Can You Make Good Money Flipping Furniture in 2025?
The Art of the quick flip: Maximising profit in minimal time! For those of us flipping furniture as a part-time gig, striking a balance between challenging transformations and quick turnarounds is crucial for making a living. Today, we're diving into a prime example: a structurally sound piece found on Facebook Marketplace for $20 that, with just a few hours of work, was given a popular facelift and sold within 24 hours.
Assessing Your Canvas: Identifying Potential and Pitfalls
This chosen piece was in surprisingly good condition despite a few cosmetic flaws, making it an ideal canvas for a quick flip. However, one immediate challenge stood out: an incredibly thick, almost "bulletproof" lacquer on the top. This instantly flagged it as a demanding stripping job.
To give the stripper a head start, I prepped the surface with 40-grit sandpaper. Doing this small step will generally give the stripper a head start and be very effective. However, the lacquer was so thick you could practically see your reflection in it! This highlights a key lesson: always assess the condition thoroughly, anticipating potential roadblocks like stubborn finishes. The easier the finish is to remove, the faster you will get the job done.
Handle With Care (or Replace!): The Power of Hardware
Original hardware can add immense character, but sometimes, a broken or missing piece means it's time for a change. In this case, one of the beautiful original handles was beyond repair. This is where having a stash of salvaged handles comes in handy! I found a set that perfectly suited the desired "vibe," demonstrating how new (old) hardware can instantly elevate a piece's aesthetic.
Precision and Patience: Working Around Existing Features
The top drawer featured delicate brass accents that needed to be preserved. This required careful work with a scraper to remove lacquer right up to the edges without causing damage. Following up with fine sandpaper brought back their shine.
When it came to painting the drawer fronts, protecting these brass details was paramount. Frog tape was meticulously applied, pressed firmly against the brass with a blunt razor, and then precisely cut with a knife. The satisfying peel-off reveals a clean, professional finish.
The Right Tools for the Job: Achieving a Professional Finish
For the drawer fronts, after sanding down to 180-grit, a foam roller was used to apply black paint. Foam rollers are a fantastic, budget-friendly option that consistently deliver smooth, even results. These are a great alternative to a paint sprayer if you don't have one (and much easier to clean up too).
Even with initial stripping efforts, sometimes stubborn finishes persist. Instead of a second round of stripper (which isn't everyone's favourite product!), attacking the remaining lacquer with sandpaper was the chosen route. This adaptability is crucial in furniture flipping.
A Golden Touch: Revitalising Hardware
The old handles were given a new lease on life with Rust-Oleum gold metallic spray. While it took a moment to get the hang of it, the product proved easy to apply and delivered impressive results, showing how a simple spray paint can completely transform hardware.
The Final Polish: Bringing It All Together
Sanding the drawer housing from 60-grit up to 240-grit took considerable time, but thorough preparation is key for a smooth finish. A surprising find at a local hardware store's sale table—a grey wood stain—was a bold choice that paid off, giving the wood a subtle, smoky look that was unique and appealing. Sometimes, taking a risk with an unusual product can lead to unexpected and delightful results!
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Showcase and Sell: Maximising Your Profit
With the piece assembled, including the legs and drawers, it was time for the final, critical step: photography and listing. Putting effort into styling and photos for online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace is non-negotiable. High-quality images are what sell the product!
My quick flip was listed and sold within 12 hours, with the customer making immediate payment of $250, even travelling five hours to pick it up. While the marketplace can have its share of scammers, this successful sale highlights the potential for quick profit with the right piece and execution. If I wanted to make another $100-$150 off this piece, I could have listed it at a higher price and waited a few days, sometimes weeks for the right buyer.
This project achieved its 24-hour goal, proving that not every flip needs to be an epic overhaul to be profitable. Are you ready to try your hand at a quick furniture flip? What kind of piece are you on the hunt for?