How to update and paint an old cabinet with your own hands photo

Currently, in stores you can find an endless number of various cabinets, chests of drawers, racks, hanging shelves, multifunctional drawers for clothes and personal items. But if you decide not to plunge into a long search, but to follow the thread of your imagination, then with the help of the following master classes you will learn how to update an old cabinet with your own hands beyond recognition.

After reading the article, you should not have any questions about how to paint a varnished, chipboard or wooden cabinet , what paint to paint and make it suit your own style, and you will also learn some of the intricacies of this work.

Painting a wooden cabinet made of chipboard

Paint selection

For processing wood and chipboard, you can use alkyd or acrylic ,
spray or regular wood paint,
for deeper coloring - varnishes, but most often preference is given to acrylic paints .

They are non-toxic, dry at room temperature, which in our case and when painting home furniture is very convenient, they are presented in a wide range in stores, they can be colored , i.e. dilute with white paint to achieve the desired color. In addition, there is a choice of acrylic paints with a mother-of-pearl effect or, for example, metallic.

Varnishes are used mainly to give furniture an antique , but well-groomed, noble and rich look. In this case, the surface is painted several times after each layer has completely dried.
Varnishes are also necessary to fix the color and protect the surface from scratches and minor damage.
You will need varnish even if you decide to paint the chest of drawers in an antique or Provence style.

Selecting Brushes and Rollers

After choosing paint, special attention should be paid to brushes and rollers. Why shouldn't you save on painting supplies if you decide to update your chest of drawers yourself?

With the correct technology for processing the old surface and good painting, the cabinet will retain its appearance for several years .
If you use bad brushes, you will not protect freshly painted furniture from sticking hairs or lint, which is almost impossible to fix unnoticed.

If you have a task to paint a large smooth surface, then a roller and aerosols will .

a roller to take the right amount of paint and remove smudges, but if aerosols are used correctly, the surface will ultimately be smoother.
To paint medium and small cabinet parts, protrusions, bas-reliefs, 2 brushes will be enough - wide and narrow.

ATTENTION: During work, do not leave the brushes dry, it is better to put them in a jar of water, otherwise they will quickly become unusable

Technologies and painting methods

Don't forget about other important painting tools and materials, such as sandpaper or sander, primer, putty, solvent and varnish. All this is necessary to comply with the correct dyeing technology.

Equipment:

Sandpaper of different grits is needed to pre-grind the old paint layer and sand the surface.
A primer will be needed to seal small cracks on the surface of wood or chipboard.
Putty (you can use car putty) and a putty knife will come in handy if there are deep scratches or chips.
Solvent or white spirit is needed to degrease the surface before painting for better impregnation.
The varnish performs a protective function and gives the furniture shine.

In general, preparing a cabinet for painting consists of 5 short but very important steps .

First, carefully remove the old paint and use medium-grain sanding paper (or a machine) to level the working surface.
All dust must be wiped off, but without using wet rags, sponges , etc. Otherwise, the old paint will only be absorbed better, and the new paint will not adhere well.
After processing with the finest grains, degrease with white spirit (acetone) and apply a primer layer for better adhesion to the paint.
If there are large chips, then first fill them with putty and rub them until smooth. Afterwards we apply one or two layers of primer.

When you know all the stages of preparation, it’s time to move on to the main stage and figure out how to paint a wooden chest of drawers and chipboard.

Before you start working

First of all, you need an idea. First of all, you need to check what condition the furniture is in, and whether it makes sense to take on it at all. You should soberly assess how easy (or difficult) it will be to bring it into proper shape, at least from the point of view of basic functionality, since restoring an old cabinet does not mean simply repainting it.

Any antique cabinet requires a little restoration, which will significantly improve its appearance.

At this stage it should already be clear what tools will be required. For example, it is better to varnish antique furniture made of solid wood, while more modern furniture made of chipboard can be either painted or covered with film or wallpaper. In any case, you need to prepare sandpaper, a set of screwdrivers, a spatula, brushes or roller, primer and putty for chips.

The restored surface can be painted or decorated at your discretion.

Important! It is highly desirable to maintain a reasonable compromise between flights of fancy and practicality. Especially if the updated furniture is intended to be used for its intended purpose.

Restoring an old cabinet is a painstaking task, but you can do it yourself.

Master class No. 1. Stencil painting

Everything is mixed in this closet - romanticism, Chinese motifs, and even something from Gzhel. Everyone sees something different in him. Let's learn painting techniques.

