BEFORE & AFTER: Pretty Metal Cabinet Makeover! - Thrift Diving

These metal cabinets looked like they belonged in a dump! But you can paint metal cabinets, even if they've got rust, to completely upcycle them into pretty metal cabinets! I'm using these in my "she shed"! See how I prepare rusty metal for painting, what type of paint and primer should be used, and see how pretty they are now!
Get the tools and materials in the blog post here: thriftdiving.com/paint-metal-...
Learn to use a jigsaw: • How to Use a Jigsaw: T...
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MAILING ADDRESS:
Serena Appiah
P.O. Box 463
Spencerville, MD 20858

[@ThriftDiving]

For a list of the tools and materials used for this project, read the blog post: thriftdiving.com/paint-metal-cabinets/

[@GODSPEAKS898]

Beautifully done. I love the color and the drawer pulls which give these two piece a whimsical and fun look!! Great job! Oh and by the way, I think everything is trial and error, I know I have been there, but in the end you always make it look beautiful. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💕💕💕🤗🤗🤗

[@1953lili]

They are great since they have lots of drawers: art supplies, jewelry findings, etc.etc.etc.!

[@tl1110]

You ruined them.

[@xchrysantha]

I REALLY appreciate that you include the mistakes and backtracking that you did because those are exactly the kinds of things I would do if I'm not thinking or focusing right lol. It makes me feel a little less silly that I'm not the only one; but it also serves as an excellent reminder or warning of the things I can avoid myself. Thank you so much for sharing!!!

[@joyharper89]

I have to admit I would have never thought these rusty old cabinets could be made into something beautiful, but you did it! I love the color, love the wallpaper and knobs, but I especially appreciate that you show all the mistakes along the way! Even experts like you get it wrong sometimes, but you are an inspiration!

[@herleyrobinson5965]

What a wonderful job. Those cabinets are beautiful. You are so talented and creative. Thank you for your wonderful channel. I am so glad to see the incredible growth

[@holly5791]

I love refurbishing old metal cabinets. I have done file cabinets as well as others. I usually paint them, but one time, I even made a slipcover for a file cabinet. It wasn't rusted, but someone had taped the drawers together and encircled the entire cabinet with the tape. (It was during a move.) I was not scraping all that adhesive off! I camouflaged it instead. No, seriously, I used camouflage material, like is used for hunting gear and made desk accessories to match. It was for my husband's home office. He loved it! Great job on your cabinets!👍

[@jillbarry922]

What a wonderful example of recycling furniture. You were not daunted by the challenges you faced. Loved the end result, they are outstanding and whimsically wonderful, loved the knobs and fact they were not matching, made them all the more magical. Well done!!!

[@maegardnermills4292]

Thank you. I have a tall file cabinet about to give to Goodwill. Now, I will make it pretty.

[@CR-ee3iu]

You revived the cabinet and made it beautiful and functional. Awesome job!!😃

[@brendasidmore2731]

Great tip about spray painting on a flat side to avoid runs!

[@vintagelady1]

As a shabby-chic person, I kind of liked the rusty/industrial look, but they sure did look great at the end. I'm not sure why you didn't use one of the Rustoleum spray products--there's one that turns a light rust into metal--you do have to scrape off rust flakes, but it makes things so simple. Also there is a Rustoleum spray paint that has rust containment, again for light rust such as you had. Anyway, great job to rescue the old file cabinets from the dump & turning them into something pretty & useful.

[@priceisright3004]

Omg! This is so inspiring!! What a make over. Way to repurpose old stuff. Amazing 🤩

[@alliefabrizio5395]

Thank you for sharing all your mistakes! It’s refreshing to see the reality that goes behind some diy projects. Very relatable. Lots of learning along the way

[@jmanonmakes]

They are gorgeous. I love the detail of adding the paper to the side of the drawers. Makes them that much more special. Thank you!

[@cv5200]

So cute! Yes, Sugarbeet is amazing!

[@lennemcgillparrish9682]

Love, Love LOVE the knobs! Redoing metals cabinets myself. I'm probably doing That! Thx!

[@debbiegreen7837]

I was so glad to see your video as I have a large 4 drawer filing cabinet I bought to repaint and use. Yours turned out so good! Thank you for sharing your project.

[@fleurjardin1012]

Your process sounds like mine but the main thing is that even with doing things in backwards order or changing your mind midstream it all turns out fine. I absolutely love how the file drawers turned out. So cute!

[@9catlover]

love you showing your mistakes so others can learn from it. The drawers are beautiful

[@jeannetimme7337]

I snagged my dad's old metal tool drawers, cleaned 'em up, spray painted & put them under my craft desk. They're really long but not very deep but store all those household things that are scattered everywhere - different types of tape, envelopes, rulers, and of course scrapbook stuff! Best thing I ever did!!! The wallpaper idea is genius! I just stuck felt in some drawers. Now I'm off to reorganize and find some cool wallpaper! TFS!!!

