I have a little corner of the garage that is home to all my craft supplies- paint, brushes, screwdriver, tools, sander etc.
I have an old desk that I use for gluing, cutting and making and some storage shelves to well...store everything. One thing I didn't have was a place to store paper, and stencils and other bits and bobs that need to be filed away.
So I was lucky enough to get a filing cabinet for FREE. Have you ever seen how much filing cabinets go for... a lot!
I have decided this year, that my goal is to recycle and re-use as much as I can. Do my bit to save the planet and I also love putting the effort into an 'old' unloved treasure and creating something useful! (and looks a thousand times better too)
Filing Cabinet Makeover!
Having a closer look at the filing cabinet, showed up some of it's past life and it's wear and tear.
A little bit of rust, lots of scratches and that 'ugly grey' colour was fading. It had received a little touch up with some contact on the front, which gave me an idea of how to revive this old filing cabinet and bring on the 'pretty'.
So after a good clean down, removed any grease and using lots of disinfectant, this treasure was ready for painting.
I used 1 ½ cans of Rust-oleum white spray paint -gloss (which only cost $10.00 a can !!).
This paint is fantastic as it has the primer and paint together, it dries fast and covers metal with little pieces of rust.
I taped around the lock, so the spray paint didn't block the lock and so it left it silver.
Yes, I used duct tape because for some reason...you know how it is, I had run out of painter's tape and I just wanted to start painting and not go to the hardware shop. It worked really well. I don't think it was a very sticky type of tape ...must have been a cheap version ..;-)
Anyway, here is the treasure after one coat, and do notice that I surrounded it in an old cardboard box. That cardboard goes through every painting journey with me. You can tell by the different paint marks and colours!
It was a gorgeous day outside, with no wind, which helped the spray paint not go everywhere, but I did wear a mask because it is a 'little stinky' and to be safe.
...and after the second coat!!
Once the paint had dried, I brought the filing cabinet inside, and covered the drawers with contact. The contact was only $4.00 and I only used ¾ of the roll. BARGAIN!! So far, all this has cost me is $24.00 !! (Big smile from me!!)
The best part about using the contact with spots, was that it was easy to line up along the top of the drawers and that meant, each drawer looked like it followed on...and they weren't wonky!!!
I will be honest and say that all I needed was my thumb nail to slice along the edge of the handles...you probably would use a Stanley knife!!
Drawer one done and on to the others. This little treasure is turning into one fine beauty!!
Viola!!! My old filing cabinet has been transformed and has found a new home next to my desk, in the little corner of the garage.
Ohhhh! They do look good together!!
I have organised all the 'bits' to go in the cabinet and it is so handy - everything right in arms reach.
Yeah !!! Got to love that!!
🙂
Sharing at The Dedicated House!
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Andrea @ This Pug Life says
It looks really nice and seems simple enough. I'll have to remember this the next time there is a going out of business sale and they're getting rid of office equipment!
admin says
Thanks Andrea!! 🙂 yes, it wasn't hard but so worth it! Thanks for stopping by !!
Shelley says
I like your file cabinet make over, and your writing style, and the way your blog looks. I sound like I'm 7 years old but it's true. I want to try this.
Christie Selken says
The filing cabinet looks great! I like the use of contact paper to dress up the front. I have a filing cabinet of my own that needs a new look, so I just might give this a try!
Emily, Our house now a home says
I love the color! This was such a great idea. Thank you for linking up at Pin worthy Wednesday!
Isabelle Thornton says
I love this. Super cute! Way better. Hope you come back tomorrow for the party!
Xo
Isabelle
http://www.lechateaudesfleurs.com
Aspen Jay says
It turned out so cute and chic! I want to buy a filing cabinet just so I can do this! For now, I'll be pinning it. 🙂
Cherie Froelich says
That turned out absolutely adorable! Looks great!
Suzanne Moore says
Wow! I never would have thought of contact paper, thanks for the wonderful idea! I have a drab file cabinet in my home office and can't wait to give it some "sparkle"! So happy to find your blog this morning! Blessings, Suzanne
Christy @ 11 Magnolia Lane says
It looks great--and that Rustoleum spray paint is my favorite! Thanks for linking up at the Pretty Preppy Party!
Kathryn Ferguson Griffin says
So happy and pretty now! Thank you for sharing. You are one of the features today at The Round-Up from the Before and After Wednesday party at The Dedicated House! Here is the link so you can check out your feature. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/10/the-round-up-from-before-after-wednesday_29.html Hope to see you tonight at the Before & After bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Kyla @HouseOfHipsters says
This turned out soooo good! Thanks so much for sharing on Found & Foraged.
Cami says
Much improved!
Cyndee says
This is awesome. Love the color. It made a big difference! I have a couple of these that I would like to do....someday!