Professional Documents
Culture Documents
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER
01 source
CHAPTER
02 prep
CHAPTER
03 paint
CHAPTER
04 staging
CHAPTER
05 sell ($$$)
FINAL RAMBLINGS
intro
let's start at the
beginning
Young.
College student.
Newly married...
and desperate for a way to
bring in some cash to help
pay the bills.
THAT is what drove me to turn
what I loved -refinishing
furniture- into something that
wasn’t JUST a hobby, but a
way to bring in money.
Welcome to Flipping
Furniture + How To Make a
Profit With The Flip Hubb!
before
aft
er
I averaged $1200 - $1500 per month flipping furniture
part time... and that was just the start.
I know with the help from this ebook, you can learn the
right way to flip furniture and make money doing it.
The best part?? I’m ready to teach YOU every single thing
I learned along the way, so that you can learn from me in
45 pages what it took me years to master.
before
after
Recommended Materials List:
Everything you need in one spot.
Paint
Prep Supplies
Supplies
Sanding Block 80
Paint Brush Sanding Block 180
Detail Brushes Sanding Block 220
Tape Floor Paper
Large Detail Brush Hand stapler (For fixing drawer
Wood Glue bottoms)
Containers Tack Cloth
BB Frösch Powder Whisk (For mixing BB Frösch)
Rub N Buff Clamps
Polyurethane Painters Rags
Spray Shellac
Chip Brushes (used to apply Shellac)
Bondo
Wood Filler
Tools Cleaner
Grime Remover
Hammer
Orbital Sander
Orbital Sandpaper
Drill
Screwdriver Set
Heat Gun
Lets Do
Putty Knife
This
#1 Chapter 1: Sourcing
WHAT DO I SPEND AND ON WHAT?
What do I pay?
In the beginning, CHEAP or FREE are your best options.
Start with small ticket items: night stands, side tables,
chairs. Small things that you can use to perfect your
practice on, and still make a profit. After a few solid flips
with smaller items, try a dresser or table if you have the
space. If not, you can up your game to find name brand or
“nicer” pieces to flip for a larger profit.
Spend less to make more. Even now after years of furniture
transformations, I rarely spend more than $100 on
anything, and thats when we’re talking large items like a
hutch or a dresser. When it comes to small items, I stick to
under $40 as much as possible. BUT also keep in mind that
there can be items that are priced higher because they are
genuinely worth more. Also remember that whatever you
spend, you want to make back, PLUS a profit.
Negotiation:
When it comes to bargaining, the worst answer you can get
is NO. By asking if the seller would take $15 in the case
above with the dresser, I saved myself $10. I knew the item
had been on for a few days, and took that as my cue to get
the guts to ask. ALSO, notice the sense of urgency I created
by stating I could pay THAT second. That is one of the best
ways to sway the seller in your direction! Reasons to
consider negotiation: Has the item been listed for more
than 2 days? Is the item broken? Are there pieces missing?
Does it look like it was used as a canvas for a preschool art
project? Does the buyer insist that you move it yourself?
Do they want cash only? Also, some times it doesn't hurt to
offer $10-$20 less.. just to see if you’ll get yourself a deal.
ALWAYS Consider the work you will have to put in,
especially when you are paying. If you get the item for free,
your risk is smaller. When you pay for something and it has
broken drawers that require new tracks, needs all new
hardware or is missing chunks… remember to consider your
time. How long it will take to repair the damage and if it's
worth the potential profit. This may take some time to
learn, but with the help listed throughout this book, you
can do it, I promise!
There are quite a few different options for what to get. BUT
this will all depend upon your area and what will sell.
Generally, items like side tables, night stands and dressers
are needed and sell well. Larger items like book shelves,
armoires, and headboards/footboards can be more tricky.
However, that can all vary! Maybe people in your
surrounding area really love shelving... run with that.
after
get the algorithm working for you
Two words: Facebook Marketplace.
"dresser"
"mid century
dresser "
Marketplace isn't even close to the only place online to source furniture
items. In your local area, there is always a classifieds section/option.
