A couple weeks ago I grabbed these hefty bookends at a yard sale for $3. Really the whole day of hunting was a bust but finding these beauties turned the day around! That really is the joy in thrifting and hunting for those unique items. I hope this thrifted bookend makeover will inspire you on your next trip to the thrift store.
When you’re on the hunt I suggest looking for items with “good bones” I know I probably wear that phrase out but it really is the most useful tip to remember. Paint, stain and in this case, concrete can really do wonders. I loved the curves and the look of old intricate corbels but I did not love the finish. Granted they are perfectly fine as they are, BUT I am going for that old vintage weathered look here.
First things first, you’re gonna want to run to your local home improvement store and grab this concrete crack sealer by Quikrete. This is the magic behind this transformation. It makes this bookend makeover a breeze and you will be looking high and low for the next item you can give a fresh new look. I have resurfaced a couple other projects using this bottle, which I remember correctly was in the $10 range. It covers A LOT of ground and should serve you well for a while. I made over this THRIFTED PLANTER into a pedestal using the same stuff!
Next up, grab a sponge applicator and maybe an old chip brush you don’t mind throwing out when you’re finished. The concrete is going to harden in the bristles. Use your brush to dab on the crack sealer. I prefer the dabbing methods over brushstrokes simply because it lifts the sealer and will dry with texture.
You can rapid dry with a heat gun between applications (I typically do about 2) Allow the project to cure and harden up for a couple hours after your application.
Y’all that is literally all there is to it. A couple coats of the sealer, allow to dry and there you have it! These have so much more character after their refresh and not to mention, the authentic look of concrete! All in all, this project cost be a total of $3 since I had the quikrete on hand. Not to bad for something unique to add to your decor.
