We are thrilled to be a sponsor of this month's Maker's Challenge Furniture Flip event. We love seeing how many of you DIYers transform old furniture into one-of-a-kind pieces with a fresh life ahead of them. Today we're spotlighting some of the imaginative works of a few creative makers, their go-to RZ dust mask for protection and a few tips for any novice DIY'ers out there.
Kim of Kimpletely Flipped
Meet Kim of Kimpletely Flipped, a furniture flipper and DIY enthusiast out of California. Kim recently took two old end tables and gave them a much needed upgrade with fresh paint and hardware.
Q: What aspects of your DIY work call for your RZ Mask?
A: If you are familiar with today's trends and home décor, then you know the light airy coastal look is the "in" thing. Many of my clients want their dark stained pieces lightened to natural wood, painted white, or two toned wood on white. For me to achieve that look, it requires a lot of sanding and often times the use of stripping agents or compounds that can be harmful for me to breathe in. It’s important I wear a dust mask that is comfortable, breathable, and provides the protection I need. The RZ M2 Mesh Mask checks all those boxes.
Q: If you could give anyone starting out one piece of advice, what would it be?
A: The one piece of advice for those starting out: don’t cut corners! Whether that be cleaning your piece of furniture before painting or having the right tools to do the job.
Kayla of Ladybug Redesigns
Meet Kayla of Ladybug Redesigns, a furniture flipping, interior design and DIY aficionado who recently took an old dresser and transformed it with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware. We personally love the stencil detail on the top drawer.
Q: What aspects of your DIY work call for your RZ Mask?
A: My DIY work focuses on refinishing and flipping furniture, which means a lot of sanding and cutting wood. Anytime I’m sanding or cutting wood, I am wearing my RZ M2.5 Mesh mask to protect my lungs from all the sawdust and particles swirling around me.
Q: If you could give anyone starting out one piece of advice, what would it be?
A: Your first project will be messy, exciting, and full of learning curves. Do not expect to get everything perfect, but enjoy the journey of learning something new. It can be scary, but it’s also so rewarding. You’ll find a community of people in your niche to help you and build you up, it’s a beautiful thing.
Raechal of Desert Woodworks
Meet Raechal of Desert Woodworks, an avid DIY'er, woodworker and renovation master living in Fort Worth, Texas. Raechal recently breathed life into an old desk for the third time by giving it a retro-rainbow paint job complete with metallic hardware. On top of that, she's one of the hosts and founders of The Maker's Challenge Central!
Q: What aspects of your DIY work call for your RZ Mask?
A: I use my RZ M2 Nylon Mask daily - and multiple times a day. I try to keep a dust mask in my carpenter apron, or since I have more than one, near my most used power tools. I mask up to use a power tools, spray paint, and just about anything that makes me feel like it’s a good safety measure to keep my face covered. It’s not just for my lungs - it's to protect my face!
Q: If you could give anyone starting out one piece of advice, what would it be?
A: Advice I try to tell anyone who’s nervous to try - just try! The web is full of free plans and tutorials. Pick one to try and go one step at a time. The feeling you get when the pile of wood becomes a table or your DIY project makes your house a home is priceless.
Behind the Mask: Meghan Robertson of Honeybeezigns
Behind the Mask: Ben Paik of Woby Design