Similar to Craigs List (which hello - also another great source!), where
people just like you and I can buy and sell items. One of my favorite
places to source furniture is on KSL Classifieds, a website used in Utah
and a few surrounding states. Simply Google your state/area along
with classifieds and sites will pop up like you wouldn't believe!
Trust me on this. I used to take my truck, $100, and fill it to the BRIM
with amazing furniture items.
You can always find a deal; if not, you can always make a deal. Look at it
this way: for the most part, the items being sold at a yard sale that
don't sell by 4pm are generally going to be thrown away or donated.
The people hosting would rather take less of your money than have to
worry about transporting any items to the dump or worse - back into
their houses.
Now, go hit the streets not just figuratively but literally. Drive around
the neighborhoods and on main roads (not the freeway or high way,
don't be cray cray), and OPEN YOUR EYES. There is almost always free
stuff sitting out waiting to be claimed. Go out on garbage day. Drive
around and see if there is anything you can use to your advantage.
FREE stuff is where you make the most money because your initial
investment is approximately zero dollars.
I'm definitely not telling you to take the rat infested couches and
rotten sideboards, but one man's trash has GREAT potential to be your
diamond in the rough.
Chapter 1 Takeaways:
- look around you to know what is - Hit the streets: take a drive, look
selling and wanted - focus on that. around you for items you can
transform.
- Get that algorithm working for
you! Be specific in your searches - Open the phone lines: send a
text or seven and get the ball
- use the world wide web to your
rolling to spread the word that
advantage: find classifieds, yard
you are on the lookout for quality
sales, and FREE items in your area.
pieces to refinish!
Chapter One Vow
BE SAFE
Please, don’t be dumb when it comes to picking
up furniture from anyone, anywhere. If someone
wants to meet you, meet in public. Send your
mom, your best friend, your pastor, or even leave a
note on your counter with DETAILS. Who you are
meeting, where at, their contact information, all of
it. If you are headed to a yard sale 30 miles out of
town take someone with you. Carry pepper spray.
Be aware of where you are. Just don't be dumb,
promise?!
I always, ALWAYS go the overkill route and send
my location, a screenshot of conversation, and the
time to call for help if I haven’t gotten in contact
with about 5 different people any time I am
hustling for furniture.
By continuing with reading this ebook, you are
promising me you will be safe. I am putting all of
my trust in you. No pressure.
#2 Chapter 2:
Prepping Your Furniture:
Repairs + Paint Prep
There is a lot that goes into the prep of any refinishing job you will do,
but always remember that this part is not only imperative but also the
most important.
You will come to find that furniture comes in all different styles, designs,
aaaand also in all kinds of conditions. As in dirty, stinky, broken, and
really just begging for someone like you to shed some light and love!
In this chapter we will go over the most common forms of damages and
how to repair them.
- Veneer + The issues that come with it
- The worst smells and how to get rid of them
- Dents + Chipping + How to Fix
- Removing Hardware + Switching Hardware
- Cleaning For Paint Prep.
Where am I going to do this???
Not all of us have shops or garages or even a driveway to work in, and
even if we do, have you met old man winter?! I get it. Where in the world
are you going to do your hustle if you don’t have the space. When I first
started flipping furniture for money, we lived in a one bedroom
apartment. On the fourth floor. With no garage space. In Utah… hello all
four seasons. I flipped furniture in the middle of our family room, in
between the TV and the couch. I stored my supplies under the kitchen
sink, and I made the best of it! When guests came over, we pushed my
current project to the side and carried on like it was normal… because
for us, it was.
(Image Credit:
https://www.franceshunt.
co.uk/news/2011/04/what-
is-veneered-furniture-
and-how-is-it-used/ )
eneer
V
Laminate
image source:
https://www.fuc
hsiadesign.com
/blog/wood-
flooring-101-
solid-v-
engineered-v-
laminate
ISSUES With Veneer/Laminate:
Asses the damage. You can use a thin putty knife to lift around/under
the areas on your piece that are peeling and lifting. As you do this
take note of whether or not it is peeling up in large pieces or if it just
one small part. CHECK REALLY WELL. The last thing you want to have
happen is to finish your piece, only to discover that you’ve missed a
chunk of veneer and it has now come off or lifted and you have to
start over.
