1. Quiz
  2. Your result
  3. Your plan
  4. Your guide

Step-by-step guide

Upcycling and painting old furniture: your step-by-step start

Buy tired furniture second-hand, repair and repaint it, and sell it on Marketplace, at markets or to order.

  • 18 lessons
  • 5 modules
  • About 1 hour
  • First lesson free

Is this guide for you?

Good fit if

  • Practical, creative people with space to work, transport for furniture and an eye for a bargain.

Think twice if

  • You need money within the next two weeks: first income usually takes about 30 days.
  • You have no way to get to customers or move your kit.
  • You cannot put about R1 000 into getting started.

Honest expectations

  • First income usually takes about 30 days.
  • Part time, most people earn a modest top-up from this. Treat bigger numbers you see online with care.
  • The main risk to plan for: pieces that sit unsold take up space.

What is inside

  1. Module 1

    Is this right for you?

    What it involves, who pays, and honest expectations.

    1. How upcycling and painting old furniture worksFree · 5 min
    2. Honest expectations4 min (in the full guide)
  2. Module 2

    Set up and price

    What you need and what to charge.

    1. Your startup kit, costs and skills5 min (in the full guide)
    2. Pricing and getting paid5 min (in the full guide)
    3. Your numbers: a worked example in rands5 min (in the full guide)
  3. Module 3

    Your first week

    The first steps, in order.

    1. Your first week, step by step6 min (in the full guide)
    2. Week one, step 2: Buy one small piece cheaply3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Week one, step 3: Plan the finish and cost the materials3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Finding your first customers: who to message5 min (in the full guide)
    5. Messages to copy: your first customers5 min (in the full guide)
  4. Module 4

    Your first month

    A routine that brings in customers.

    1. Your first 30 days: build a routine4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Month one, task 1: Finish and sell your first piece3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Month one, task 2: Offer to paint people's own furniture3 min (in the full guide)
  5. Module 5

    Months two and three

    Repeat what works, grow and stay safe.

    1. Days 31 to 90: repeat what works and grow4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Months two and three, task 1: Choose the type of piece that sells fastest3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Months two and three, task 2: Build a before-and-after portfolio3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Getting paid safely and spotting scams4 min (in the full guide)
    5. Risks, rules, tax and staying safe5 min (in the full guide)

What it costs to start

R1 000 to R8 000 to get started, from our research

What you will use:

  • Sander and brushes
  • Paint and sealer
  • Dust mask
  • Transport

Prices change and differ by area, so check two places near you before you buy.

Try it before you buy

Lesson one is free. If it helps, the whole guide is R149 once-off.

Start the free lesson

Reviewed 24 October 2026 by the Earn Path team. Next review due 24 October 2027.