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Ad. Upcycled Skip Table

Upcycled Skip Table

This is my post on my upcycled skip table. If you can’t view the video, please click here.

Skip dive diva!

Now I’m not going to claim to be a skip diver or anything, but I have saved thousands of pounds over the years by saving other people’s junk.

Skip tableMost of the time I nab items people have left outside for people to take.

But if I spot something in the skip and ask the owner’s permission, they are always more than happy for me to free up some space and lovingly restore their cast offs.

Just like this restoration antique table, which usually comes in a nest of three.

I see these discarded all the time as they’re pretty dated and this one is scuffed and has lost its glass top.

But I’m not put off by these things, so knew I could give it a new lease of life.

How to upcycle a discarded table

First you start with a good clean.

upcycled skip tableI used a degreaser to remove any oil that might have prevented the paint from adhering. Remember to finish this off with clean water.

It really helps to create a key, so I used a fine 120 grit sandpaper.

Then I brushed away the dust and wiped with a touch of methylated spirit on a lint-free cloth, before leaving it to dry.

Choosing the right products

upcycled skip table paintWhenever I’m doing projects like this I visit my local Brewers to see which products they have that might suit the task in hand.

I’m going to use this table in a room I’ve just painted though so was using some of the leftover Albany Durable Matt paint.

I wanted a matt finish so opted to use Polyvine Wax Finish Varnish to really protect it, so I wouldn’t need to replace the glass.

upcycled skip table primerIt’s a good idea to have a system when painting furniture with legs, so I started with it upside down on a lazy Susan to help with mobility.

I primed it with Bradite One Can which is a stain blocking adhesion primer as well as a paint finish.

After painting the legs I turned it the right way up and used a brush and roller on the larger surface on top.

upcycled skip table albanyYou need to wait at least an hour before repeating the process with the Albany Durable Matt. You will probably need a couple of coats of this.

The finishing touches

I wanted to give this item a unique, boutique look so I also stencilled with gold Bedec Multi Surface Paint to put my stamp on it.

You want to leave it well alone for 2 days before finishing off with Polyvine Wax Finish Varnish.

upcycled skip table stencilBest to use the satin version for the first couple of coats and dead flat for the final coat to achieve that truly matt finish.

All of these products I got from my local Brewers by the way.

Well talk about trash to treasure! I love that I have the sense of satisfaction that I saved this from landfill and that it’s my own unique design – just what I needed!

One Comment

  1. Steve Sherman Steve Sherman

    Brilliant job Georgina and you have inspired me to do more up cycling too!

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