Aussies are enthusiastically embracing the old adage that ‘one person’s trash is another person’s treasure’, a new Planet Ark 2022 Report reveals.
Commissioned by Feast Watson for its eighth annual ReLove Program, the report found that in just one year 86 per cent of Australians have saved pre-loved items, such as chairs, tables, and bookshelves from going into landfill by selling them in the circular economy.
Thanks to Feast Watson, here are two DIY projects that might inspire you to upcycle some timber furniture – and either save it going to landfill or earn yourself some cash in the circular economy. Win-win!
Sideboard by Jess and Izzie of @thehousethatjessbuilt
1. Gather your supplies – Feast Watson Liming White Stain & Varnish, drop sheet, high quality synthetic paint brush(es), 400 grit sandpaper or an electric sander with 400 grit sandpaper, microfibre cloths, old cloths, tape measure, circular saw, additional panelling, L Brackets, screws, wood glue, drill.
2. Given we were going to attach a new top and panelling to the doors, we removed these sections of the sideboard. Sand all pieces and wipe away excess dust using a microfibre cloth.
3. Using a paint brush or old cloth, apply Feast Watson Liming White Stain & Varnish to the desired area of the dresser and allow two hours to dry between coats – we applied two.
4. Measure and cut panelling for doors, shelving and replaced top. Attach the shelving and top using L Brackets and screws; and attach wood panelling over existing doors using wood glue.
5. Apply Feast Watson Stain & Varnish in Clear using a clean old rag to any remaining untreated areas of the dresser – shelving, doors and new top. Allow two hours to dry.
Chest of Drawers by Nina and Rhys of @butchandbulldog
1. Gather your supplies – Feast Watson Liming White Stain & Varnish, Feast Watson Timber Primer, new handle(s), paint, drop sheet, high quality synthetic paint brush(es), roller tray, 400 grit sandpaper or an electric sander with 60-80 grit sandpaper, painter’s tape, microfibre cloths, old cloths.
2. Remove the drawer(s) and sand back all surfaces. Wipe away excess dust using a microfibre cloth.
3. Using a paint brush, prime the drawers with Feast Watson Timber Primer and allow two hours to dry.
4. Using painters’ tape, mark out the areas that will be treated with Feast Watson Liming White Stain & Varnish and apply the varnish. Allow two hours to dry between coats – we applied three, lightly sanding between coats.
5. Using painters’ tape, mark out areas to be treated with coloured paint (we used Dulux Aquanamel). Apply two coats of paint allowing two hours drying time between coats.
6. Fix new drawer handles.
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