It’s the time of year for gift lists, so to make sure the furniture refinishers and upcyclers in your world are covered, here are my Top 13 gift picks for the holidays, birthdays, or any time! And the best part? Nothing is over $70!
1. BDS Round Furniture Brushes
For anyone who spends a lot of time with a paintbrush in their hand, these are a must. Black Dog Salvage and Woodcraft teamed up to create three sizes of these quality round brushes, which are incredibly easy on the hand. Long handles counterbalance the brushing action to reduce forearm and wrist fatigue. $17-$25
2. Paint Sprayer
The affordable, easy to use Earlex Super Finish Max HVLP Sprayer will make those big jobs easier and quicker with the touch of a button. Perfect for spraying chalk paint, milk paint and topcoats, it is self-contained requiring no air compressor or pump, which makes for a quiet operation. Comes apart to make cleanup a breeze. $70
3. Preppin’ Weapon Sanding Block Kit
Sanding is one of those jobs nobody loves, but the Preppin’ Weapon makes it light work. Simply snap on the sandpaper, and you’re ready to go. The kit includes (12) 9ʺ x 11ʺ sanding sheets in four grits, as well as the ergonomically shaped sanding block. $37
4. Paint-EZE Bottles
Available in two sizes (16 oz. and 32 oz.), Paint-EZE Bottles take the drips and mess out of your painting projects. Just decant out how much you need with these durable dispensers, and store the rest. Also great for mixing paint. Reusable, durable and ecologically friendly because they conserve paint and keep it usable. $6.50-$7
5. Random Orbit Sander
The Norton 5ʺ Random Orbital Palm Sander features a 2.0-amp motor that helps make quick work of most sanding jobs. The ergonomic, rubber palm grip is comfortable and eliminates fatigue, plus the sander has a quick-connect dust bag to keep the workspace clean. $50
6. Spray Shelter
Whether you use an HVLP system, spray paint or if you just need to keep your projects covered, HomeRight has the spray shelter for you. The large one can easily enclose a dresser, chair or chest of drawers, while the small version can hold picture frames, boxes or stools. $25-$55
7. GF Milk Paint Fan Deck
This 36-page fan deck takes the guesswork out of mixing custom colors with General Finishes Milk Paint. More than 170 formulas open up a world of possibilities for painting and refinishing projects in a convenient reference guide that you will consult time and time again. $25
8. Junk Beautiful: Furniture ReFreshed
Junking maven Sue Whitney’s latest book offers tons of inspiration and project how-tos for reinventing and reusing vintage castoffs as home furnishings. She gives many helpful tips to those looking to use their imaginations to reinvent their antiques and salvaged items. You’ll start to see ordinary objects in different ways after reading this book. $25
9. Mixing Mate
Available in gallon and quart sizes, these clever gadgets have mixing paddles that fit down into a can of paint. Once you fasten the Mixing Mate on, you’re ready to stir. Not only that, the dispenser makes it a cinch to pour out just what you need, and the cleanup couldn’t be easier. $18-$25
10. 5ʺ Sanding Sponges
In this durable 6-piece set, you’ll get a variety of densities and shapes to comfortably sand just about any crack, crevice, molding or edge. Add the adhesive backed sandpaper of choice, and these soft, pliable sponges are ready for use. $27
11. Kreg Jig R3 Kit
Upcycling projects often require some type of repair, so the Kreg Jig R3 Kit makes it as easy as Drill - Drive - Done! Designed for the DIYer, it has all the essentials for working with wood in one kit and comes in an organized carrying case. Drill driver sold separately. $40
12. VersaSpin 360
The VersaSpin 360 is a 16ʺ turntable that enables you to elevate and rotate your work lazy Susan style – up to 100 lbs. – while you’re painting or staining. The included Painter’s Pyramids and Grabbers (also sold separately) assist by allowing you to get underneath the edges and by keeping your project from moving. $35
13. Woodcraft Gift Card
When in doubt, go with a Woodcraft gift card! No guesswork for you, and one size fits all. Available in denominations from $25 up to $500 and usable online, in any retail store location or via catalog orders. Easy peasy!
BONUS - Stocking Stuffers $10 & Under
Silicone Color Shapers– Artists love this versatile 5-piece set of brushes because they’re just the ticket for creating decorative effects with paint and stain, and they can give the user pinpoint accuracy in applying color, glue and putty. The silicone tips allow for fast cleanup. $8
Mixing Sticks – These handy wooden sticks are great little stocking stuffers. You’ll get 25 sticks for mixing and stirring paint, plus they can be used for a variety of crafting ideas – just search “Paint Stick Projects” on Pinterest! These are something any upcycler always needs! $6
Painter’s Pyramids – Lightweight but mighty, Painter’s Pyramids are a necessity in any workshop or paint studio even by themselves. You can paint both sides of a project without waiting for the first side to dry, and the soft rubber won’t mar the surface. You can stack them, lock them together or park your small brushes in them. Grabbers and Gliders are companion products that provide antislip support or slippery pads for easy movement. $4-$10
Pioneer Wood Patina - When you're after that barnwood look, Pioneer Wood Patina is a cost-effective alternative. Simply mix up the powder with water and brush it onto new wood, and it gradually turns brown/gray like it has been naturally aged from years of exposure. Packet makes 1 quart of product. $6
Palette Knives –WoodRiver Pallete Knife Set comes with durable wood handles and flexible, yet tough, stainless steel blades that can be used to mix putty, epoxy and color. You can also paint and create with them to get a really interesting look and texture to your projects. $10
Silicone Color Shapers –$8
Mixing Sticks – $6
Painter’s Pyramids – $4-$10
Pioneer Wood Patina - $6
Palette Knives 4pc Set - $10
Your local Woodcraft store can help you with these and many other gift selections for the DIYer or upcycler in your life. Stop by or shop online. We're here to help!
We hope you'll be inspired!