To GLUE Veneer Back together
If the veneer is peeling off in small pieces and IF you are choosing to
stain the top (I wouldn't recommend staining any veneer that has
excessive damage - opt for paint), you CAN repair the existing veneer
that is lifting and peeling by gluing it back down.
Continued...
To do this, you will use wood glue and apply it in between the cracks.
You can use a pin, toothpick, popsicle stick, or any other small, thin
object to ensure that your glue is spread evenly. Once you have
applied the glue be sure to wipe off any excess that may have oozed
out with a damp rag or paper towel.
Once you have glued your veneer back down, use a wood clamp to
hold it all together. If the veneer is in a hard to clamp spot, like the
center of a dresser, I will use heavy items like a large book, to place on
the area so that it is weighted down.
Allow dry time - I generally wait about an hour, but this time can vary
depending on what glue you use.
If you are choosing to paint the piece of furniture, you will simply need
to fill in the gaps with wood filler or even better, Bondo.
Mix your Bondo (If you aren’t sure how to mix bondo, here is one of
the best resources I have found and continue to refer to!) Be sure
to mix and use in a ventilated area. She's a smelly one.
Apply your Bondo with a putty knife. You’ll notice that it is a runny
peanut butter consistency - don’t panic, this is normal. Fill in the
areas that need it, remove the excess that you can with your knife.
Let the bondo dry for about 10 minutes, at this point, be sure to
get off as much excess as you can. At this point the Bondo is set up
and easier to work with. It is more difficult to sand, so if you can
remove the excess as this point it will be easier once it is
completely dry to smooth and blend in!
After the area is completely dry (generally about 30 minutes - SO
much more efficient than wood filler), you will want to sand and
smooth it all out. Start with about 80 grit sand paper, then down to
120 and 220 until you cant feel a transition or any bumps with your
hand.
To Remove Veneer:
If your veneer is a mess and needs to be completely removed — have
no fear, it is possible and truly not terrible.
NOW. There are occasions where no matter how much effort you put
in, that veneer is stubborn and was glued to STAY. Here is the solution:
before
I got lucky with this cutie, and
after airing out in my garage
for a few weeks (she may have
been placed in a corner to
think about the way she smelled…), the smell was
gone and all was well. Not all situations are like this. after
best ways to rid of bad smells:
Baking Soda
Shellac
Let it air out!
Baking Soda
For the Baking Soda Trick, simply put a
container, like a small bowl, of baking soda
and place it inside your piece. I’ve actually
done this where I will put one little cup/bowl
in each drawer to speed up the process.
Baking Soda will absorb the smell. When I do
this usually I leave the piece out in my
garage or outside to help aide in ridding of
the smell.
AIR IT OUT:
This is the easiest way and *usually* will work (like with my small
night stand!), simply take your piece outside, and open it up. Prop
the cupboards open, open the drawers, doors - anything that opens.
Try to keep it clear of “the elements” if you can keep it in your garage,
do that, otherwise be sure to keep it out of the sun and away from
water. You can leave it out for a few days. If the smell is still strong,
give the baking soda method a try. If that doesn’t work… Shellac will.
Shellac is amazing. Truly, it is. Not only does it block tannins (colors
that bleed through… more about this in the Paint chapter) but it also
blocks smells from pets, mildew, smoke and really any other smells
that you will find. I prefer to use the spray kind inside of drawers or
cabinets BUT when you are blocking the smell on any piece, you
generally want to coat the entire piece of furniture, not just the
inside.
First, sand. I like to start with a 120 grit, if that isn't abrasive
enough you can try 100. You need to be careful to not scratch
into the wood, and if your sandpaper is too coarse, that can
happen.
Once you have the initial layer of chipping off, do your best to
blend the area in with your 120 grit. Making it even with the
existing paint is the goal.
after sanding
After Sanding: Wood Filler
Next is time to apply your wood filler to even everything out
completely. When you apply your wood filler, use your putty knife
push it in as best as you can by sliding it with the grain as well as in
the opposite direction, ending with the grain.
I love this kind because it goes on purple and dries natural colored.
