Publications
You will need
SHOPPING LIST
• old wooden bench orcoffee table frame
• 50m webbing in 2 colours
• leftover paint (we used Annie Sloan chalk paint in Scandinavian Pink)
• sealant such as Sabre Paints Stoneseal (wax will also work)
• if you don’t use chalk paint,we recommend a water-based enamel; first apply a primer such as Dulux Supergrip
TOOLS
• sandpaper
• paintbrush
• scissors
• lighter
• staple gun
Hard labour 2/10
Skill level 2/10
Time needed 1 day (includes drying time for paint)
Do it yourself for R400 (bench bought on Gumtree R150; webbing R250)
1 There’s no need to sand if you’re using chalk paint – unless the existing finish is high-gloss, in which case a light sanding is necessary. If you’re using water-based enamel paint, lightly sand the wooden frame. Make sure it’s clean and dust-free.
2 Paint the frame on all sides with two coats of paint, letting it dry between layers.
3 Seal the paint, if using chalk paint.
4 Measure the length of the webbing across the length and width of the frame. Fold it over all the way to the inside of the frame and double it up at the ends for extra strength. Once you have the correct lengths, cut more of each. We used 23 across the width and nine across the length of the bench (this will vary according to the size of your frame).
5 Once you’ve cut all the webbing, singe the ends with the flame of a lighter.
6 Start with the short pieces of webbing on the inside of the long edges of the frame. Fold the ends over and staple in place.
7 Pull the straps very tightly across the width of the frame and fold them over on the inside. Fold the ends double and staple in place. Repeat with all the straps.
8 Attach the longer straps inthe same way you did the shorter ones in step 6 on the short sides of the frame. Weave them through the shorter straps, pull them very tight, fold the ends double and staple in place.
