Page 15 2024 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2024 Many people look at this as a way to personalize a gift, make something unique and special for yourself, have a keepsake or reminder of your grandmother's buffet, giving a new lease on an old, solid piece of wood, saving an old piece of furniture from being destroyed or not paying an outrageous price for a cheaper type of wood or particle board that will not test the time. There are multiple books from, you guessed it thrift store shopper experts, videos, and articles on how to become a thrift store junky. The idea is to guide those who like the thrill of the hunt to finding those heavily discounted used items at rummage sales, estate sales, thrift shops, antique stores, dumpster diving, and even the neighbor's curb. This new hobby has reached new heights and reaches a wide range of ages, locations, styles, and costs. This hobby can not only add extra money to the family budget it can also add quality time with a loved one or be a way to teach a youngster the value of repurposing, how change can be invigorating, and how to breathe new life into older items. One such avenue to refinishing furniture is by repainting, reupholstering, or using it as a base or accent for something greater. In recent years, this has become a passion for anyone wanting to save a few bucks, add to the vacation fund, or supplement their retirement. One thing is for certain, this is an art that takes patience, space, and time. When it comes to repurposing furniture there are a few steps that should be taken into consideration. 1. Search for that piece that speaks to you. This is where the creative juices should come into play when you can visualize that piece in a different color, shape, or purpose. Don’t limit yourself, if you have an idea go with it, you just might start a new trend. And remember if you like it that is all that matters. 2. Pay close attention to the condition of the piece. Are there any cracks, holes, rot or mold, soft pieces, pieces missing or broken? What does the underneath side look like, do the drawers or cabinet doors move well, are all the inside rails included? After assessment, weigh the overall condition of the piece against your level of knowledge of repair work. If you are a beginner, it would be best to start with minimal repair work and concentrate more on learning how to sand, stain, or paint the item. 3. It is wise to do your homework and know the difference between solid wood, laminate, veneer, plyboard, and particleboard. Broadly, wood comes in three categories, solid-wood, soft-wood, and wooden boards. Understandably, solid wood is the most expensive and the best to sand, stain or paint. Laminate, veneer plyboard, and particleboard are good choices for specific items. Laminate Continued --
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