Look What I Made With This Old Cabinet!
by
Pamela Field
1 Material
I found this old cabinet on Craigslist, and was surprised how big it was when I saw it in person. The grizzly old man selling it even offered to deliver it, saying it was time for him to pay rent. Okay. I'll figure something out.
After unloading it, I took a better look at what I'd gotten myself into. It was old. Square rusty nails holding it together. The top was not original and little more than a board cut to fit, and the doors wouldn't close. I took the doors off, and removed the drawer that was nailed inside from the back, and prepared it to be painted. I filled a couple holes, but for the most part other than light sanding, I left it in it's rough condition.
After unloading it, I took a better look at what I'd gotten myself into. It was old. Square rusty nails holding it together. The top was not original and little more than a board cut to fit, and the doors wouldn't close. I took the doors off, and removed the drawer that was nailed inside from the back, and prepared it to be painted. I filled a couple holes, but for the most part other than light sanding, I left it in it's rough condition.
poor old beat up part of a cabinet.
I sprayed the interior paint, and hand painted the exterior. I was a little concerned about the old finish bleeding and showing up through the white paint, but I didn't want to prime it so I could distress it later.
fresh paint always helps
The top had broken off, so I glued and nailed it back on, clamping it tight before adding some trim around the top of the edge for a more finished look. Painted the trim after staining it. Using a wet chore boy sponge, I distressed the finish before adding a topcoat of a water based poly.
needed some trim around top
When I was hanging the doors again, I discovered why they would close before. The poor old cabinet was no longer square, and the attached hinge wouldn't fit with it closed.
Popsicles are delicious, AND practical.
Fitted and drilled holes in the drawer and doors for it's brand new hardware.
new jewelry for the new outfit.
Embrace that history and natural wear this old cabinet has endured! Ready for another hundred years? Maybe.
Looks like it will offer great storage for many more years to come. This thing is huge!
Comments
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4 of 36 comments
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I love the hint of blue on the inside. It's perfect. The popsicle trick is the kind of thing I would do so of course I think it's genius. :)
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ahaha. I don't know about genius, but I can be resourceful! Thank you, Lori.
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Good work. I can just imagine (either in your wall or inside cabinet colour) a small decoration on each of the doors echoing just the end piece of the wall decor. What do you think or would it spoil the shabby/chic image?
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Absolutely! I decided to keep this one less ornate for resale purposes. It worked, and I sold it immediately for full asking. :D
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