Upcycling tips for beginners

You’ll need to make sure you’ve got everything you need to get the best results out of any project you set your sights on. Some basic materials and tools that any upcycler should have in their arsenal include sandpaper or a sander, paint and brushes, white spirit, a drill, a hammer, a saw, screwdrivers and adhesives. These should see you through most endeavours without any issues.

If you’re still finding your feet, it’s important to set yourself realistic goals to begin with. Start small and simple - something you know you can finish. If you try something too ambitious and don’t end up completing it, it will only discourage you. Once you gain some confidence, start taking larger strides with more complicated projects.

The whole idea of upcycling is to be as creative as possible, so make sure you think twice before throwing anything away. Everything can be given a completely bespoke design that works best for your space, or someone else’s if you’re making it as a gift.

There’s loads of help online and finding inspiration for your upcycling can have a huge impact on your own ideas. Don’t be afraid to look around and see what kind of things can be taken and applied to your own projects, even if you aren’t particularly struggling creatively.

If you need actual items to work on, the easiest way to get started is to ask friends and family members if they have any old or unwanted items. Anything with little to no cost is crucial when you’re just starting out, so it’s not a big loss if things don’t turn out the way you’d hoped.

In order to get the best results, you need to put the work in beforehand. A lot of the items you want to upcycle won’t be in the best condition obviously, so always give them a good wash and wipe down to start with. Then, particularly for wooden furniture, give them a good sand to encourage your paint to stick.