Materials and tools

Prepared cabinet;
white paint;
solvent;
blue spray paint;
gold paint;
stencil;
brushes

Step by step guide

Step 1.

We remove all fittings, locks, handles, etc. from the cabinet. Using familiar technology, we will prepare a wooden cabinet for painting.
We spread newspapers or a large piece of polyethylene on the work surface (on the floor) so as not to damage other furniture.

Step 2.

We take white enamel and solvent. In a small plastic jar, dilute paint and solvent according to the instructions on the paint can.
The paint consumption is also written on the can; it is better to use this information and immediately dilute the required amount. If you mix too little paint, you may end up with a different color the second time.
We make the background of the picture - apply the first layer of paint . Leave until completely dry.

Step 3.

If the color turns out saturated and you like it, then take a stencil and apply it to the cabinet . Carefully glue on the front side and side walls so that there are no bubbles.
Shake the spray paint well and spray it over the stencil . For an even color, one layer of blue paint will be enough, so we do everything the first time.

Step 4.

While the blue paint dries, paint the hardware removed from the cabinet in gold leaf. After the parts have dried, screw them into place.

We remove the stencil from the cabinet and place it in the most visible place in the room - after all, it now deserves special attention!

You can decorate the closet with a stencil, for example, with flowers.

Glaze

Glazing is another artistic technique, which boils down to the fact that the bottom layer of paint is visible through the translucent top one. The result is complex iridescent shades that play interestingly in the light.

The advantage of technology is that you can use almost any paint: oil, acrylic, watercolor, even strong tea. Dilute the acrylic with water to the desired shade and consistency and apply it with a sponge or synthetic brush. Glazing does not imply a dense, uniform coating; in fact, it is just tinting.

Photo: id.pinterest.com

Photo: mebel-mart32.ru

Master class No. 2. Updating a chipboard cabinet

This cabinet looked very cheap since it was made from chipboard. But we updated it with a beautiful ornament for a children’s room, now it can fit into even a high-tech or modern interior.

Materials and tools

Prepared cabinet;
white paint;
pencil;
knife;
building level;
sponge brush;
masking tape;
additionally: protective paint (enamel).

Decoration process

Step 1.

We will prepare the furniture by cleaning the surface from roughness, chips, and cracks using putty and primer.
After using special products, you need to let the surface dry completely .
We take masking tape and stick it on the front side of the chest of drawers according to your individual idea.
We make combinations of triangles along the top and bottom edges, rhombuses in the middle, rectangles at the top and bottom. We cut off the strips and make shapes from them, as shown in the photo.

We make a rhombus by cutting strips of equal length and placing them perpendicular to each other.
To make rectangles, first apply the tape evenly, parallel to the cut of the chest of drawers, and use a building level and a pencil to mark equal intervals. Cut through one.

TIP: Watch the placement relative to the fittings (handles, locks) and the gaps between the drawers - it’s better to be symmetrical than even.

Step 2.

I follow the instructions on the paint can, take a sponge brush and rub in a thin layer to create an antique effect. Let the layer dry.
After the first layer has dried, apply the second . Then the color will be quite saturated and contrasting compared to the background.
When you have achieved the desired color and the paint has completely dried, carefully at an angle of 45 degrees remove the masking tape (tape).

Step 5.

The final stage is the application of protective enamel. It will extend the life of the chipboard cabinet and protect it from minor mechanical impacts such as moisture and dust.

And now the stylish wardrobe is ready for active use!

Color options can also be the same as in the photo below.

Staining

Stain is a tinting liquid that allows you to change the shade of wood, but completely preserve its texture. Apply it strictly parallel to the fibers, and paint over it with several layers of varnish or pearlescent glaze coating.

Soft fibers absorb the coloring composition more strongly, and from dense fibers it is washed off naturally. If you want to make the texture even more expressive, repeat the process several times. In order not to miss the result, first try the stain on that part of the cabinet where it is not visible.

Photo: kuzmich24.ru

Photo: rusremeslo.ru

Master class No. 3. Painting a polished cabinet

Some people can’t believe that you can make such a piece of vintage-style candy out of an old polished cabinet, without losing functionality. And then we'll tell you how to do it.

Materials and tools.

Old polished cabinet;
vintage paint (regular acrylic matte);
white spirit or acetone;
brushes;
sandpaper or sanding machine;
gold handles for drawers.

Painting process

Step 1.

Despite the fact that we are creating a vintage effect, there is no real need for the dresser to look shabby. Therefore, we carefully prepare it for painting.

