Go Gooeygump Something!

Breaking down how to upcycle furniture with GooeyGump Designs.

by allison fraizer

At GooeyGump Designs in Portland, creativity is a way of life. “GooeyGump” was my childhood nickname, both a term of endearment and a verb of frustration used whenever I went a little overboard on a project. As an only child, I was often told to “go GooeyGump something” until dinner and would spend hours in my own little world of egg cartons and puffy paints. 

When I landed my first corporate sales job after college, my daily drive led me past piles of “junk” on the side of the road. It wasn’t long before I was pulling over, shoving roadside furniture into the company car while dressed in a business suit because I couldn’t bear to leave one woman’s treasure behind. I started upcycling tables and dressers for my own home, and years later, I was selling those similar DIY projects to fund my wedding. (Yes, I paid for the whole thing selling former curbside “junk.”)

“There was never a time I called myself an artist but I could always visualize and never shake the obsession of what something could become.”

GooeyGump began with a few Craigslist sales, then expanded to vendor booths at local stores, monthly pop-ups in our garage, and eventually, our current 9,000-square-foot retail store on outer Forest Avenue in Portland. 

DIY is about more than creating—it’s about seeing potential, something Mainers know well. The sense of resourcefulness and community here drives GooeyGump Designs’ mission to bring stylish, accessible home decor and gifts with a personal touch. Every well-decorated home has a story to share, and at GooeyGump, that story often starts with a little mess and a lot of heart.

With a little imagination and resourcefulness, anyone can embark on a journey of creativity, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary through DIY projects that tell their unique stories. Let me share what I have learned over the years since first stopping to rescue and rehab roadside junk.

  • A wooden cabinet with a small shelf on top, against a white brick wall. The shelf holds cans of painted, a roll of paper towels, a spray bottle, a paintbrush, and cleaning spray.
  • Person painting a wooden cabinet blue using a brush and a can of DIY paint.
  • Decorative wooden cabinet painted in blue with a distressed finish, featuring a patterned tile countertop, holding glassware and bottles, against a white brick wall with a sign above that reads 'Stevie Said: Don't Be A Lady Be A Legend'.

Furniture Flipping 101

They don’t make furniture like they used to—so with a few quick steps, you can take those solid, well-made pieces and make them your own. Whether it’s a hand-me-down or a fabulous roadside find, you can give it new life and spark with a simple coat of paint.

1. Prep Your Piece (But Don’t Overthink It)

Most older furniture is high-quality, but it can feel dated—especially when it’s dark brown and heavy. The good news? Chalk- and clay-based paints require minimal prep. Clean the surface well with a household degreaser, and then make sure to rinse that all away with water so you don’t have soap residue. if the surface is shiny enough to see your reflection, give it a quick scuff with fine sandpaper Otherwise, no sanding is necessary.

2. Pick Your Paint and Dive In

Choose a fresh, modern color like Pantone’s 2025 pick of the year, Mocha Mousse, or a staple favorite that matches your vibe and get painting! These paints are super forgiving, so don’t worry about perfection. Use a natural bristle brush and apply the paint in light, even strokes. Most colors will have solid coverage with two coats, and you only need about 30 minutes before you can add the second. 

3. Distress or Don’t—It’s Your Call

If you want that vintage feel, lightly sand the edges once the paint dries to reveal some of the original wood underneath. Or keep it clean and crisp for a more contemporary look.

4. Seal the Deal

To protect your newly painted piece, finish with wax or a clear coat. Wax adds a soft sheen, while a clear coat is ideal for more durable protection—especially for high-use items. Make sure to use finishing products compatible with the paint you chose to avoid patchiness or yellowing.

5. Upgrade the Hardware

Hardware is the jewelry of your newly refurbished piece, and you can both upgrade and customize your creation with hardware. Swap out old knobs, handles, or hinges for modern options that complement your new color. This small change can dramatically transform the look and feel of your furniture, giving it a fresh, polished, or even quirky finish.

6. Create in a Crew 

For those of you who love to create and learn in a group, we offer classes and workshops throughout the year. Visit our website gooeygumpdesigns.com for upcoming calendar and events. Can’t wait to see what you “Gooeygump!”