From Drab to Fab -- Updating Oak Filing Cabinets With Paint
We've all seen those solid oak filing cabinets, right?? Maybe at a garage sale or Grandma's house? Here's how I gave them an elegant makeover with just a little paint and tung oil.
When my plan to create a desk from these two thrifted oak filing cabinets never happened, I decided to paint them and use them separately.
After a good cleaning with TSP Substitute, I mixed up a batch of black milk paint. I was unable to remove the brass label holders, but a light coat of petroleum jelly applied directly to it kept the paint from adhering to it.
I applied a coat of Tung Oil as the final step. It penetrates into the paint and helps protect from within. I've found that some times wax over black paint can leave a cloudy finish ... the tung oil left a silky smooth finish and is very smooth to the tough ... NOT oily!
Doesn't look like the same cabinet, does it?! The power of paint! Milk Paint,
Because both cabinets are painted on all four sides, they can also be used as an end table or nightstand.
It's very true what they say .... one man's junk is another man's treasure! I hope you'll think twice before walking away from one of these cabinets at your next garage sale! If you like this upcycle, feel free to check out my website for similar projects!
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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4 comments
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These are beautiful...and thanks for the tip about using Tung Oil!
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So pretty!
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@Hannah V Thanks so much, Hannah. Black paint makes anything look good!
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