I Quit My Job to Flip Furniture: How Much Money Did I Make?

I dedicated a week to flipping furniture full-time.
In this video, I share how much money I made, after paying for all the tools and paint, and also show a lot of horrible mistakes I made that you need to avoid if you want to flip furniture.
This was also a good learning curve as I was surprised with the pieces that sold at the highest prices

[@Im_With_Stupid]

Hey man, I used to be an ironworker until several years ago when my back went out and knocked me out of work. I had no other job skills and could barely do anything anyway, so to try to keep making the ends meet I started selling stuff around the house on Craigslist. Even the most trivial crap would sell and before long I was actually buying stuff and reselling it on Craigslist. My garage was practically a thrift store and I was making hundreds of dollars a week. Nothing was going into the bank, but we were still eating, had electricity and making the mortgage payments. #1 seller: Lawnmowers. They often sold literally within minutes of listing them. It was crazy and I sold so many of them I even had little patches of grass around the yard I never cut so buyers could try them out.

[@patricksadvice1872]

I would actually like to watch a video on what you have done over the few years

[@debraneria4242]

You did amazing . however I believe you did yourself a disservice as to not educating yourself first with a few KZbin videos from skilled furniture flippers/artists which I honestly Know you could have saved yourself loads of time and frustration...I've been doing furniture for a while now and I STILL watch videos to keep up ...much luck going forward and again ..awesome work❤❤

[@frenesisalvaje2129]

You must be such a sweet person as you really tried not to hurt his feelings with your comment.

[@DaveDoesCarpentry]

Appreciate it! Thankyou!

[@tinajoan]

Came here to say the same thing, watch heaps of videos like brushed by brandy etc

[@debraneria4242]

@@frenesisalvaje2129 aww thank you ...I Have been in the beginning of furniture....It's about Constructive lifting up...❣️❣️🙌

[@debraneria4242]

@@DaveDoesCarpentry welcome ..keep learning and It Will pay off I promise ❣️❣️🙌

[@LoganX00]

Ive flipped some pieces as a hobby and one of my biggest pet peeves is seeing how others have painted using a brush. You can always see the strokes and it generally looks terrible. If you are going to do this full time, buy a sprayer. After you spray your primer, give it a light sand and wipe down to make sure you have a smooth surface, then finally spray two coats of color. The sprayer will be much faster, provide more even coverage, a better finish, and you will find that you use less paint which helps keep costs down.

[@Isaacbuildsthings]

Hi, what sprayer do you use?

[@LoganX00]

​@@Isaacbuildsthingsi use a hvlp gun from husky with i believe a 1.8mm tip. You will need to experiment with dilution but once you have a sense for that, it puts on a near perfect finish

[@LilyBecca]

I just bought a HomeRight Super Finish Max. It's Wagner's sister company. The normal price is $119. I bought mine on Prime Day for $32. It is often on sale for $79 For stain, I find that a lint free rag or a staining pad works better than a brush. For finish, a cheap foam brush works best.

[@LilyBecca]

If you are not going to use a sprayer, you need to use a foam roller. Use the brush where the roller won't fit, and then roll over the brush marks as much as possible. Using really high quality paint that is self leveling will also make a huge difference.

[@JenMarco]

Is that why I never liked painted furniture?

[@gtm604]

Sorry if it’s been mention already but you really should use a roller for painting. Makes for a more even coat and would speed up the painting process. Fun video

[@germariedekock5005]

The tip I recently discovered for brass window handles is to make a paste with flour and vinegar, cover it and let it sit for a while. Clean further with 'goldie locks' sponge as well as when you rinse it with water afterwards. Try it next time.

[@ronaldhiser860]

Hey bud, I might suggest using vinegar and cream of tartar. This will form tartaric acid, it's a fantastic cleaning agent for metal.

[@TrunksChoiceBand]

Hey mate, I've watched your videos for a while now. This is a great attempt at a different type of style of video more suited to the youtube algorithm. Well done!

[@DaveDoesCarpentry]

Cheers mate! Appreciate it, felt a bit weird doing a different style of video

[@lynellelaws7589]

Spritz your pieces with water mister before staining -helps it glide on - and use a sponge to put it on.

[@uberfine]

That doesn't work on oil based stain.

