Dipped copper dresser: a guide to upcycling a dressing table

You’ll need a nice surface to work on so grab some soapy water and get scrubbing. Sugar soap is best but hot soapy water also does the trick. Try using a sponge with an abrasive edge (like you get for washing up) to get the stubborn bits off.

Step two: Prep

If your furniture is veneered, like this one, then use an electric sander with medium-grit sandpaper to give the piece a key – a slightly rough surface that helps the paint stick well. You can sand it by hand if you don’t have an electric sander or borrow one from a tool library.

Now it’s time to apply the black chalk paint. Using a mini roller gives a flatter finish which is more flattering with this type of shape. Two coats should be enough, with touch-ups.

Step four: Varnish

Paint or roll on at least two coats of varnish to seal the paint.

Step five: Mask

Next, there’s a bit of prep work for the spray painting. Use old plastic bags, magazine pages or newspaper to cover up the parts you don’t want to be sprayed and mask well to get clean lines – it's important to do this well as spray paint with over-spray a fine mist of colour.

Grab your copper spray paint and shake the can well. Using sweeping motions from side to side, spray your furniture. Do thin coats, letting it dry in between, and build it up to avoid drops.

And finally...

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