How to Start Flipping Furniture For Under $150
Depending on your project, some furniture flips may only cost you pennies! However, for most projects (such as a large dresser), you only need around $150 to get started... way less if you find sales, bargains, or thrifted items. Even though the startup cost may seem overwhelming, one dresser that costs you $0 could sell for $400! Talk about a return-on-investment! You may already have some of these items, anyways. Let's get started!
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Whether you want to decorate your own home on a budget or make a little extra cash to pay your bills, all you really need to start flipping furniture are these 8 supplies:
A Good Paint Brush
The one I use is the Zibra PB200LCS Grip-n-Glide 2-Inch Cut-in Paint Brush. It's so soft, and I love it because it leaves a smooth coat. This brush is currently about 11 dollars on Amazon. The handle is super comfortable even when you’re painting a big piece and they really last.
A Power Sander
All projects (whether it’s real wood or fake) need to be sanded down to make sure the paint sticks. I know power tools sound scary, but this one is so easy to use. I love the 5 - Inch Black+Decker Random Orbit Sander. This is 34 dollars on Amazon (but often fluctuates between $30-40) which makes it the most expensive item on the list, but it is SO worth it. I use this tool on every single flip. It takes me anywhere from 10 minutes to 2 hours to sand a piece of furniture. However, if I were doing it by hand with a sheet of sandpaper, it could easily take me DAYS. Hard pass. Not only will it save you time, but power tools make you feel like a boss!!
Sandpaper
This pack of 100 5 - inch Discs comes with five different grits for all types of projects. Whether you are grinding down sealant or erasing lines between coats of paint, this set has you covered. The higher the grit number, the smoother your surface will be. I use 120 to sand most of my pieces down. I use an 80-grit if they are particularly stubborn. I switch to 220 or higher when I’m removing paint streaks or smoothing the wood.
A Reusable Mask
This sexy NASUM mask will keep you safe when you’re sanding. A medical or fabric mask is NOT enough to keep you safe from all the particles that fly everywhere - including up your nose and in your eyes. You might not know what pieces are made of or what is in the paint. Lead poisoning is REAL. Don’t take chances.
Protective Finish
Every piece of furniture you flip should be sealed, especially if it is a high traffic item like a dresser or entryway table. I use Polycrylic Protective Finish. Remember to double check the size and finish before you order. This can is about 18 dollars for a quart. The water-based formula is so great to start out with since it can be wiped up easily if you spill or drip. Did I mention it won’t yellow your paint like other sealers? HOLLAAAA. You can also use wax, but I only do this on low-traffic areas. Wax doesn’t provide as much long-term protection.
Wood Filler
This Elmer’s Wood Filler is a great way to fix up slightly damaged furniture. It’s so easy to use. You could use a putty knife or something if you have it, but I usually just use my hands. Don’t judge me. PS: you can use wood filler to fill in designs that are carved into the wood, such as seashell designs or small circles.
Krud Kutter
This heavy duty cleaner and disinfectant is a must when you are flipping... especially when you find things in the trash like I do. This cleaner is just under 4 dollars and can take care of most jobs. You can grab it at most stores. This one is better than typical cleaners, because it actually degreases the furniture.
Furniture
Most of my pieces cost me nothing. I love trash day for finding free pieces on the side of the road. Another great place to find furniture is Facebook Marketplace. If I do spend money, it's rarely more than $20.
My E-Course (Optional... but worth every penny!)
Do you want to learn how to work the sander, how/where I find furniture in the trash, and every single step of the process? Click here to sign up for my $45 e-course. I may be biased, but I’d say it’s the most important investment you can make in this journey. One furniture flip could quadruple your investment!
Did I forget anything? Let me know in the comments below!!
