Repeat 30 minutes later for a second coat, then allow 24 hours to dry.
Tip: make sure you stir the paint wash well before you dip the microfibre cloth in each time as the paint settles to the bottom of the container quite quickly.
- Step 4:
Protect surfaces before painting: Use painter's tape along any adjoining paint washed surfaces and hardware that you do not want paint to transfer onto. When applying the tape, use short manageable sections and pull it tight to keep your line straight, then run your finger firmly along the adjoining edge to prevent bleeding. Use a drop sheet or old sheet/towel on the floor.
Tip: when you remove the tape, do so while the paint is so damp so the new paint doesn't bond to the tape and peel right off.
- Step 5:
Apply primer: stir primer very well then apply one coat of primer, using the 38mm brush to cut into edges and frames and then roll the flat panels with the paint roller for a smooth finish. Wash stirrer, tray, and brushes in water and allow the bed and bedsides to dry overnight. Gently hand-sand with 240 grit sandpaper (I used the sanding disc from the preparation stage).
Tips: the primer is purely to give an adhesive surface for your paint, it doesn't need to be a complete colour block of your old finish. I used an oil based primer for this project to stop tannins bleeding into the paint overtime to try and prevent yellowing.
- Step 6:
Apply paint: Stir Porter's paint very well and then apply two coats of paint. For each coat, use the 38mm brush to cut into edges and then roll the flat panels with the paint roller for a smooth and streak-free coat. Let the first coat dry completely (at least 4-6 hours). Gently hand-sand with 240 grit sandpaper before applying second coat. Once second coat has been applied, peel away the painter's tape at a 45 degree angle, while the second coat is still wet. Wash stirrer, tray, and brushes in water and allow the cabinets to dry and harden for ~2 days.
Tip: to save washing tools between coats of paint, store your tray of paint, stirrer, and brushes in a zip lock bag or wrapped in cling wrap.
- Step 7:
Apply the hard wax oil: Gently position the bed head and footboard against the painted part of the frame to access all timber panels safely without marring the fresh paint finish. Apply the first coat of Fiddes Clear Satin Hard Wax Oil over the paint-washed timber panels using the paint roller. Allow 8 hours to dry. Gently hand-sand with a brown paper bag to remove any nibs. Apply the second coat of hard wax oil and let it cure for 5-7 days before use.
Tip: I leant my panels against a saw horse with a towel and then old cotton rag draped over it.
- Step 8:
Style and enjoy!: reassemble your furniture, put your decor in place, and enjoy your stunning new bedroom suite!