In order to successfully fill the holes, you will need to do this same fill,
smooth, dry process two to three times. This is the best way to
ensure the holes are filled completely.
After repeating the process, sand the area to smooth and create
a level finish.
Second Layer
First Layer Filled First Layer Dried + Sanded Dried + Sanded
Common Drawer Issues
It's easy to run into drawer issues when you're on the hunt for
furniture to flip. Don't let this stop you. Drawers fixes, although
intimidating, can be pretty simple fixes a lot of the time. If you know
how to assess the damage, you can easily make the decision of
whether or not fixing the drawer (and refinishing the piece as a
whole) is worth your time.
Initially this seems like the most intimidating scenario, right? Wrong! I
promise it isn't, and here is why: It's literally just a case of loose or
missing screws. Each drawer face is attached to the drawer itself with
(usually) two to four wood screws. If one of those is loose or missing,
you've got yourself a sagging or completely missing drawer face. TO
FIX the problem? If the case is simply a loose screw, bust out your
screwdriver and tighten it -- problem solved.
If a screw is missing, replace it with a new one.
Now the more tricky scenario would be that the screws have stripped,
worn out, and/or created a hole too large to hold the drawer in place
properly.
If this is the case: Remove any existing screws that are attaching the
drawer. If there is hardware attached (like a handle or knob), you will
need to remove that as well. Once you have removed your drawer
face you will drill two (or however many there were to start with) new
holes in the drawer frame. *NOT* the drawer face that you just
removed. Drill the holes close to where the existing holes were, but
not too close that they hit and create a bigger hole.
In this case, your track just needs a little bit of tender loving care. Here
is one of my favorite tips of all time: get yourself a bar of soap.
Whaaaat?! I know, mind blown.
Take your drawer out and rub the bar of soap on, around and in the
track on the drawer AND the track that is inside of the frame. The
soap works as a lubricant on slides that are old and over used,
making them slide once again like they are brand new!
First things first? Check the screws! A lot of the time the main cause
of a wonky track is simply that over time, the screws have become
loose. Tighten those bad boys up, rub some bar soap for good
measure and you're golden.
Not all cases are so lucky, unfortunately. If the track is bent, you can
try to bend it back, which can work on occasion! IF you need to
replace the track, your best bet is to replace ALL of the tracks on that
one drawer i.e.: if there are tracks on both sides of the drawer,
replace both of them as well as the tracks inside of the box to match
so that they align correctly.
If the bottom of your drawer is falling out there are only three
items you will need: wood glue, clamps and a stapler.
There are times when the bottom isnt actually attached to the
bottom of the drawer, but sits inside of the drawer, notched in
nice and snug. If this is the case, you can use your wood glue and
line inside where the bottom slides in, and slide the bottom
back into place. After you have it in place use your clamps to
keep things nice and tight while they dry. If you have any glue
leaking be sure to wipe it off with a damp paper towel.
If the bottom of your drawer sits beneath the frame (like the photo
above), you will line the edges with your wood glue, clamp it down,
and then use your stapler to reattach.
Guess What?!
You've made it. Your piece has been fixed in all of the ways it needed,
and now you get to do the one last thing (and arguable the MOST
important!): CLEANING your furniture piece.
Let me tell you this: no paint, no matter how great, can do its best
work when being applied to a dirty piece of furniture.
The easiest way to start the cleaning process is to vacuum it all out.
This way you aren't just creating mud, and its a lot easier to vacuum
hard to reach corners and spaces than it is to wipe a nasty cobweb.
After vacuuming, I prefer to wipe everything down with this product
and a rag. I have also used dawn dish soap + water, you just need to
remember to not allow the water to sit and soak your piece as it can
cause water damage.
If your furniture piece has grime, dirt, wax, or really any form of
heavier duty mess, I recommend this product. It truly is like magic.
Be smart - wear a mask as it smells strongly, and work in a ventilated
area. I will spray it on a rag or have sprayed it directly on pieces as
well. I will have a scraper on hand to aid in any extra help I might
need. Once you have cleaned off the harder spot, be sure to wipe it
down with a damp rag to get off any residue.
