$1.99 furniture day at Goodwill Outlet is a magical day. It is a day when you can find some incredible deals, like the filing cabinet we bought last weekend (see before photo below). While most would argue that a filing cabinet is not that special, Joey and I knew that we could turn the dumpy filing cabinet that we purchased into a stylish storage solution. All it took was a few coats of chalkboard paint.
The breakdown of how we achieved this look is listed below:
Supplies:
- A filing cabinet (Look on craigslist or local thrift store for a good deal)
- Sandpaper
- Chalkboard Paint (We used Rust-Oleum Specialty 30 oz from Home Depot)
- Chalk
- Paint roller
- Paint brush
Instructions:
Begin by lightly sanding the filing cabinet. After sanding the cabinet, thoroughly clean it with a damp cloth. Then use the paint roller to apply a thin layer of the paint. Let the paint dry before applying another coat. Apply 3 to 4 coats. Use the paint brush to touch up any areas that the roller could not reach. We choose to paint over all of the silver hardware, giving it a uniform look; however, that is entirely optional. Allow the paint to dry overnight before drawing on it with chalk.
Joey labeled each drawer in his best handwriting. This makes it really easy to find whatever we are looking for.
I hope you enjoyed this fun and easy makeover.
Nice project. You guys are so creative.
This is a great idea & I may have to try it!! However, I would have liked to see the “original” before & after file cabinet. This before & after pic is not the same cabinet; the lock & drawer release buttons are on opposite sides on each cabinet.
Thanks! You should try it. It was very easy… and it actually is the same filing cabinet. We flipped the “before” image horizontally. You’ll notice that the “before” is just a mirror image of the “after”. Same filing cabinet, just a new coat of paint
I worked for the manufacturer of that cabinet. Nice to see it being re-purposed. And it is the same cabinet. Pictures can be reversed with the wonders of technology today. Happens all the time. Happens all the time.
Funny I found this I have a old cabinet now I know what to do with it thanks.
Thanks! I hope it turns out great. If you post pictures online, send me a link. I would love to see it.
Love your idea, I have a ugly cabinet thank you for the inspiration.
I have one in my basement
Great idea