[@elettramia6380]

@@uberfinethen why do people do this with the gel stain? I thought the gel stains are oil as well. Thank you 😊

[@joemsmith]

When marking the holes for the handles, consider using a plastic speed square, less chance of the metal making marks and having to touch up the paint

[@DaveDoesCarpentry]

Good idea!

[@vleisge]

Bedroom sets sell for more than the individual pieces. Sell nightstands and dressers as a set. Even if they're not exactly the same, if you finish them to match, they will look great as a set. Also, invest in a paint sprayer. You'll get more done in less time, making more money. Good luck!

[@ATRestoration]

After 5 years they come to me and say: Hey can you restore this painted cabinet? The paint peels off. Me: Of course. That is 1500€.

[@duvertwid]

I've never felt more on the edge of my seat than when watching this video. I kept watching to hope it got better.

[@pereinarolsson3928]

In Sweden it is impossible to do anything with your hands and make a profit - whatever area. You have to find the love for it if you want to continue. As a painter/artist I know that using my hands means a lot to me but have never brought bread on the table. But light in my soul.

[@alexanderpetrov9251]

Why would you say this, many artists I know do a lot of profit in Europe and get tons of work in Sweden?

[@pereinarolsson3928]

@@alexanderpetrov9251 Well congratulations then! First of all Sweden and Europe is not the same. I say what I say from my own experience and I know that very few artists in Sweden that are painting can live from selling their paintings. It is just a fact.

[@kristiedeanda5787]

You are doing a fantastic job. Who hasnt wasted money when first starting out!!! Dont worry about it love! Remember, you are we winning! We only fail when we dont even try! And I get so irritated at people who sit back do nothing yet criticize other people for honest mistakes! You have the guts to do something new and you are very successful at it so pat yourself on the back, don't listen to any negative people at all! Congratulations! Beautiful work!!

[@larrynelson3329]

Learn furniture styles and years. Education is your best teacher. Watch other good refinishers and paint and flip KZbinrs. Your on the right track and get better with time

[@leslieschmitt7749]

This has been one of the best beginner furniture flipping tutorials I’ve seen … thank you!! ❤

[@mascottie]

I used make a ton of money flipping furniture but it’s almost impossible to make money now bc everyone else is doing it too. You need to watch your cost for supplies. You are spending way too much. Get the smaller paint cans. They go a long way and you can switch up the colors and save money.

[@DaveDoesCarpentry]

Thanks for the tip! I figured this out at the end of the video, at least I have them if I want to flip more furniture now

[@thealee3157]

I’m a furniture flipper and if you mind me giving you some tricks. Clean your pieces with something like Krud Kutter or Simple Green before you sand. It cuts thru the finish and grease. Also always prime your pieces to prevent bleed thru. Use a metallic paint or Buff and rub.

[@jeppemadsen2497]

Is one layer of primer enough?

[@thealee3157]

Yes but depending on what color you are painting the piece you might want to do a second. If it’s a light color definitely a second coat is best. Better to use more than have to go back. Good luck

[@marieanne8317]

Hello are you a furniture flipper full time, have you been able to make a living from it?

[@thealee3157]

@@marieanne8317 I did but it took me about two years to build up a client base. I did get a booth in a shop which helped.

[@marieanne8317]

@@thealee3157 ahh okay thank you 😊

[@TBird89]

Bro invest at least in a Wagner 150 spray unit. Easy too use and clean. Even buy a hand held spray unit to apply your base coat. Farrk using brushes. Good luck with whatever you do…. ✌️

[@DaveDoesCarpentry]

Not a bad idea! Thanks!

[@patbird9694]

@@DaveDoesCarpentryThe downside of using paint sprayer is that there is more waste. I prefer to use spray paint no cleaning up needed.

[@JenMarco]

I usually don’t like painted furniture but that first piece is looking better already just primed!

[@shanna-kaygregoire2922]

I’m not sure if you cleaned the item off camera. If not, I think it’s beneficial to do so before sanding so customer will have a long lasting painted items..

[@DaveDoesCarpentry]

After sanding the pieces, I cleared off the saw dust and then I had a bucket of sugar soap which I used to clean the pieces before painting.

[@randomshortz17]

Personally I love the old furniture with those wheels on them. Gives them a great antique look and if they still roll good , even better. I’d leave them on next time.

[@troymoss6988]

Sadly those antique wheels left on that table and restored correctly would have made him more money then all the pieces combined.. Education is key in this business

[@VioletJoy]

Your humor helped me get through this. Lol. The big buffet turned out really nice. The other pieces were a bit of a hodge podge, but hey, they all sold. You might want to look at pictures and videos to get design ideas. The two pieces with the sliding doors are really popular right now.

