So you know what you want to change about your room, but now you are thinking about how you are actually going to do this. It might be overwhelming at first but after reading this you will be ready to get started!
Choosing the paint colours
I already knew that I wanted to paint the dresser white because it is the most minimalistic colour and my desk is also white. However I was not sure if I should choose chalk white or antique white. I ended up using antique white because I thought it matched my desk more.
When choosing the paint colour for my walls I was thinking to choose a light turquoise. So I went to the shop to get some paper samples. Then I went home and held it against the wall in my room but none of them were quite right. I realised I wanted a more light blue grey. So I went back to the shop again and finally decided on a colour. I still was not sure if it was the right choice but you never know until you use it. Choosing a paint colour takes some thought but in the end you just have to try it and if it is not what you want then you can always change it.
Buying the materials for painting the dresser
To know what materials to buy I first had to do some research on how to up-cycle furniture. I decided to up-cycle an old dresser. There are different ways to up-cycle furniture: you can paint it, change the purpose, restore the wood, or cover it with wallpaper. I chose to paint the dresser white to fit with the minimalistic theme. There are also different painting techniques including painting with a spray, brush and roll. I decided to use a brush and roll. So I searched up the materials I needed to paint the dresser and what I was going to use it for.
These are the materials I am going to use:
- A screwdriver– This will be used to disassemble the furniture to paint it more easily and make sure to paint everywhere.
- A protective sheet, such as drop cloth or cardboard- This will be used to protect the floor from paint whether you are inside or outside. It is better to do it outside because there is more space and if you do it inside everything will be covered in dust.
- Sandpaper– Before applying paint, the wood needs to be sanded to remove any products or paint. The paint needs to take grip on the wood. Make sure to not breathe in too much dust.
- A block– This will be used to put the sandpaper around to sand the furniture easier.
- A mask– This is not necessary but if you are doing it inside this is recommended.
- Tack cloth– After sanding it is important to wipe the wood with tack cloth to remove the dust. You do not want the dust to mix with the paint because you will be able to see this.
- Furniture paint– I chose to use antique white furniture paint. It is important to use furniture paint because it is not the same as wall paint.
- A paint brush– This is needed to paint the places where the roller cannot reach. You could also use a paint brush to paint the whole furniture.
- A paint roller– I decided to use a small paint roller for a smoother surface.
- Roller tray– This will be used to pour the paint into and roll the paint roller in, to spread the paint evenly.
- Plastic foil– This is needed to cover the roller, brush and tray with to keep it wet and avoid drying.
Buying materials for painting the walls
- Masking tape– This is needed to tape the edges where you do not want paint, for example the floor, door frame and window frame.
- Tape with plastic– Also use the tape with plastic to cover the floor and avoid paint splashes.
- Something to open the paint bucket– For this I am going to use a flat screwdriver.
- Paint brush– This is used to paint the sides because a roller cannot be used for this.
- Paint roller– This is used to paint the entire wall.
- Paint tray– This is used to pour the paint into and roll the paint roller in to spread the paint evenly.
- Wall paint– I am going to use a white colour and a light blue grey colour. I am going to start with one bucket of each to see how much more I need.
- Mixing sticks– This is used to mix the paint.
- Plastic foil and water spray– This is used to keep the brush, roller and tray wet.
- A ladder– This is used to reach the top.
Now that I have chosen my paint colours and bought all the materials I am going to start painting.
What is your plan for your minimalist makeover?
I’d love to read it in the comments!
Sources
Heath, Olivia. “11 Key Pieces of Advice for Anyone Starting Their First Upcycling Project.” House Beautiful, House Beautiful, 16 June 2019, http://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/renovate/upcycle/a1911/upcycling-beginners/.
Spain, Erin. “How To Paint Furniture: A Beginner’s Guide.” How to Paint Furniture: a Beginners Guide, 15 June 2020, http://www.erinspain.com/how-to-paint-furniture-a-beginners-guide/.
Quigley, Annie. “10 Things Nobody Tells You About Painting Furniture.” Remodelista, Remodelista, 11 Apr. 2019, http://www.remodelista.com/posts/how-to-paint-furniture-tips-secrets/.
Teen Minimalist Journey 