Handmade

Upcycling and painting old furniture

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

Some evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026

To startR1 000 to R8 000
First randabout 4 weeks
WhereIn person
Effort Fairly easy

See how this fits you, freeAbout 6 minutes, no sign-up.

Is this for you?

Best for

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

In South Africa: Strong in metros and towns.

What you need

A phone is enough to start
Works on everyday data
No camera needed
No cold selling
At least 6 hours a week · age 18+
Practical/hands-on work (competent or better) or Sewing, crafts or handmade (learning or better)

The money

What it can earn

Pocket money
A top-up
A second income
Can become a full income

Part time, most people earn a modest top-up from this. Treat bigger numbers you see online with care.

What people charge

No reliable SA figure yet

A painted chest of drawers sells from R3,800 at Go Colour. Your margin depends on what you pay, so we do not model monthly income.

Costs to plan for

Start-up: R1 000 to R8 000
Every month: Furniture to work on, paint, sandpaper, hardware, transport.
Payment fees: Cash or EFT on collection.
Margin: Good if you buy cheaply; time is the hidden cost.

How it is paid: Margin between what you pay and sell for, after materials. Our viability score for it: 53 out of 100 (how we score).

How to start

1
Test it cheaply Before you spend
- Buy one cheap piece and record every cost
- List it with before-and-after photos
- Success signal: sold for at least double your costs
2
First week Days 1 to 7
- Check Marketplace for what painted pieces sell for near you
- Buy one small piece cheaply
- Plan the finish and cost the materials
3
First month Days 8 to 30
- Finish and sell your first piece
- Offer to paint people's own furniture
4
By three months Days 31 to 90
- Choose the type of piece that sells fastest
- Build a before-and-after portfolio

Your first piece takes the longest. First income usually takes 14 to 90 days. A day-by-day version for your situation is in the full plan.

Step-by-step guide

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

18 short lessons with scripts, templates and rand prices to copy. R149 once-off, and the first lesson is free.

See what is inside

Customers and demand

Who pays

Young families, renters, decor buyers.

Good furniture with character at a fair price.

Is there demand?

Painted furniture sells at published prices: a painted chest of drawers from R3,800 (Go Colour). Facebook Marketplace is free for local pickup listings.

Facebook MarketplaceMarketsCustom commissions on clients' own furniture

Getting customers

Before-and-after photos on Marketplace and Instagram.

Listing on online marketplaces (Takealot, Bob Shop, Etsy, Teacha!)Direct messagesWord of mouth and referralsResponding to enquiries

Risks and rules

Watch out for

Pieces that sit unsold take up space
Old paint may contain lead: sand outdoors with a mask
Woodworm and broken joints: check before you buy

Competition: Moderate.

Room to grow: Grows with commissions and a bakkie.

Legal and tax in South Africa

Describe repairs honestly (Consumer Protection Act).
Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start upcycling and painting old furniture in South Africa?

Our research puts start-up costs at about R1 000 to R8 000. Recurring costs: Furniture to work on, paint, sandpaper, hardware, transport.

How long until the first income?

Typically about 30 days, and between 14 and 90 days. Your first piece takes the longest.

Can I do it with only a phone?

Yes, a smartphone is enough to start, although a laptop helps as you grow.

What about tax and legal rules?

Describe repairs honestly (Consumer Protection Act). Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Sources (4)

Go Colour: painted chest of drawers (second-hand, checked 24 Oct 2026)
FLUF Connect: Takealot vs Facebook Marketplace (second-hand, checked 24 Oct 2026)
Consumer Protection Act regulations (GN R293 of 2011) (first-hand, checked 24 Oct 2026)
SARS: how do I register for tax (first-hand, checked 26 Oct 2026)

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