When we first moved into our house nearly 8 years ago I discovered that I absolutely loved restoring old furniture.
We couldn’t afford new stuff and although I preferred old furniture we couldn’t afford that in good condition either. So with the help of Nitromors (a very effective but chemical laden paint stripper), varnish, stain and paint I sanded, scraped and brushed various old wooden items back to life.
This writing bureau and one of 4 chairs were total freebies and they had both been coated with a thick black varnish which was flaking away. The chairs were minutes away from going on a bonfire but they were so pretty how could I not have them?
This two drawer chest was just £5 from a lady who had painted it bubble gum pink for her daughter when she was little. I had to get rid of that paint for the poor wood underneath.
The only problem is that as much as I enjoyed this hobby, with the chemicals I was using, it was bad, bad, bad for the environment and I haven’t done it for a few years. So, when I saw a post on my favourite blog, Crafting a Green World, about eco friendly stains and paints for furniture it sparked my imagination again. When working on these pieces of furniture I used to daydream about having my own restoring workshop and maybe even a shop like the lovely Bunny’s in Horncastle (Lincolnshire) to show people that re-loved and upcycled furniture is the nicest.
I’ve done a bit of research to find some eco-friendly paint strippers, varnishes and paints which are kinder to the environment and that perhaps I could use when I get my dream workshop and pick up my hobby again. Here’s what I found:
Home Strip – paint and varnish remover
Auro Paint Stripping Paste
EarthBorn Paints
Ecos Organic Paints
Farrow & Ball Paints
If you search Google there are actually lots and lots of eco paints available now. I’ll let you know if I try any of them.
I have just reclaimed exactly the same writing bureau as yours pictured, about to go to the tip!
I knew how beautiful it could look and how functional it would be, but thank you for inspiring me to do an extra special job and look after the environment in the process.
Thanks for your lovely comment Amy. I use mine all the time, in fact I’m typing on my laptop on it right now :)
Enjoy restoring, I’m sure it will look beautiful when its finished!
i’m extremly impressed by your furniture restorations! how can people throw things out but then spend heaps of money on new furniture? wouldn’t they prefer to spend the money on a holiday or something a bit more adventurous?
i really like your blog!
thanks!
Allison
Thank you very much Allison! My sentiments exactly. Restored furniture can be so inexpensive but have much more character and beauty than new furniture.