[@strangelyorganic8855]

If I was you I would invest in a small handheld paint sprayer to get a smooth finish without brushmarks. Also do a light scuff sanding after priming to also get a smoother finish.

[@Amber4]

If you want to get more money, try spraypainting. Also never go against the grain. Sand it paralel with the grain of the wood. The result will be smoother.

[@marysupervideo.lovewhatyou8588]

I liked the first paint job you did with the wood color top. Remember. There are lots of people out there who like sooo many different things. That would be good in a child’s room.

[@eirik874]

wish there were more of these videos really fun to watch

[@FryedSaw]

Greetings and Salutations I quit my job for furniture flipping as well & selling Christmas Trees Probably like 18 months experience of waitlisting my facts for the future water magazine enterprise.... thought about a co-founders course but it came back as maintenance thanks to A.I. Great upload 😊

[@dajw7540]

FYI, Mr. Metal is an excellent all purpose metal cleaner. But your handles are antique brass. They can’t be made shiny and metallic unless you spray paint them with metallic spray paint. Also, if you don’t like the color of paint you buy, you can take it back and ask them to add tint to it and they can play with it until you like it.

[@austincollett3037]

Try a random orbital sander next time, it looks like you left a ton of sanding marks

[@JKABCreations]

I sure enjoyed this video. Humor was great! Glad to see you flipping furniture. I love doing it and have learned a lot like you are now! God bless!

[@DaveDoesCarpentry]

I’m glad you did! Thank you 😊

[@Santorien]

If you where worried about day light why didnt you use a roller and a brush? Brush for the carbner doors and roller for the rest of the frame

[@mirandamom1346]

What you have that’s more useful than tools and materials is experience. And the more you do, the more you get. Have fun!

[@rosee941]

Great vid.. always interesting to see how people's projects come together! Fyi... if you mix bicarb and vinegar you are just neutralising the alkalinity and the acid... both of which would clean on their own.. together is a waste of time...

[@DevoutJourney]

I just put in my 2 weeks from a job I hate, and I’m gonna try my hand at flipping some furniture as well!

[@sroche2082]

How's it going since you left work. I'm thinking of doing the same.

[@DevoutJourney]

@@sroche2082 it's been going great so far! i've started to build out some smaller products to create an etsy store, and doing the refurbishing thing. I've sold 3 out of 3 refurbished pieces, and a few of my items locally. That's all great but the biggest improvement is my mental health. The clarity, the ability to just be creative, and work at my own pace has been amazing. I find myself out there 7 days a week now. It doesn't feel like work, i can tell ya that much. I've decided to start filming myself as well so I'm gonna start a youtube channel also.

[@fathogwoodworking]

What a result. And some left over materials for next time. Well done mate. That’s going to be a really decent side hustle. 👍

[@DeMcgrann]

Get a hose connected to a vacuum to sander you need to pull sanded material off

[@NadineVillarreal-g8z]

The stripper works really good but use a cheap paint brush or putty knife to spread it lwt it

[@Linda-un6xm]

Boil your hardware with 50/50 water and white vinegar. Then scrub them with a wire brush and a some kind of cleaner. I use Bartenders Friend.

[@LilyBecca]

I've decided to update some of the furniture in my house and if it goes well, I will start flipping to pay off debt. I have watched hundreds of hours of KZbin videos over the last 2 months and just spent about $300 on the essentials to get started, including a drill, jigsaw, and sprayer. Watching this video is almost painful because of all the little tricks that would make things easier and give a more professional look. I highly recommend that anyone who wants to get into furniture flipping invest some time in watching some videos by the pros first.

[@SuperMooshrooms]

That blue cabinet that gave you a headache had a unique 'retro' feel to it. Could be a good strategy to flip furniture retro style since people will spend hundreds on cheap boring furniture at big W or whatever the bloody store is or they could spend a few hundred on a unique piece of colourful furniture.

[@philippecarriou5652]

"if I did use it as firewood" far out that cracked me up good hahaha Great channel, future Scott brown C!!

[@sassaronigreen]

Listen to music as you sand. Life changing

[@janee9533]

There is a Hammered Spray Paint that comes in metallics that would work on drawer pulls.

