Upcycling, also known as creative reuse, is the process of transforming by-products, waste materials, useless and/or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality or for better environmental value.
This is a significant step towards regenerative design culture where the end products are cleaner, healthier, and usually, have a better value than the material inputs.
Upcycling is a great way to reuse materials and breath new life into once very good quality pieces.
The restoration business has seen a huge increase in upcycling with many enthusiasts renovating one-off pieces to even making a business out of this.
Eco Solutions realised there was a need in this market for safer cleaner, less hazardous products for restoration. Although Home Strip paint and varnish remover is an ideal product for removing paint and varnish this is only needed if you want to go back to the original/raw surface.
There are many pieces that are only in need a light clean up. De-waxing, degreasing or just to clean back years of grime and dirt are needed prior to being able to repaint and or refinish.
We came across this 1930’s tray in a charity shop. It is solid oak and has years of life left in it-“It just needs some TLC”, but it is in need of a full clean prior to repairing and refinishing. We will upcycle this tray using our totally safe non-toxic products and will update along the way with the whole process.
Upcycling Project Using “Science Not Solvents” Part 1 available here
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