To do this, we remove all the old fittings and sand the entire surface of the chest of drawers. First we use coarse sandpaper, then fine-grained sandpaper.
It is not necessary to putty and prime, except for serious chips on the surface. Degrease the surface with white spirit or acetone and let it dry.

TIP: Since the paint will be applied in several layers, it is very important that it is well absorbed into the wood.

Step 2.

Cover with the first layer of paint. Very thin, you don’t have to try too hard and leave unpainted areas.
Sand the first layer with fine-grained sandpaper. We clean off dust, but do not use wet rags, sponges, etc. in the process. Wash only with a dry cotton lint-free cloth.
Next, apply a second layer of paint, also rubbing it in. Let it dry and rub it in a little again.
We repeat this until the color becomes even, but a little rough. For this we used matte paint with a vintage effect. After a few days, it will be completely absorbed and dry and begin to turn yellow (pay attention to the instructions on the can so that you don’t have to repaint everything again later). To avoid this, you can try this coloring method on a small and inconspicuous area. Proceed with full coloring when you are satisfied with the result.

If you bought new handles, check if they match your color and screw them into place. Golden brass carved handles with patterns match the white aged chest of drawers.

Check the chest of drawers to see if it meets your requirements - it is still comfortable, beautiful, and, paradoxically, modern. Vintage is in fashion now!

Decoupage

Another interesting option for transforming furniture. For implementation, you should prepare napkins and acrylic paints. You will also need PVA glue, as well as several convenient brushes. The method looks quite beautiful and you can change the style at any appropriate time.

Classical

This method involves gluing a specific picture or coating the surface with varnish. However, before starting the actual process, the cabinet requires preparation. The preparation stages are no different from preparation for coloring.

Reverse decoupage

This method is perfect for transforming transparent furniture. In this case, reverse decoupage is suitable for glass doors. The drawing is applied on the reverse side.

Decopatch

To implement this method, you need to spend a lot of time. However, the result of such manipulations is truly wonderful. Using various elements, entire compositions are assembled.

Wallpaper or film

When using film or any other paper covering to update your cabinet, you should remember that we use the cabinet every day. And usually such a coating does not last long, but it is very simple to implement.

We recommend using this method in conjunction with painting: look at the beautiful ideas for decorating a cabinet using film and painting.

Photo printing and photo wallpaper

You can completely transform your closet using photographs or wallpaper. In the case of photographs, they must be prepared in advance by printing them in a printing house. Using photo wallpaper is a budget option. For gluing, starch-based glue is used to make it easier to replace the picture in the future.

Spot painting for polished cafe

Spot painting is perfect for a polished cabinet. In this case, there is no need to remove the varnish and sand the surface. The technique is simple:

Drawing using a marker
The marker is painted with paint using dots. Learn more about the technique of dot painting of plates here.

Video description

The video shows how to apply large posters to wardrobe doors:

Method three - stained glass

It is easy to remove the doors and replace them with stained glass windows made in specialized workshops. Only wealthy people can do this. But even here, if you wish, it is not difficult to save money by choosing translucent stained glass film instead of stained glass finishing. It is also allowed to be used if the doors have a mirror surface.

Bright stained glass film for a closet in the living room Source maksdecor.ru

The film has a translucent base. It lets light through. It is reflected from the mirror and comes back. In this way, a glow effect is formed, similar to the reflection of colored glass. The film is applied in the same way as a vinyl sticker. The following photo allows you to evaluate the result.

Bright stained glass films Source i.ytimg.com

Closet Update Ideas

Patination

Patina is a characteristic antique coating that occurs when bronze or copper oxidizes. Its natural color is greenish-brown, but other options are used in decoration, including colored ones.

Apply bitumen varnish to the base and immediately wipe the surface so that it remains only in relief and recesses. And on top, coat the cabinet with a special shellac varnish, which at the same time provides resistance to scratches and damage.

Shellac varnish itself gives the surface a tone of old copper or gold. At the same time, it emphasizes the wood texture well, so it is often used to patina wooden furniture on its own.

Photo: mebel-v-nsk.ru

Acrylic patina is ordinary diluted acrylic paint of a suitable shade. It is spilled in the same way on the raised areas, and all excess is wiped off with a clean rag.

Wax patina is a separate composition that is rubbed over the surface, giving it a tint and a characteristic satin sheen.

