How to Paint Thrifted Furniture: A BB Frösch Makeover at Rooted 2026

Jan 30, 2026

If you know BB Frösch, you know we live for two things:
✨ transforming furniture
✨ and celebrating creative humans

So getting to live paint at Rooted 2026 with some of the most talented muralists and artists around?
Yeah… that was right up our alley.

We spent a few days in San Antonio surrounded by incredible women who are literally making the world more beautiful with their art — and if that isn’t the Frösch Effect in action, I don’t know what is.

A little thrifted piece that Becca from Rooted picked up for just $5 (and yes — she’s keeping it after the show, which makes it even better).

Let’s walk through how we took it from thrifted to transformed — together.

The Before (aka… the humble beginnings)

Every great transformation starts with good bones — and a little imagination.

This piece wasn’t fancy.
But it had character, charm, and so much potential.

Supplies + Setup

Before the fun begins, we gathered our tools — because a smooth project always starts with the right setup.

Here’s what we used:

BB Frösch Paint Transformer
Flat or matte paint in Pistachio (hello dreamy green 💚)
Mixing jar + whisk
Brush + roller
Screwdriver (to remove hardware)
Cleaning supplies
Optional topcoat for sealing

Step 1: Clean It + Remove the Hardware

We cleaned the piece and removed all the hardware — because even the prettiest paint can’t hide dust, grease, or grime.

Use a degreaser, Simple Green, or even soap & water. Avoid any cleaner with oils in it.

Just don't skip this step. You would be surpri

sed how much dust and dirt you remove.

Step 2: Mix It — BB Frösch Style

This is where the magic starts.

Rooted participants got hands-on learning how to mix BB Frösch Paint Transformer into their favorite paint — instantly turning it into a durable, furniture-ready finish without needing specialty paint.

How to Mix BB Frösch Paint Transformer

Make Your BB Frösch Base

In a mixing jar or container:

2 tablespoons BB Frösch Paint Transformer
1.5 tablespoons water

Whisk or stir until completely smooth — think donut glaze consistency.
✔ No lumps
✔ Silky and pourable
✔ Add a tiny bit more water if needed

Add Your Paint - this Rooted Green is fire!!

Add about 1 cup of flat or matte paint to your mixed base
Shake or stir thoroughly until fully blended

💡 We recommend mixing one cup at a time so you only use what you need and keep everything fresh. If you are using a full gallon for a large project, you can definitely mix the Paint Transformer for that amount and then add it right to your gallon or sprayer.

Coverage Notes

For reference, the table we painted at Rooted used one cup/mixing jar of paint
That included covering a darker surface and letting lots of people try the process
In most projects, a cup of paint (or even less) can go a long way — especially with BB Frösch

Same color you love. Now built for furniture.

Step 3: Paint It

Then came the fun part — painting in that gorgeous Pistachio green.

Having dozens of artists help us paint this little piece was so fun for us! That’s the kind of energy we love and exactly why we love doing events like this.

First coat should be very light - almost messy looking and that's ok. You are creating the bond for you first smooth coat of paint.

Step 4: Seal It + Love It

Once dry, we sealed the piece for extra durability and that smooth, finished look. We used our clear wax. You could also use your favorite topcoat or polycrylic.

For wax

Butter your brush

Apply thin coats in sections (it cures fast!)

Buff smooth

And just like that…
A $5 thrifted piece became a total showstopper.

We hope Becca loves her community painted piece.

The After (and the heart of it all)

But honestly?
The transformation wasn’t just the furniture.

We left Rooted feeling:
✨ Inspired
✨ Energized
✨ Grateful for the creative community
✨ And reminded that this is about more than paint

It’s about Community over Competition.
It’s about cheering each other on.
It’s about giving people the tools — and the confidence — to create something beautiful.

TL;DR

How to Paint a Thrifted Piece (the BB Frösch way):

1️⃣ Thrift it – Find a piece with good bones (even if it’s ugly right now 😉)
2️⃣ Clean it – Don’t skip this. Dirt is the enemy of a good finish.
3️⃣ Mix in BB Frösch Paint Transformer – Turn your favorite flat or matte paint into a durable, furniture-ready finish.
4️⃣ Paint it – Smooth coats, light sanding if needed, trust the process.
5️⃣ Seal it – For extra protection and that pro finish.
6️⃣ Love it – And admire your glow-up-worthy masterpiece ✨