With no further adieu I give you my all time and forever favorite paint
product: BB Frösch.
Your project has been prepped, cleaned, your space is ready, and your
furniture is in place.
If you have hardware (like knobs, hinges etc), now is the time to
remove them and put them IN A LABELED BAG. You don't need to get
fancy, a ziplock bag will do, just be sure to store ALL of it TOGETHER
and write "brown dresser" or whatever on it. There has been more
than one time where I've ended up with more than one baggie
without a label, and it is nothing short of a migraine.
If you need to scuff it, be sure to wipe it down with some tack cloth to
pickup any excess dust.
Step Two:
Mix Your Paint: The fun part has arrived. The beauty of BB Frösch is
that you aren't limited on color choice and can still get the best
possible results. Can I get a hallelujah?!
How much powder you mix will depend on how much paint you are
using. I like to use sample sizes of paint for almost every project (a little
bit of paint goes a long way!), so for this scenario I will say we are
mixing for 1 cup of paint. **Mixing instructions and amounts are
ALWAYS listed on the container and included with your BB Frösch.**
This is from the BB Frösch site and it the exact method I use when
mixing my paint.
ONE: Mixing Your BB Frösch Magic
Mix your powder and your water - I like to use this to help eliminate
any lumps and make it all a donut glaze consistency. I mix my powder
and water in a small bowl (bigger obviously, if I am mixing a lot).
If you are worried about your paint adhering you can double or even
triple the amount of powder/water. This will only increase the bonding
properties.
In the accent areas - like spindles, curves and detail areas, don't stress
as much about having the perfect cross-hatch strokes. Do them as
best as you can, just be sure your first coat is thin and even. This brush
makes detail work much easier.
Let the paint dry completely - the BB Frösch helps speed up the
drying process quite dramatically. With the first coat, I recommend
waiting an hour before starting on the second.
Try not to go over the same spot more than once before it is dry, this
can pull up the paint and make your pretty finish not so pretty.
Let your paint dry, and repeat until your piece is fully painted and the
coverage is solid. I find that three coats is usually enough, with a few
extra brush strokes here and there to add coverage where needed!!
Now its time for the finish coat!
Before you jump to it, assess your paint job: is it smooth and even? Do
you see any bumps or heavy strokes? IF this is the case, take this 220
sanding block and smooth it all out. Once you have done this, take
your tack cloth and wipe all around where you sanded or anywhere
that dust may have gotten. If this removes too much paint don't panic.
Touch up the needed spots with a few brush strokes and wait for it to
dry.
Once everything is dry and pretty, pat yourself on the back. You made
it to the finish line.
If you feel like Dora the Explorer singing, "We did it! We did it," I am
here to validate the heck out of you and congratulate you because you
DID do it. You're almost done transforming your piece of furniture.
Let's seal the deal.
I always seal all of my pieces with this Polyurethane for a few reasons:
After your final coat dries smooth it once again with your 400 grit
block and pour yourself a drink friend, take it all in because YOU
FREAKING DID IT.
poly upon
poly after
application
drying
What if you want to stain?
Steps to staining:
Prep your furniture like you would to paint. If there are dents to fill,
make sure you are using this wood filler so that it is stainable.
Pre Stain is ALWAYS something you should do. It allows the wood to
evenly absorb the stain, and preps the wood by sealing wood pores,
creating an even application
Apply your pre stain, let it soak for about 5 minutes and then wipe off
the excess. After half an hour, you are good to add your stain.
After
Before
I prefer to use painters rags and rub on my stain.
This is the stain I like, there are multiple color variations to choose
from. Fold your rag into a small square and dip it into you stain. rub it
on with the grain of the wood, allowing it to soak in. Depending on
how dark you want your stain to be, you can repeat the stain, dry,
stain process as many times as you would like until the look you want
is achieved.
Wait an hour between each coat of stain. Let the stain dry over night -
or 24 hours, before adding your poly.
As with painting, you will finish your stain with the same poly top coat,
sanding in between each layer for the ultimate smooth finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
F.A.Q.
Q: What paint do I use?
Make sure when you’re styling your piece that you are including
items that go with your item, not against it. For example, don't put
your mid century plant stand next to your curvy, victorian dresser.
