Upcycling doesn’t necessarily mean spending hours and hours totally reinventing an item. Small tweaks and updates to a piece of furniture can make a big difference. The art of upcycling is making the most of what is already there and breathing new life into an item so it can be enjoyed for years to come.
Garden tables are often the social hub of an outside space, so it can be a good item to start with. Our professional decorators at Scott Anson Painters and Decorators Ltd would suggest the following ideas to help people achieve the best results.
5 Steps to Get Started
The equipment used in upcycling really depends on what you intend to do and whether the original surface of the garden table is wood, plastic, metal or concrete.
Step One: Clean the Table
Whatever the surface of the table, if it’s been outside for a while it’s likely dirty and covered in grime. First, use a soft bristle brush to clean off any debris. Then, use a suitable cleaner all over the surface, rinse off and allow the table to dry.
Step Two: Prepare the Surface
Any old paint should be removed from the surface and, on wooden tops especially, can be sanded down for a smooth finish. Then, apply a primer coat to create a good base for the top paint.
Step Three: Paint the Main Colour
Use an appropriate exterior paint for the correct type of surface of the garden table. According to Ideal Home, the best paint colours to use in a garden are those that enhance the work of mother nature. So, consider what colours are already active in the space. Once the first coat of paint is completely dry, a second coat can be applied if required.
Garden Table Upcycle Ideas
Perhaps the plan is just to repaint the garden table with a single colour. However, for ambitious upcyclers, here are some creative ideas:
Tile the Tabletop
Tiles can give a simple table an incredible makeover. A flat tabletop also offers a great surface for tiles. When choosing tiles, it’s important to use something that is suitable for outside use. Porcelain, natural stone, terracotta, glass and terrazzo tiles can all be a good choice.
Paint a Patterned Design
A quicker method to decorate a tabletop is painting a design. For example, a chevron design can be achieved using masking tape to block out areas and create clean lines. Then, contrasting colours can be used to fill in the alternating areas. Transitioning lines can also be highlighted using metallic paints to create extra impact.