Furniture Up-Cycling & Finishing Workshop

What you'll learn

Learn to properly paint furniture with our woodwork courses in Sydney!

This hands‑on, knowledge‑based workshop introduces participants to the fundamentals of furniture up‑cycling with a strong focus on painting and finishing techniques that can be applied to a wide range of furniture styles and projects. An experienced facilitator will guide participants through different techniques using demonstrations and supported hands‑on practice. The workshop is designed to build skills, confidence, and understanding rather than complete a full furniture transformation during the session. Participants are encouraged to bring a small, manageable piece of furniture. While projects will be started during the workshop, most pieces will be completed at home using the techniques learned.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this workshop, you will have explored concepts and techniques such as:

• By the end of this workshop, you should be able to:
• Assess furniture for up-cycling projects
• Prepare surfaces for painting and finishing
• Apply a range of furniture painting techniques
• Create decorative effects and finishes
• Select appropriate protective coatings
• Troubleshoot common furniture painting issues
• Confidently continue and complete projects at home

Course content

During the workshop, participants will work with techniques and ideas such as:

• Introduction to Furniture Up-cycling
• Understanding furniture up-cycling and how it differs from restoration
• Benefits of creative reuse and sustainable design
• Overview of furniture styles, finishes, tools and materials
• Safety considerations and workshop processes

Furniture Assessment and Planning

• Choosing suitable furniture for painting and finishing
• Identifying common furniture materials, including timber, veneer and laminate
• Assessing condition and structural stability
• Planning a realistic project and understanding workshop limitations

Surface Preparation

• Cleaning and preparing furniture for painting
• When sanding is required and when it can be avoided
• Understanding primers, sealers and stain blockers
• Creating the foundation for a durable finish

Painting Techniques

• Selecting suitable paints for furniture projects
• Colour selection and testing
• Brush techniques for smooth and textured finishes
• Layering paint for depth and character
• Avoiding common beginner mistakes

Decorative Finishes

• Layered colour effects
• Distressing techniques
• Aged and vintage-inspired finishes
• Contemporary painted furniture styles
• Choosing a finish that suits your piece

Sealing and Protecting Furniture

• Understanding waxes, sealers and topcoats
• When sealing is necessary
• Balancing appearance with durability
• Protecting furniture for everyday use

Troubleshooting and Problem Solving

• Correcting uneven finishes and brush marks
• Managing patchy coverage
• Fixing common painting mistakes
• Building confidence for future projects

Completing Your Project at Home

• Drying and curing considerations
• Setting up a simple home workspace
• Planning remaining project stages
• Caring for painted furniture

Intended audience

Who is this furniture painting workshop for?

This course is for anyone. No prior skills are required.

Course venue

Where is the workshop located? 

 Summer Hill Workshop. You can find the address listed on your enrolment confirmation.

Course materials

What to bring to class

Please bring the following PPE

• A face mask
• Safety glasses or googles
• Earmuffs or earplugs

Materials:

• 1 small timber furniture piece (e.g. bedside cupboards, timber side tables, timber chairs (not slatted), wooden stools, small stepladders, pedestals, hat/coat stands. Please note, NO chipboard; solid timber is preferred. Ensure your furniture is clean and free of dust/dirt.
• Work gloves and a painting shirt (not essential, but useful).

Materials provided

• All tools, paints, and materials are provided unless otherwise stated

Additional information

Please note the following:

• Please note: Due to time limitation, we are unable to offer repairs during this workshop. If your furniture items need repair, please enrol in our furniture repair and restoration workshop
• Please don't wear your best clothing
• If you have long hair, please tie it back
• Wear closed-in shoes, no heels, please
• Please do not wear jewellery
• Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant interests, and instructor approach.