[@catcolbert9044]

So cute! I have tall metal file cabinets that I kinda figured I'd eventually get rid of because they're ugly. After seeing your video, I'll definitely give them a makeover!!! Thanks for sharing this wonderful idea! ❤️

[@IMOO1896]

The wooden washer is genius

[@carolepeck3829]

I really appreciate that you include your screw ups in your videos. It makes me feel less insecure about my own messes.

[@qubilahmuhammad2725]

Don't skip to the end. LOL. Love it. Love the red.

[@ThriftDiving]

Thank you!! I know, the fun is in watching the transformation! :)

[@margaritaaguilar7405]

To cut the small circles of wood like the ones you needed, I suggest the round cutter jigs used with drills to make holes for doorknobs and hindges... just an idea ( don't enjoy the jigsaw too much😁)...

[@glendak4093]

Why not buy the washers. They are cheap at Lowes.

[@rasheedawilliams4395]

​@@glendak4093 if she gets the tool then she can use it with other projects. Plus she can use scrap wood she probably already has.

[@gypsygem9395]

They're called hole saws (I just learnt that a couple weeks ago when I needed to cut around some screws in some architrave I was trying to preserve!)

[@spazmat123]

Woah! What an amazing transformation!!

[@mariamercy7317]

Wow, God bless your patience! Those cabinets came out beautiful! Amazing job, and yes, that photo is either from the 50s or 60s. The 70s were a bit more advanced. Now you know how young I am. Lol

[@colemine7008]

I loved how those turned out. Thanks for the video.

[@ThriftDiving]

Thanks! They turned out better than I had hoped! ❤

[@pama.6410]

Wasn't sure about the color choice but the knobs just make the cabinets enviable! And the wallpaper lining is stunning. It all made sense when I saw your valances/curtains. You don't need to live with the extra long screw parts sticking out into the drawer. They make a tool like pliers that can cut that metal to the length you want. Enjoy the new cabinets!

[@quicksilvertears921]

I kove the new color. I think it was a happy accident. The knobs were the icing in the cake.

[@rhondadavis6894]

Absolutely, love your new drawer-cabinets!

[@frugalfixer5469]

That was a phenomenal result! I love the colors and the wallpaper inside: it's totally you!

[@lindamcwilliams9056]

Beautiful. Love the color and the different knobs.

[@carolbradley4845]

Yes! Way to go! They are gorgeous! Thank you for your authenticity! So refreshing! ❤

[@kimberlyhanley5905]

Now I know what to do with my rusty file cabinets in the basement! Thank you!

[@jonathanking6546]

Great idea. I will definitely use some of the ideas. The cabinets look really great

[@susanross1651]

You given me great ideas, I have an old grey filing cabinet with two drawers that I want to renovate, but because it’s quite heavy I am going to have to come up with a way to add castors to the bottom. They looked lovely when you were finished.

[@beatrizgarcia2969]

They turned out beautifully

[@mariaelenasantiago3313]

I love both colors. That wallpaper is so beautiful.

[@traceybradshaw]

They look beautiful Serena - advice on painting deep colors like red and bright pink, you’ll need less coats if you use a gray undercoat. ❤️

[@jflclc]

I am so glad I found your video. My neighbor gave me an old filing cabinet to use in my craft room. It's in pretty good condition but I never thought about painting it. I'm going to see what I need to do to get it ready to paint and I might just use the same color you chose. Your cabinets turned out really well. Love the color, wallpaper and knobs. So inspiring!!

[@JaneSmith0709]

Omgosh, those are so cute!!! Well done!

[@tammyjohnson7401]

The toad turned into a Prince. Great color. Love your work area. Take care.

[@novaricos]

glad I'm not the only one playing " paint -chicken", " or, "will it make it to the end of the whole job?" ( I do it with yarn too, lol). Your project came out so nicely. Now inspired, maybe I can tackle one I've had as well!

[@carolinedubose5136]

Love the Sugar Beets color on the cabinets!! Between the wallpaper and knobs they look so fun!!

[@judybraden1553]

WOW! Keep up the good work!

[@sherijohnson7306]

What a transformation. They turned out so cool.

[@ejcostin3070]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@user-lw5ol1nn8c]

Very well done. Love the fact that you have setbacks and SOLVE them!

[@kelliking5418]

They came out so cute! I love them 😊

[@laurielahr9401]

I love the finished product. They are beautiful.

[@deewest1227]

Excellent job Serena! You've got the Midas touch!

[@evelynzlon9492]

These cabinets are very philosophical. Children do as they please before they learn that they must tailor their behavior to impress others. The exterior of these cabinets is very whimsical and childlike. This presages the drawers are more ornate, to delight the user rather than the distant observer. Your thought process is on a par with the truly great designers in every field. I look forward to seeing your career progress.

[@missygrando1965]

Sugar beet was definitely the way to go! They are soooooooooo gorgeous!!!

[@bellaszucs-zagoni9014]

Beautiful job, Serena! Congrats!

[@dreed1058]

Paper, paint color, techniques, and your use of power tools (I LOVE POWER TOOLS!!) - OVERALL FANTASTIC! Wonderful job, thks for sharing!

[@paulettegautreau9270]

Absolutely amazing!!!

[@jeanine6492]

Turned out great!

[@maureenross579]

Your video is amazing! I will be visiting your site again!

