PROJECT SUCCESS

D.I.Y. PROJECTS TIPS...

Starting this DIY thread hoping to attract support from each other for projects, big and small, of things we've always wanted to do but just need a hand to get started, guided, or simply encouraged to keep at it.

Personally, I find creating things (fixing or making things beautiful) to be very fulfilling, purposful, energizing, mindful and works wonders for the self esteem and ultimately mental strength.. Ever seen those old movies where patients are always basket weaving? - well I reckon they had something there. Creativity and self confidence in projects seems to be one of the first things to go with depression, just need that extra pushalong to try, or so it seems. Being creative simply helps, especially when we choose it, for me anyway.

☑ Anyone can post their project here, even if you don't need help, but just share. It will inspire others to hear your success stories, your achievirments, why & how you did it. PostAway🎉

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MY CURRENT PROJECT IS A CHEST OF DRAWERS I acquired at the local tip a few months ago. I sanded them back a while back now. but became unwell for months (MI relapse) and got stuck, forgot about it 'till recently. Got into it again and looming for pointers (support) getting to the next step. I've taken off the handles and the water damaged back panel, removed all the nails, even put a floor in the bottom (with some scrap that fitted perfectly) and was excited at my progress and plans to have a self restored, painted WHITE chest of drawers - until I showed a friend. My confidence is shot. Her comments threw me into a tailspin telling me to stain it instead (she likes the wood grain) and thinks i need to find nicer fixtures (handles) than the round nobs. She says white paint will chip and look tacky 😞 I don't know, sucked the energy plans, totally threw me (am I doing the right thing? Should I change my plans? Will she be offended if I don't do what she thinks I should do / is best? I don't know what I want now. grr. Hate this lack of self... Decisions! decisions! I'm not good at decisions and not resourced up to shopping for stain etc or figuring out how to work out all the imperfections...

Have you done up any furniture Zoe7?

Zoe7 said: "Actually - yes Lapses I have both built and restored a lot of furniture - so you are in luck. You will need to use a primer paint first and that will allow not only for any stains still in the woodto be covered but will also act as a bonding agent for the white paint. No paint will chip if it is painted properly lapses. What kind of white do you want - gloss, semi-gloss or flat white. There are different methods you can use depending on what finish you would like.

Lapses said: "I have 3in1 primer, do like semi gloss white. Might be better to woodfill the chips on top, make it all flat. Now I gotta go find the wood fill Smiley Sad Do tired. Not sure I'll ever get this done. Tempted to just use them as is. Appreciate your tips on this Zoe7, kinda been a bit stuck 👍 Thanks Zoe7

Lapses said: "Zoe7, Finally took a photo of the drawers.
Found the woodfill so waiting for that to dry. Think it will be worth it. Should we start a thread for projects? Really appreciate your tips. Good Night. Pleasant dreams 😴🌸💜🌿

Zoe7 said: "with the drawers - fill in the chips - over fill slightly as wood filler does shrink a little when dry. Then sand over the the spots you have filled - that can be done easily by hand. 3 in 1 primer is great - one coat of that wil be enough then give the drawers a light sand (a very fine sand paper will do - even as fine as a 120 grit). This is crucial as it always the next coat to have something to adhere to. For the best finish I would even recommend you use a spray paint - it gives a nice even finish - no brush lines if you are not used to painting with brushes - and you can line the draws up and paint them so much quicker. ...but that is up to you. How many drawers do you have to paint? Then I can tell you how much paint you will need! // I think it is a great idea to start a new thread for 'Projects'. If you start it tag me in and I will be more than happy to help you through this project. The chest of drawers will look great in white"

Faith-and-Hope said: "Woo-hoo ... looking good lapses .....; 👍

CheerBear said "Lapses - those drawers are going to look great!