What will stick to the back of china cabinet, it looks like pressboard

A good quality wall paper or if you cannot find the perfect color fabric pasted with Mod podge. You could attach a beautiful fabric with upholstery pins. This seems like my kind of project. Family heirlOdom made beautiful again. Good luck!

If the pressboard back is original, then its not 100 years. Actually you can paint or stain the back. Glue paper, fabric or anything else you want to do with it. Love your concept and ideas.

Plywood was invented during the Second world War but it was primarily used exclusively to build PT BOATS and Landing Craft for the military. After the war they began using plywood for residential construction and furniture but by the end of the 1940's there was a severe shortage of Lumber suitable for making plywood.

Particle board was invented in 1950 as a substitute for plywood but it didnt receive much public attention at first.

I would get a piece of 1/4" Luan and a yard or so of red satin, glue or staple them together and replace the old back panel with that.

The process you describe is exactly how particle board is made. If it is as old as you say the back would have been wood boards at one time and replaced with particle board due to damage like cracking or warping. If it is oak they would not have used cheap secondary woods back in the day.

The back had to replaced! Usually there is a manufacturers label on the back. I found similar doing a Google search. Built around 1890 to 1900. Current value $950 to $1000. There are so many available for sale or auction.

I'm so glad you are going to destroy a 100 year old piece by painting it colors of a baudy house. Sorry. After that, why bother with a door.

I would just paint the back and then stencil as you wish. Red may take a few coats, keep them on the thin side so they dry quicker. Here is a thought, you could mod podge some nice textured fabric to the back, then paint over, then stencil. I like where you are going with this, please post a photo when completed! Have fun! ☺

I would prime, then paint with a high gloss enamel. Use a foam brush to make a very smooth finish. Love your color choices.

To paint it just lightly sand to remove ant gloss, prime with a stain blocking primer like Zinsser 123, then paint with your color, seal with Minwax Polycrylic. I like the idea of of fabric for the back. Or even wallpaper. Please post you project here. Would love to see it. Oh, use marine varnish on hubby. Lasts longer and waterproof

I used shelf paper, the type that is repositionable, on my corner cupboard. I originally wanted red and white stripes but ended up with a black and white check. (1 inch checks) It's wonderful, not at all overpowering and peels off without leaving any residue. The corner cupboard was originally my grandmother's and I didn't want to do anything permanent. The finish on the rest of the cupboard is walnut stain on pine. My little collectibles look great against the back drop.

Hi Jo, yes my name is Jo, just Jo. I get the same thing all the time. I also get when meeting people for the first time, " Your Jo? Iwas expecting a man". I too like my name.

Mod podge will previde a protective coating on the material, however, if you would want to remove it at some point it would be very difficult. Upholstery pins or even decorative push pins would keep the material in place but could be changed if you tire of or want a different look.

office supply stores have beautiful push pins. I like to crack the clearance aisle. You can find virtually any color. Or you could find a color to match your material choice and they would visibly disappear. Good luck with your project. I'm sure it will be beautiful.

Thanks John. Will get a foam brush.

Thanks Jo. Finally met a friend who is just Jo.

I've enjoyed reading all these ideas. Here is my thought. My local fabric store [Joanns] has a beautiful sateen. I used a rich blue with half-dollar sized gold dragons to make a vest. They had many colors including several reds and other patterns such as birds, pagodas etc. Craft stores such as AC Moore and Michaels have spray adhesive. If you remove the shelves and tape off the edges of the glass I think you would be able to easily smooth the fabric on. I too would like to see the finished product.

Pep Wilmington, DE

I will make pictures! I don't not know if I'll be successful in this though. The cabinet is very fragile. Let's hope.

Perhaps the back that is on the cabinet was a replacement at one time. I recently replaced the back on a cabinet and used a simple sheet paneling to match the wood finish. It turned out great. You could also put a solid color and cover it with lace. I did this in a memorial frame for my grandmother and it turned out beautiful with her old earrings and bracelet, handkerchief and metal rouge compact.

How nice! I know it is beautiful. Thank you for your comments.