[@some-idea]

Interesting video 👍 Btw, No point mixing vinegar with bicarb, use one or the other

[@alexwest4629]

Problem when working at home is that people end up doing way more unpaid hours, I did it for years. Also tend to work more after hours/weekends too.

[@kaliyuga6613]

Great video. One small complaint: You said 'passive side income on the weekends'. Mate, it's not passive.

[@louisestevenson5102]

You not doing the stripping right you paint it on thick and WAIT before scrape sanding is nessesary afterwards. It is what it is. Think your process out. Mistakes are lessons learn from them. Your doing great.

[@TruthHurts2u]

Those brass handles have fake tarnish and might even be lacquered. I would soak them in mineral spirits or paint thinner to remove the lacquer then simmer them in a pot of tomato sauce for about 30 mins.

[@aaronthompson2095]

I just watched and this is a brilliant video 🔥🔥 I have never done this before can someone point me in the right direction in terms of video guides that go right through the ins and outs of furniture quality and what furniture flippers and even collectors (those who are looking for quality) are always looking out for in terms of flipping furniture? what types of woods sell for a premium? what types of furniture styles are in or never really go out of fashion (timeless)? Which architect/designers/brands make (or have made) pieces that sell for a premium which I should look out for? How can I tell "good furniture" from "bad furniture" (i.e. something made kitsch and or cheap in comparison to something that looks expensive for example you have a cabinet that is made to replicate and look like an intricate Italian style cabinet or says that it is, and then you have the proper thing made beautifully that people will pay a premium for - how can I tell the difference? From all perspectives; usage, aesthetics, quality, durability, and craftmanship what is considered "good furniture" and what would be considered "bad"? Also, I aim to sell, resell or refurbish and sell online, so how would one compete (“make the sale and make a profit”) in what is a saturated market full of furniture options bearing in mind I aim to use eBay as my main platform? kzbin.infogaming/emoji/7ff574f2/emoji_u1f4aa.png

[@lynellelaws7589]

Orbital sander is your friend -so much faster than others!

[@dudeorduuude5211]

Cool video. But a bit sloppy, rushed work. Drips, paintbrush lines, not even. But if they sold, then, must have looked ok.

[@louisestevenson5102]

There are many talented diy's furniture flip ideas out there they know how to choose colour and knob cleaning techniques are best leard from a carpender video restoring antiques they use a wire buffer as well.

[@TheComposer1979]

very inspiring man good job but i think u ll be ok if u use roller for painting or maybe spray later

[@marysupervideo.lovewhatyou8588]

Again. Think about a kid’s room with the light teal color. ⭐️⭐️⭐️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@TylerDWard]

9:29 looks fire. Diluted muriatic acid works great and a lot faster to strip metal corrosion

[@DaveDoesCarpentry]

Cheers! I’ll try that out next time!

[@Kai77-24]

Blue hutch is awesome. If you sealed it? ...I'd pay 350 as is. Sealed and or using a sprayer, I'd say 50 plus. Just my first opinion

[@notyouraveragegoldenpotato]

Dont mix the vinegar and baking soda lol. You neutralized the entire point of using vinegar, the baking soda basically just acted as an abrasive is all. May as well have been dirt😂 straight vinegar to remove corrosion and rust, bicarb acts as a gentle abrasive/polish. Barkeep is a much better option and very cheap to clean and polish up metals

[@JustsewJoeJones]

Thank goodness most of your stuff is free. I’ve never seen someone waste so much money in my life lol good work 🎉

[@daimyo2k]

First off, great job! Second, I don't know where you live but &700+ that's tax free is pretty good. Third... that looks nothing like a "side hustle", definitely looks more like a full time job.

[@7310anthony]

Love your work mate keep it up ❤

[@DaveDoesCarpentry]

Thanks mate!

[@Mark-ef2ly]

Bicarbonate neutralises vinegar so you've essentially soaked the handles in water. Use Coca Cola

[@tradergirl7067]

this work isn't easy. it's physical. the sanding and vibrations alone take a huge tole on my hands . I'm having to wear braces and ice my hands after every sanding job. and my shoulders feel like I went to the gym and tried to lift 5000 lbs. then the other day a gust of wind came and blew a bunch of saw dust in my eyes and one eye still in pain. I'm actually what I consider fit. I work out and get over 15k steps in every single day. This still kicks my butt. I'm also seeing the marketplace posts in my area are a joke. No one is selling anything refinished but there are people selling broken junk for an arm and a leg. I see one night stand for $100 and a pair for $300 and they advertise you to buy them and fix em up. 😂 thrift stores are the same. matching night stand sets are $100 each. my city never has any trash curb days. I never see anything for pennies like these you tubers do.. The only wood I get from the trash are pallets.. and I scoop them up every chance and have been making butcher block style side tables..

