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How to Restore a Sideboard: A Step-by-Step Guide

Restoring a piece of furniture like a living room sideboard can be a fulfilling and creative project, especially when using a high-quality paint like Frenchic. Frenchic Paint is known for its eco-friendly properties, durability, and ease of use, making it a favourite among DIY enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a beginner, this step-by-step guide will help you transform your old sideboard into a stunning statement piece.

  1. Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials:

How to How to Restore a Sideboard
  1. Prepare the Sideboard

Proper preparation is key to achieving a professional finish.

  • Remove Hardware: Start by removing any handles, knobs, or hinges. This makes the painting process smoother and allows for a cleaner finish.
  • Fill Any Holes or Imperfections: Before you start painting, it’s important to address any holes, dents, or imperfections in the wood. Here’s how:
    • Fill the Holes: Use a high-quality wood filler to fill in any holes, cracks, or dents. This is especially important if you’re replacing handles or knobs and the new ones don’t align with the old holes. Apply the filler with a putty knife, pressing it firmly into the holes.
    • Let it Dry: Allow the wood filler to dry completely, following the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes, but it can vary.
    • Sand Smooth: Once the filler is dry, sand the filled areas with fine-grit sandpaper (240 grit) until smooth and level with the rest of the surface. Wipe away any dust with a damp cloth.
  • Clean the surface: Clean the entire surface of the sideboard using a mild detergent. This removes dirt, grease, and grime, which can prevent the paint from adhering properly.
  • Sand the remaining surface: Sanding the sideboard is crucial to create a smooth surface and ensure the paint adheres well. Start with a medium-grit sandpaper (120 grit) to remove any old finish, and then move to a finer grit (240 grit) for a smooth finish. Wipe down the surface with a damp cloth to remove any dust.

 

  1. Prime the Surface (Optional)

Depending on the condition and type of wood, you might need to apply a primer. If the wood is particularly dark, stained, or varnished, a primer can help prevent tannins or stains from bleeding through the paint.

  • Apply Primer: Use a good quality primer suitable for wood. Apply an even coat with a brush and let it dry completely before moving on to painting. Frenchic has a Lazy Range that contains a primer within the paint, so if you’re using that range, you can skip this step.
  1. Paint the Sideboard

Now comes the exciting part—painting!

  • First Coat: Stir your Frenchic paint thoroughly before use. Apply the first coat of paint using a high-quality brush. Frenchic paints have great coverage, so a little goes a long way. Use long, smooth strokes and work in the direction of the wood grain. Avoid overloading your brush to prevent drips.
  • Let it Dry: Allow the first coat to dry completely. Drying times can vary depending on the paint range you’re using, so refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally, this could take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.
  • Second Coat: Apply a second coat of paint to achieve full coverage and a richer colour. Again, use smooth, even strokes. If you’re working on a piece with intricate details, consider using a smaller brush for those areas.
  1. Distress the Sideboard (Optional)

If you want to achieve a distressed or shabby-chic look, this is the time to do it.

  • Distress with Sandpaper: Once the paint is dry, use a fine-grit sandpaper (240 grit) to lightly sand areas where natural wear and tear would occur—edges, corners, and raised details. Sand gently to reveal some of the wood or the undercoat of paint.
  1. Add Decorative Touches with Stencils

To give your sideboard a unique and personalised touch, consider using Frenchic’s stencils.

  • Choose Your Stencil: Frenchic offers a range of stencils that can add beautiful patterns and designs to your piece. Choose a stencil that complements the style of your sideboard and your home décor.
  • Apply the Stencil: Once the paint is dry, position the stencil on your sideboard where you want the design to appear. Use painter’s tape to secure it in place. Apply a contrasting or metallic paint over the stencil using a small brush. Carefully remove the stencil while the paint is still wet to avoid smudging.
  • Let it Dry: Allow the stencilled design to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
  1. Seal the Paint

To protect your beautifully painted sideboard and enhance its durability, it’s essential to seal the paint.

  • Apply Wax or Finishing Coat: Frenchic offers various finishing options, including waxes and finishing coats. Apply a thin layer of wax or finishing coat using a brush. Work it into the paint in small sections and then buff it to a smooth finish. This step will also give your sideboard a subtle sheen and protect it from daily wear.
  • Let it Cure: While the finish will feel dry to the touch within a few hours, it’s important to let the paint fully cure, which can take several days. During this time, be gentle with the furniture to avoid damage.
  1. Reassemble the Sideboard

Once everything is dry and cured, it’s time to reassemble your sideboard.

  • Reattach Hardware: Reattach the handles, knobs, and any other hardware you removed earlier. If you’re updating the look, now is the time to install new hardware that complements your fresh paint job.
  • Final Touches: Step back and admire your work! You might want to add some decorative elements like lining the drawers with patterned paper or styling the top with accessories that complement your sideboard’s new look.
  1. Maintenance Tips

To keep your restored sideboard looking its best:

  • Regular Cleaning: Wipe down with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the finish.
  • Reapply Wax: If you’ve used wax, consider reapplying it every six months to a year to maintain the finish and protection.

Restoring a living room sideboard using Frenchic paint is a rewarding project that can breathe new life into an old piece of furniture. With the right preparation, materials, and techniques, you can create a beautiful, custom piece that enhances your home’s décor. Whether you opt for a sleek, modern look or a charming, distressed finish, the versatility of Frenchic paint will help you achieve your vision.

Happy painting!

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