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Decorating is how we express our style and create the home of our dreams. From the smallest knick-knacks to eye-catching statement pieces, it can be so easy to transform a room. But we can’t always afford to go out and buy new pieces as the mood takes us.
That’s the beauty of upcycling. It’s an eco-friendly, budget-friendly and satisfyingly creative way to bring new life to any room. Your next stunning piece of decor could be already in your home or available ‘for a song’. With the right paint and a bit of creative flair, you can give new life to old furniture or transform trash into treasure. And what better time to take on an outdoor DIY project than now, with plenty of dry autumn days ahead.
Understand your materials
When it comes to upcycling, don’t limit your creativity. There’s hardly a surface that can’t be repainted - wood, plastic, metal, wicker, glass, concrete, canvas, laminate, you name it. You just need to ensure you choose the right paint for the surface and effect you want to achieve. Water-based or oil? Spray can or brush? High gloss or matte? Chalk or metallic?
Whatever the finish or surface, Taubmans and White Knight have the right paints and primers to bring your upcycling vision to life. White Knight® Squirts spray paints’ quick drying, self-priming formula can be used on a range of surfaces, including plastic, timber, metal. While water-based White Knight® Splashes is perfect for wood, metal, ceramics, and glass, with no primer needed for timber surfaces. It dries quickly, for a fast project turnaround.
Preparation is key
How you prepare your surface is crucial to upcycling success. Proper preparation ensures better the paint goes on better and lasts longer. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Clean surfaces thoroughly and, if glossy, sand to rough them up.
- Use primer on untreated wood, metal, laminate, and other slick surfaces, so paint sticks better. Or choose a self-priming paint.
- If you’re upcycling vintage furniture or items, be aware of potential lead paint in your preparation, and take proper safety precautions.
Take some inspirations
Take time to enjoy the process. Try new techniques. Follow your instincts. Enjoy that immense sense of satisfaction from creating a decorative item that’s uniquely yours.
To help you see what’s possible, take a look at Crafternoon, a hub created by White Knight Paint. It’s full of fresh ideas and techniques to fire your upcycling creativity such as:
A statement mirror with splashes of colour
Materials
- Round mirror
- White Knight Splashes in Fuchsia, Orange and Light Pink (or whatever combo you like)
- White Knight Splashes Undercoat
- Drop sheet
- Gloves
- Painter’s tape
- Paint stirrer
- Teaspoon or can opener
- Small paint brush
- Microfibre cloth
- Plastic document protectors
Transform a jar into a funky tealight holder
Material
- Drop sheet
- Gloves
- Mask
- Painter’s tape
- White Knight squirts in Fluoro Pink and Bright Orange (or two colours of your choice)
- Glass jar
Upcycle outdoor pots with paint
Photo credit: Bunnings
Material:
- Paint brush
- Cleaning cloth
- Pots
- Taubmans All Weather or Taubmans Sunproof
Find out more step-by-step guide
Find the perfect colour for your project
Using Taubmans DIY sample pots is an ideal way to find the perfect colour and finish you’re looking for, or even experiment with different technique, before investing in the quantity needed to complete your project.