The person who is looking to buy your hairpin leg coffee table isn't
going to vibe with your hot pink throw.
Start with a blank slate - just your furniture item, and add an item
one at a time. Shift things around, step back, and evaluate. Don't
worry about having every photo look different or having new items
every time. The items are accents, and their main job is to accent the
piece you are show casing. Use a few items - up to five, and call it
good. Don't throw on ten books, a lamp, a plant and a pitcher
because you're over thinking it. Step back: how does it make you
feel? Cluttered? Overwhelmed? Peaceful? Anxious? Step back,
evaluate, shift an item or two, and take the photo.
How to photograph:
Once you have your piece staged,
the photo is just as important. In
the case of selling furniture you
need one WOW photo to draw the
eye to your ad, and then the detail
shots to show your buyer what its
all about. Get a top shot, both
sides, a few close ups and a
fullshot of the whole piece.
What Do I Charge?!
This can be extremely tricky, especially at the start. Your time needs to
be worth the money you are making, but just like any skill, it can take
time to really hone in on the process and truly work so that you are
enjoying it but also profiting! I now can charge anywhere from $50 -
$100 per hour, but I am also experienced and can do a good job really
efficiently. When I started, I charged about $12 - $15 an hour, still more
than minimum wage AND I got to listen to audiobooks, podcasts or
watch movies in my sweats while I worked from my living room
#worthit!!! So lets FIGURE this out, together:
If you spent $15 on a side table, spent $20 on materials, and it took you
3 hours, and you’re charging $15 an hour to start, thats $35 in material
and $45 labor, thats $80 total. NOW evaluate your piece. If it took you
3 hours, it should be next to brand new. Stage it right, list all of the
details (we will go over that!), and list it higher — say $110. Toss in a free
delivery within 10 miles or so ($5 in gas), someone comes in and offers
you $110 (because your piece is flawless, you’ve staged it perfectly and
its worth it), you’ve now profited $20 more than you anticipated,
averaging out to be $20 an hour taking in to consideration your drive
time for delivery.
SO take everything in to consideration - time spent, money spent,
and what you need to make for it to be worth it.
Start looking to see what similar items are selling for and take that
into consideration
(we chatted about this in our “Sourcing” chapter as well).
Where do I sell?
We are all pretty aware that I work solely on Instagram, so I will tell you
what I tell almost everyone — START THERE. Show case what you are
doing as you go, because then you are sparking that interest. People
will start messaging you before the product is even finished with
interest.
Apps On Your Phone: OfferUp is a really great example. There are apps
you can download specific to YOUR area, look them up, and give them
a try.
Description
Dimensions: people need and want to know the size. If its listed and
clear, you are making their lives easier and are more likely to have a
buyer.
Details: does it have drawers? Doors? Shelves? How many? Do they
open?
What brand is it? If there is a listed brand, take a photo of that and
include it as well. Look inside drawers, underneath tables, and
around each piece.
TALK IT UP: You need to sell the piece like it is the best thing that
has ever existed.
This isn’t just a console table. Its a one of a kind, beautifully refinished Mid
century modern glass top console table. Perfect for your entryway to add
character and be a catch all in the best way - hold your keys, a basket for
shoes, hidden of course, and a look that online costs $x more.
Selling can take some practice, but with the right photos, details,
verbiage, and price point it is ABSOLUTELY possible. Don't get
discouraged if you don't sell your first piece in 5 hours or even 5 days. if
you have done your part:
IT WILL HAPPEN
You did the dang thing.
This is a big deal. Truly. Be proud of
yourself. Even if you just finished READING
this ebook, you've now got the resources
you need to get started, going, and on
your way to furniture flipping success.
The truth is, there isn't. I learned that the best way to learn and to
get good and to succeed, was to fail and try and fail and try again.
It was hard a lot of the time. It was exhausting. But the rewards are
SO good and SO worth it. I want more than anything for you to be
successful and I truly hope that THIS has been all of the help you are
in need of and then some.
I am proud of you. NOW it's time for YOU to be proud of you and
time to GET to WORK.
xo,
Kenna