If you've made it this far, you're most likely facing an important decision: I want to start refurbishing furniture professionally, but where do I begin?
This type of question is common among those who are about to open a carpentry shop, set up a painting studio, or turn furniture restoration into a recurring service.
When the goal is to work with volume, whether to serve clients, sell refurbished pieces, or set up your own operation, improvisation ceases to be effective. You can't rely on trial and error, because what sustains a business is being able to consistently repeat the same level of finish on multiple pieces.
The good news is that this path is simpler than it seems. With the right choices from the start, you create a solid foundation to grow and professionalize your renovation without getting stuck at the beginning.
What does furniture refurbishment actually mean in practice?
Refurbishing furniture isn't just "painting over it." It's a job that involves... recover, protect and enhance A single piece, increasing its lifespan and raising the visual standard. Those who work with this professionally understand that the value lies in the whole package, which is a beautiful finish, yes, but also strength, durability, and a sturdy structure.
Furniture renovation typically involves two types of intervention. The first is aesthetic, when the furniture is sturdy but needs refurbishment (sanding, painting, replacing handles, varnishing, and finishing). The second is structural, when there are gaps, cracks, or misalignment, requiring corrections before completion.
How to choose your first furniture (thinking like a business)
In the beginning, it's smarter to choose furniture that allows you to repeat the process and practice the pattern. Pieces like chairs, stools, small tables, shelves, and sideboards are excellent for this. They rotate well, are easy to handle, and help you master the technique. preparation and finishing.
The minimum kit to start with standard
Initially, you don't need to set up a complete carpentry workshop, but you do need the essentials. The basics for working professionally with renovations involve abrasives and preparation materials, structural repair products, cleaning supplies, primer when necessary, and an application method that allows you to control the finish.
Your painting environment defines your style.
When renovations become routine, the environment starts to become part of the process as well. Dust, wind, and poor lighting not only hinder progress, they prevent the consistency that makes a carpentry business thrive.
You need to have a minimally prepared space that is organized, clean, with good lighting and adequate ventilation. The more control you have over the environment, the more professional the finish will be, and the easier it will be to repeat the same result on different pieces.
Equipment that accelerates your evolution.
As you start taking on more work, you stop thinking "one piece at a time" and start thinking in a more holistic way. process. And that's where some equipment makes a difference, because it brings consistency and productivity without sacrificing quality.
Some solutions from KORIA's portfolio that are a great fit for this growth phase are:
Gravity feed spray guns for painting furniture
Gravity feed spray guns help to better control the spray pattern and the applied layer. KORIA offers versatile models that adapt well to small and medium-sized parts and help to elevate the level of painting. Click here to view the model.
Pressure pumps
When the volume increases, constantly stopping to refill the ink cup becomes disruptive. The pressure pump helps keep the ink stable and ready for continuous application, improving flow. KORIA offers several options depending on your volume needs. See below. here.
Dry cabins for furniture manufacturing processes.
When painting becomes a frequent part of woodworking, a dry spray booth makes the environment cleaner and more controlled, with front aspiration and filtration. It's a natural step for those who want to professionalize their space. Learn more. Block Box.
Growing in reform means building a standard.
Furniture refurbishment is an excellent entry point into the carpentry business and can turn into a solid venture. But the secret lies not in "having everything" or starting big, but rather in creating a simple method and repeating that method in a standardized way.
About KORIA
KORIA supports those who are evolving in the furniture renovation and painting industry, with solutions in booths, equipment, and safety for those who want to work with organization and professional standards, from the first piece of furniture to the next steps of their business.