Chemical patina looks the most natural, because it simply speeds up natural processes hundreds of times. Paint the cabinet with paint containing fine metal particles and apply a special oxidizing agent on top.

Photo: trikita-spb.ru

10 cool ideas on how to decorate your apartment for the New Year

Etching

Etching is a more complex chemical process than staining, so it requires careful preparation and selection of reagents. But this technology is good for cabinets made of hardwood. This way you can give them a rich, deep shade and emphasize the texture.

The simplest home recipes use decoctions of leaves, bark, tea, coffee, and potassium permanganate. But more effective are chemical components that can be purchased immediately with instructions for application and indicating the exposure time for different types of wood.

Photo: forum.guns.ru

For example, 1% copper sulfate will help give oak a brown tint, 1% iron sulfate will give it a gray-lilac tint, and 4-5% iron will help give it a blue-black hue. You can paint a birch dark red with zinc sulfate, and greenish-yellow with potassium chromium.

Calcium chloride gives the coffee shade to light rocks, and Epsom salt gives the unusual purple color. And different combinations of these reagents create olive, lilac and golden tones.

Photo: pinterest.ru

Secrets of good design

If you want to decorate your furniture with a pattern, then do not use more than two or three colors. They should resonate with similar shades of the interior elements of the room. In this case, the furniture will not look like a foreign body. When wallpapering furniture, follow the same principle.

Try to choose wallpaper whose background matches the overall color scheme of the interior, and the design itself is made with brighter and more contrasting colors.

Another option is also possible. When the walls are painted in a deep color (like deep purple), use a light-colored paint (like white) and wallpaper the doors and drawer fronts with small, interesting designs. There are cabinets with open shelves on which small interesting things will stand - paintings, figurines, books.

To provide them with an expressive background that enhances their beauty, cover the inside of the back wall of the cabinet with wallpaper with a single-color ornamental pattern.

Choose the color so that it does not “clog” the items on the shelves and emphasizes their beauty. Don't rush to throw away old furniture. Put in a little effort, use our tips and you will create a small miracle from your closet with your own hands.

Stenciling

Applying decorative plaster is a more complex procedure that allows you to create voluminous facades with an unusual three-dimensional pattern.

This method produces three-dimensional elements, which can then be painted or gilded.

The renewed surface can also be painted in the desired color, gilded or even patinated, giving a slightly aged effect.

If the product you will decorate is covered with old paint, you must sand the entire surface with sandpaper.

To work you will need:

Decorative plaster;
Putty knife;
Special tape;
Sandpaper for cleaning the body;
Stencil (you can buy it or make it yourself from cardboard).

Rollers for decorative plaster.

You must first treat the areas where the decor will be applied. Stripping is done down to the wood layer. If there are cracks, it is recommended to cover them with a layer of putty to level the surface.

The stencil is attached to the cabinet using tape, and a layer of decorative plaster is evenly applied over it.

The stencil is removed before the plaster dries. Any irregularities that appear are smoothed out with a knife or spatula.

When the decor is dry, you can sand it again.

After this, you can begin painting or coating with acrylic varnish. This will protect the surface from damage for a long time.

Dry brush

Dry brushing is another technique that decorators learned from painters for elegantly distressing old cabinets for classic interiors. Take a little paint onto a flat synthetic brush, wipe off the excess on a rag or paper, and then brush over the base.

Do not press too hard, but go lightly around corners, joints and protruding parts. The brush hairs do not leave continuous lines, and the result is not a dense coating, but as if scratched.

Photo: kraski-net.ru

Photo: proffstroygroup.ru

Upholstery

An interesting and unusual decoration for an old cabinet is upholstery with a different material. But this should be the most ordinary cabinet of a simple shape and without relief decoration. Instead of stained fabric that cannot be removed, use dermantin, leatherette and their variations for upholstery.

Regular glue is suitable for attaching the canvas - the main thing is that there are no bruises or air bubbles. Decorate the edges, corners, ends and other areas with decorative nails and rivets. This type of finishing will take a lot of time, but it will fit luxuriously into English interiors or lofts.

Photo: arivamebel-ekb.ru

Epoxy resin

Epoxy resin hardens quickly in open air and creates a beautiful translucent coating. By itself, it gives a golden or amber tint or creates the effect of glass or ice.

Deep cracks or noticeable defects on the surface of the cabinet can be filled with colored sand, small shells or any other decorations - and filled with resin on top. And small cracks will literally come to life if you add luminescent powder to the epoxy.

Photo: vk.com

Photo: usamodelkina.ru