A guide for creatives, tinkerers, and curious bargain hunters.
Why Refurbish?
Boot sales are full of overlooked gems: dusty picture frames, half-painted canvases, chipped corners — and potential.
Instead of buying new, why not breathe new life into what already exists? Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a total beginner, these materials are affordable, abundant, and surprisingly satisfying to work with.
🖼️ Refurbing Old Frames
A frame is more than decoration — it’s structure, shadow, and suggestion.
Here’s how to bring them back to life:
- Wipe them down. Use a damp cloth or mild cleaner. Remove stickers or grime gently — don’t gouge the wood.
- Tighten loose corners. A dab of wood glue and a clamp (or rubber bands) will often do the trick.
- Fill and sand. If the wood has chips or dents, use filler and a fine sanding block.
- Paint or wax. A coat of chalk paint, matte black, or beeswax polish can completely shift the mood of a frame.
- Replace the glass. Your local glazier can cut to size for cheap. Or skip it — a glassless frame can feel raw and modern.
🪞 Tip: Don’t aim for perfection. Imperfections = charm.
🎨 Rescuing Second-Hand Canvases
Used canvases have a history, and that’s not a bad thing. Here’s how to work with them:
- Check for warp. Lay the canvas flat. If it rocks, it might be too warped, or you could stretch it again.
- Clean surface dust. A soft brush or microfiber cloth helps prep the surface.
- Sand lightly. Use fine grit to even out textures or scrape off cracked paint.
- Gesso over. One or two coats of gesso (white primer) gives you a fresh start. Let dry fully between coats.
- Or embrace the chaos. Sometimes, painting into the remnants is more inspiring than starting with a blank canvas.
🎨 I’ve done this dozens of times. It’s like having a secret conversation with the past.
🔗 From Rescue to Result
If you ever wondered where my art begins, it may easily be; buried beneath bric-a-brac, or hanging crooked in the rain.
Want to see how some of these rescued materials ended up?
👉 [Visit my art gallery] (I’ll link this when ready)
🧰 Bonus Ideas for Creators:
- Turn old frames into display boards, message panels, or shelving
- Cut up canvas scraps for collage work or handmade journals
- Offer “before and after” content if you document your process
🤝 You Don’t Need Fancy Supplies
You just need curiosity, patience, and a soft cloth.
And if you try any ideas here, please tag me or send a photo. I’d genuinely love to see what you’ve brought back to life.