[@naileditfencing]

Cool video bro 😊

[@DaveDoesCarpentry]

Thanks mate!

[@Kate-b4s]

Did you sand the drawers? They don't look like the were even buff sanded.

[@vukaius5294]

Why did you quit your job ? is being a construction carpenter a bad career ? i'm planing to learn it

[@louisestevenson5102]

5 P's Prior preparation prevents poor performance. Preparation is the hard work then the painting is the cherry job

[@artur.creates]

Loving the finished project

[@boberson83]

"passive side income" don't think you know what passive means bud.

[@QUIZABOUT]

TAUBMANS = TUB MANS,,, greaqt job ..subbed and like.. first time watching.

[@8MrBreadSticks8]

Great content mate

[@DaveDoesCarpentry]

Thanks!

[@bradhanna2524]

Great job!

[@DanielTAGyota]

Where in "light" is there LOIYT??...😶

[@badtolz2122]

Buy a cheap paint sprayer. Game changer.

[@PrimalRenegade17]

Okay this is a great video but Vinegar and baking soda DOES NOT WORK yes it makes a lot of bubbles which looks impressive but the end product of that reaction is salty water. Baking soda good on its own, vinegar good on its own but together useless. The paste you have at the end is just wet baking soda because you added an excess of it.

[@PrimalRenegade17]

*bi-carb soda but you get what I mean

[@ignaciogodoy7095]

The real wood furniture sanded with varnish worth a lot more than painting it, with paint it looks cheap

[@Motomamiiiiiiiiiiiiiii]

$5!! Where are u shopping

[@simondelaney2958]

Use a roller for big areas

[@lennybuttz2162]

The dog is cute!

[@whwnshaton4174]

you just clean it with water after sanding?

[@WhosLeadingYou]

Wood filler works much better than Spakfiller for furniture.

[@belindaciccone4328]

Hi Dave are you still going to work as a carpenter

[@DaveDoesCarpentry]

Yes I am! I am not a subcontractor so I can be flexible with where and when I work

[@belindaciccone4328]

What’s the best part of a carpenter

[@belindaciccone4328]

@@DaveDoesCarpentry Dave what does that me I’m going to work with you when I’m 16 years of age my name is Jake Coleiro

[@NadineVillarreal-g8z]

Sorry, let it sit few minutes then scrape it off, don't let it dry also use a rag to remove the rest

[@patb5889]

Put them in hot water.If it doesn't shine spray paint them.

[@lisagordon6355]

Mate, you need chalk paint! No sanding

[@waxeye6488]

The handles aren't brass, they're faux brass

[@Roger-il8iw]

Furniture flipping is awesome. If you put in 8 hours a day like a real job you can make 6 figures

[@randomshortz17]

Invest in a paint sprayer brother brush strokes are tacky

[@leewood729]

I'm assuming that's Australian dollars?

[@michaelplays2449]

Great video !!! thanks

[@carlamarlene2927]

Can of coca cola for the brass?

[@wendyt23]

Loved this video 😂

[@shelbyconstructions7256]

Why wouldn't you use a roller 😂😂😂

[@ching574]

If you're planning on painting more furniture get a cheap sprayer for a professional looking finished instead of seeing brush strokes I wouldn't buy that thing for $10 because of that

[@louisestevenson5102]

Use paint stripper it might be quicker

[@daniellefores4491]

Boil your brass hardware in vinegar and hot water.

[@SuperMooshrooms]

You would be amazed the stuff boomers will sell for free. I remember mowing a lawn for a old lady and she gave me a mint condition $7000 lounge for free all I had to do was take the thing away. Her husband had died and she didn't need a giant lounge anymore. There is a massive surplus of furniture and stuff in this country and boomers die off and they just give the stuff away for free.

[@SuperMooshrooms]

Sure you spent $500 on material but most of that stuff I think you can reuse in future projects.

[@WoodenWorkguide]

I like wooden project

[@DeborahSch]

“Passive” means you don’t have to perform hours of work. Flipping for other is not passive income. It’s skilled work. 🙄