Today, I’m going to show you how to transform a plain old filing cabinet from this:
To this!
I needed a filing cabinet for my office and found this silver one at Staples. It was feeling a little too boring for me though, so I decided to spruce it up.
The first step of the project was to spray paint the filing cabinet. I used Rust-Oleum’s metal primer, and Valspar’s ‘Purple Fury’.
Before I began painting though, I wanted to block the four holes for the handles so that spray paint would not clog the holes or get inside of the filing cabinet. To do this, I rolled up a small piece of aluminum foil and placed one inside each hole. I also taped over the lock to protect that as well.
To paint the filing cabinet, I applied one coat of primer and three thin and even coats of the purple. (For more spray painting tips, see here or here.)
Once I was done painting the filing cabinet, I thought long and hard if I should do a next step, and if so, what would the next step be? Should I leave it alone, stencil it, or Mod Podge it?
I felt that the plain purple was a little too plain for me, and I was still recovering from our dining room stencil project 
, so I decided that Mod Podging (a glue and sealer in one product) was the way to go.
I already had this fabric that I originally bought a few months ago to make a runner for our dining room, but with the new color scheme it no longer coordinates with the room. It was, however, perfect for this project.
To start the Mod Podging process, I measured the drawers and found a piece of paper to use as a template that was almost the same size as the drawers.
I picked the two flowers I liked the best and used the paper as a guide to cut around them. The drawers on the filing cabinet are 13” x 10 ½”, and I knew I would need at least an inch of extra fabric to wrap around the drawers. I cut the fabric about 18” x 15” just to be sure I would have enough.
Once the squares were cut, it was time to start Mod Podging. Since I’ve only done one other Mod Podge project (here), I checked out a few websites for tips and tutorials. I found these two sites to be the most helpful: Mod Podge Rocks & Cottage at the Crossroads.
My first step was to paint a thin and even layer of Mod Podge onto the fabric.
Once that layer of Mod Podge was completely dry, I was ready to apply it to the filing cabinet. I propped open the doors of the filing cabinet with pieces of wood and positioned the fabric on the drawers.
Next, I folded back half of the fabric and applied Mod Podge to that side of the drawer. For this step, I was sure to use plenty of Mod Podge to provide a strong and even seal of the fabric to the drawer. It is important not to let the Mod Podge dry before you adhere the fabric to it. In order to ensure that the Mod Podge did not dry, I worked on half of each drawer at a time. Here you can see how I folded back the fabric and how much Mod Podge I applied to part of this drawer.
Once I applied the Mod Podge to half of the drawer, I folded back the fabric and pressed it firmly to the drawer. In order to avoid having bubbles in a Mod Podge project, it is important to completely and firmly smooth out the fabric during this step.
The next step was to trim the fabric. I also cut a slit in each corner so that the fabric would easily wrap around the corners
The last step of the process was to apply the top coats of Mod Podge. I applied three thin and even coats to the top of the fabric to provide a strong seal and protective coating. For the sides, I wrapped the fabric around the drawer and followed the same steps – one coat under to glue it down and three coats over to protect it.
When the last coat was dry, I was excited to see the finished product. I removed the wood from the drawers, flipped it upright, and wow!
With a spruced up finished, I thought the filing cabinet needed prettier drawer pulls than the ones that came with it. I found these online and am waiting for them to arrive.
source
I am so happy with how the filing cabinet turned out. The layers of Mod Podge make the fabric feel durable and protected. I actually look forward to filing papers now!
***Update, the handles have arrived!
º How do you make organizing and filing fun?
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Definitely going to give this one a shot. My brown filing cabinet from the 70′s looks atrocious.
Good luck Erin! Let me know how it turns out!
Take a look at my finished project — and shout of thanks out to you! http://areelchick.com/2013/01/26/diy-filing-cabinet-makeover/
Thanks Monique…yours looks great!
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I have been researching tips/steps on how to do this DIY project. One site recommended using quilt fabric. Do you think fabric type makes a difference?
Hi Monique! I think as long as you don’t use a silk fabric or a fabric with a large open weave you should be fine. I have not worked with quilt fabric, but it would probably be fine.
I found that the one key step is to apply the Mod Podge as the first layer on the fabric and allowing it to fully dry before you try to adhere the fabric to your surface.
Good luck with your project!
I was wondering if your cabinet came with the wheels or if you added them! I am hoping to buy some cabinets on craigslist, but am wondering if I need to be looking for ones with wheels to start with.
Can’t wait to try this!
Hi Julie! Mine did come with wheels. I don’t know that you necessarily need wheels unless you plan to move the cabinet around a lot. Or, if you find one without wheels you could probably find some casters to add. Good luck, send me some pictures when you’re done!
Thanks Cathy! I’m hoping to make this into my craft closet desk option. Something that can go with me house to house and hold my sewing table too. I’ll definitely send photos when it is done. Thanks again.
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You did such a great job! Love it!
I was wondering what type of mod podge you used? Gloss or matte? Or would it even matter what type to use?
Hi Jess! I used the Gloss Mod Podge, but either the Gloss or the Matte would work. It just depends on your preference. There is also a Hard Coat Mod Podge which is good for furniture and other high-traffic pieces.
Mod Podge Rocks has a good explanation of each type of Mod Podge: http://modpodgerocksblog.com/2009/07/mod-podge-formula-guide-youve-been.html
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what a great idea…how long does each layer take to dry?
Hi Denise!
For the first step of ‘coating’ the fabric, I allowed about 1 hour for the Mod Podge to completely dry. For the 2nd step of applying the Mod Podge to the filing cabinet, I also allowed about 1 hour – just to be sure that it was completely dry. For the top coats on the fabric, about 30 minutes seemed to be enough time. Usually you just have to test it each time to see if it is dry and ready for the next layer/step.
WOW!! Just WOW!
Thanks Donna!
Where did you get that fabric? I love it.
Hi Kim! I got the fabric at U-Fab, a local fabric store here in Richmond: http://www.ufabstore.com/u-fab/u-fab_-_discount_fabric_outlet.html
It is a Braemore fabric, if you’re not in Richmond, here is a link to buy it: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Braemore-Radience-Heather-Floral-54-Fabric-/390290811379
P.S. Young House Love also just used it in their ‘Granny’s Bathroom Makeover project!” http://www.younghouselove.com/2012/09/bathroom-bootcamp-day-3-aka-the-end/comment-page-8/#comment-1165406
Love what you did with that filing cabinet! I have a drab one and I’m going to give your method a try. Wish me luck.
Good luck Claudia! Let me know how it turns out!
I really like how the filing cabinet turned out. Great fabric too!
You are soooooo clever! Gorgeous!!!
Looks great, Cathy!