Upcycling for Good

Create a statement

Transform an old wooden easel into a statement piece for a glam office or homework desk!

Resene upcycling for good with Sarah Herring - Project 65

This easel was such a cute size, perfect for displaying an A4 piece of art or photo in a frame. Sarah decided to give it a pink and gold glam makeover so that it would look at home in a funky office space or bedroom.

Finished project

You will need

  • Painter’s masking tape
  • Sandpaper
  • Clear drying and strong hold glue
 
Before
Before
Finishd project
Finished project
Finished project
Finished project

Instructions

Top tip:  If you prefer to avoid the glue step, apply Resene Aquaclear then sprinkle on the glitter while it is still wet. It will act like glue and hold the glitter once dry. Then overcoat with 2-3 coats of Resene Aquaclear.

Step 1
Step one
Step 2
Step two
Step 2
Step two contd.

Step one:  Check for any repairs that are needed, then sand with some sandpaper to remove the old stain.

Step two:  Apply one coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat to the whole easel using a testpot brush.

Step 3
Step three
Step 4
Step four
Step 5
Step five

Step three:  Once the primer is dry, use painter’s masking tape to mask off the lower section of the easel.

Step four:  Painted the upper section of the frame with two coats of your chosen colour using a testpot brush. Sarah used Resene Ballerina, a fun, playful pink that is not too bold. Always wait for each coat to dry completely before applying another.

Step five:  Once the first colour has dried, adjust the masking tape so you can paint the lower section in two coats of paint. Sarah applied metallic Resene Goldmine using a testpot brush.

Step 6
Step six
Step 6
Step six contd.
Step 6
Step six contd.

Step six:  Apply a coat of clear drying glue to the base of the easel using a testpot brush, then scatter loose glitter all over the glue until the surface is covered. Shake off the excess glitter and wait for the glue to dry. Make sure you clean your testpot brush promptly when using glue.

Step 7
Step seven
Detail
Easel detail
Finished
Finished project

Step seven:  To prevent any glitter coming off, apply 2-3 coats of Resene Aquaclear Natural to the easel as a protective coating. This goes on white, but don’t worry – it dries clear!

And there you have it. What was previously a very dull and worn out looking easel is now a work of art in its own right!