[@2Cambell]

I love the color that you ended up choosing!!! ❤❤❤ It's a near match for my night out on the town lipstick...😁😆🤣 I also appreciate the colorful knobs. With our humidity levels, we deal with minor rust frequently, so it's good to see a video with someone who just tackles it! Sometimes you end up making adjustments midway with a project and that's to be expected. It worked out well here!!!👍👍

[@angiecarr3765]

Fantastic job!!! 🎉you gave me so much ideas to paint and add pretty paper on my metal cabinets! Thanks for a very cool DIY project 🎉

[@justg1226]

I love, love, love them.

[@donnakindle3555]

Beautiful job! What a great idea!

[@renabee8246]

Love what you did. I like that you put in the errors in your video so others can learn from it too. We all make mistakes. With all those drawers, the different knobs will help you remember where you put your items.

[@charleneblake1146]

They came out beautifully❤

[@dcrayton]

Wow! They look amazing! 🙂

[@modemarcoj8026]

This woman is phenomenal Give her a raise Excellent transformation

[@SusanneCape]

Stunning!

[@lewmisslew7827]

These are absolutely beautiful! The whimsical knobs are perfect as well. You always impress!

[@truthseeker9108]

Love them! Thanks for the tips!

[@bonniebryant3238]

Phenomenal! I love them!

[@antiquesrestoration3874]

Girl...I have NEVER seen anyone make their own washers out of wood. Why would you do that instead of just getting metal washers from Home Depot...since you were already there getting paint? That is gorgeous wallpaper! Did you end up cutting off the excess knob handle screws protruding into the drawers? I love how whimsical this project turned out.

[@mkirby7815]

I would totally tear up my hands on those screws every time i put something in the drawers.

[@nataliemarshall971]

I wondered that myself

[@lindavanwey5044]

Screw knobs way too long. Quick cut would have worked. Yea. What’s with the wooden washers?? They be cheap at the store.

[@ThriftDiving]

Lol, hahaha, I actually have a bunch of washers already, but the small ones were too small and would fall through the holes, and the larger ones, the holes were too large to hold the knob screws on. So it was easier just to make my own! 😅 I haven't trimmed them yet because I haven't added supplies to the drawers yet.

[@katieh200]

They turned out fab great colour huni ,do you know you can get rid of rust using soapy water and scrunched up aluminium foil 👍😉🌼😊

[@kathyallen6238]

Awesome project; awesome tutorial!

[@kaycox19]

BEAUTIFUL!

[@pattyacosta2578]

These came out amazing!!

[@jomariepiccini5156]

So glad you showed all your mistakes…. That’s the story of my life. I get so frustrated. Cabinets turned out great

[@ThriftDiving]

I was frustrated, too, with my mistakes and not thinking through the steps before I actually started! It's a good lesson in getting into the habit of writing down what you want and plan to do, then numbering the steps. I do that for bigger projects, but I figured an easy project like this, it wasn't necessary. But you see that it is! It saves time and (possibly) money, too!

[@HelpMeRhondayeah]

I love these! What a cool project, great work!

[@Shae_Sandybanks]

They look awesome!

[@smequestrianart-qj2ee]

I love it🤩 gorgeous!!!

[@marysmith4479]

Beautiful, I have a similar cabinet. I’m painting the drawers in various colors. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@amyworman4196]

Love it!!! Thanks for sharing what went wrong as well as what went right :)

[@pman2916]

Love that paint colour. You did an awesome job..love it!!

[@susanjimenez6198]

Turned out really nice!

[@Pipppo]

You made them look so beautiful!!

[@becky-kq2hb]

Love them!!

[@theresaburleigh146]

YES , LOOKING GREAT ...

[@gailkellum832]

Very cute, love the wallpaper and knobs.

[@graylagran7443]

I love that color!

[@celinadorfman8043]

Beautiful, stylish, colorful.

[@gaylerosenblatt7136]

Really nice project you have given me tips to tackle a project I have been postponing thank you

[@MsTiggytig]

I love it. Definitely awesome idea for the wood washers

[@user-jj4tc4xe3g]

Love the cabinets!!! ❤ the knobs were a perfect touch!

[@melbabowen4389]

WOW! beautiful job!❤

[@fluff7uk]

You are my favourite fixer upper. You are a mine of information and best of all I probably learn as much, if not more, when you discuss your mistakes. Brilliant. 😊

[@lizeichner931]

Love them,they are beautiful 😍 ❤

[@ronnadavis5208]

love this idea!!!!

[@judybesse4058]

Looks great!!!!

[@norgiesobczyk7466]

Yes pretty amazing!

[@sandybroderick2932]

BEAUTIFUL!!!!❤

[@melindap.ullrich4564]

Great job on makeover, they look 👀 fantastic! Love the wallpaper.

[@reneebarrett1161]

Oh my gosh! I have two of the same cabinets. Mine have been sitting in my outbuilding for about 10 years. 👀 I believe I paid five dollars each for them. So they are now a little rustier and a little more dirty than when I first purchased them in fact they have even sat outside one winter. I thank you so much for your video didn’t know how I was going to get the rust off. such a cute idea