DIY On A Budget Issue One | Page 21

Bureau Upcycle

I picked up this bureau from a local second hand shop for £40 I like the shape and detail on it.

Tools and Materials:

Chalk paint

Brush

Furniture wax

Patterned napkins

Cling film

Clear matt varnish

Fine sandpaper

Handles

First of all, I gave the bureau a clean, to remove any dust or marks which could show through the paint. The bureau was in good condition and didn't need sanding. I then used Authentico chalk paint which goes straight onto any painted or varnished surface without sanding, I chose a grey 'Concrete' for the outside and Casa Blanca on the inside. As the bureau was dark wood it needed three coats in all. Once dry I used some fine sandpaper to go over the edges and detailed parts to give a distressed look. I then used decorative napkins to decoupage the little draws, door and desk surface. I did this by covering the surface in Mod Podge glue and then placed the top layer of the napkin only onto the same area and smoothed it down using cling film. Once dry I covered the same areas in 2 coats of clear matt varnish and then waxed the rest on the bureau with 2 coats. I then used some wallpaper to cover the inside shelves sticking it down with spay adhesive. Lastly I added some new glass handles to finish off the look.

Written by Maia Loughlin

If you want to see your work on this page, please contact me at diyonabudget@hotmail.com