Recycle An Old File Cabinet To Use For Storing Documents
If you own a file cabinet that has a rusted, dirty surface, learn how to cover it with decorative contact paper and repaint the handles on each drawer. Once finished, you will have an attractive storage area to place important documents in.
Use The Following Items
- all purpose cleaner
- scrub brush
- soapy water
- lint free cloth
- pen
- self adhesive contact paper
- measuring tape
- scissors
- newspaper
- small bowl
- thin paintbrush
- acrylic craft paint
- screwdriver
Clean The Cabinet And Cover The Exterior
Use a screwdriver to remove the file cabinet's handles. Clean the exterior and interior of the cabinet with all purpose cleaner and a lint free cloth. Measure the front panels and sides of the cabinet. Cut pieces of self adhesive contact paper that contain colors and a design that will match the other decor in the room where the cabinet will be used. Peel off the paper backing on each piece of contact paper and press them onto the corresponding sections.
Make sure that you take your time and line up each piece carefully so that they cover the cabinet completely. It is also a good idea to work slowly so that the paper does not become wrinkled. Before applying the pieces of contact paper that are going to be covering the front of each drawer, hold them up over the surface and use a pen to mark the areas where screws need to be placed.
Repaint The Hardware And Cover The Bottom Of Each Drawer
Clean the hardware off with soapy water and a scrub brush. Place the hardware on a newspaper covered surface to dry and to use as a protective barrier when the paint is applied. Pour acrylic craft paint into a bowl. Use a thin paintbrush to apply a couple coats of the paint to each handle. Wait for the paint to dry in between coats. Reattach the hardware by lining it up over the areas on the contact paper that show where the screws go. Insert screws through the hardware and tighten them with a screwdriver.
Remove the metal file folder holders from each drawer. Cut pieces of contact paper that will cover the bottom of each drawer. Attach them the same way that you did with the exterior pieces of paper. Insert the metal file folder holders inside of the cabinet.
Your recycled file cabinet will look great in your home and will keep all of your documents safely stored. For more tips on recycled file cabinets, visit Vital Records Control.
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