How to easily restore vintage hardware cabinets with spray paint!
I could not be more excited for this month's Monthly DIY Challenge and HomeRight giveaway!
We were fortunate to work with HomeRight and their awesome spray shelters to update a thrifted or previously owned item with paint. I knew exactly what I was going to do and couldn't wait to restore my vintage metal hardware cabinet. I used the large spray shelter, but they also carry tabletop shelters that are perfect for smaller projects.
You may remember that I purchased this cabinet from Luckett's Spring Market back in May. It was big, green and full of rust.
I found it interesting to find out that Hobart Cabinet Company is over 110 years old! The family owned company was founded in 1906 and stayed in business until it filed for bankruptcy in 2010. I was able to research this particular cabinet, which dates back to the 1930's.
As bad as it looked, I knew it had potential and couldn't resist it's vintage feel. I loved the idea of using the 24 drawers for portable craft and toy storage in our basement. It makes it so much easier for the kids to be able to pull out a drawer, dump out their toys (cars, trucks, art supplies, Shopkins, etc.) and have a place to store them away.
I won't bore you with cleaning pictures, but I did scrub every square inch of the cabinet and drawers with an inexpensive grid scrubber and a paste of baking powder and water. After the cabinet was clean and dry I set up my HomeRight Spray Shelter in the garage.
I have to admit, I'm too impatient to read directions so I volunteered my husband to help me set up the large tent. He was thrilled.
It wasn't even 10 minutes after moving the cabinet into the tent that this happened....
Full on torrential downpour that came out of nowhere! I thanked my lucky stars that I had the tent in the garage and was able to finish the cabinet while staying dry inside. I love that the tent has a mesh front flap that Velcro's closed. Have you ever spray painted outside to have your project ruined with gnats and dust landing in your paint? Yeah, not good.
Picking the paint color was no easy task. I took no less than three trips to Home Depot and tested out multiple paint colors before deciding on dark gray. I know, I'm shocked too. I sprayed every square inch of the cabinet and drawers with 4 cans of Rust-oleum dark gray semi-gloss paint. I taped off the manufacturer's plate with frog tape in an effort to keep the authenticity of the cabinet.
We were fortunate to work with HomeRight and their awesome spray shelters to update a thrifted or previously owned item with paint. I knew exactly what I was going to do and couldn't wait to restore my vintage metal hardware cabinet. I used the large spray shelter, but they also carry tabletop shelters that are perfect for smaller projects.
MATERIALS NEEDED TO RESTORE A VINTAGE METAL HARDWARE CABINET.
Affiliate links have been used
- Baking soda and water
- Spray Paint (I used Rust-Oleum dark spray paint semi-gloss)
- Drop Cloth or Plastic to protect the floor (I used plastic)
- Frog Tape (to protect the original label)
HOW I RESTORED THE HARDWARE CABINET
I won't bore you with cleaning pictures, but I did scrub every square inch of the cabinet and drawers with an inexpensive grid scrubber and a paste of baking powder and water. After the cabinet was clean and dry I set up my HomeRight Spray Shelter in the garage.
I'm loving how it turned out and of course, couldn't resist decorating with a few touches of wood and wicker. (mirror purchased from Hobby Lobby with 40% off coupon)
This is STUNNING!! Katie, I thought it was really pretty before, but it's totally fabulous now! I think you ended up picking the right color for sure. I want this!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat job and fantastic color choice! This cabinet is a lucky find and it looks beautiful in your home.
ReplyDeleteVicki and Jenn
2 Bees ina Pod
I totally love the tent. I would tackle the file cabinets in my craftroom if I had this setup.
ReplyDeleteWOW!!! LOVE the gray! It turned out perfectly Katie!!!
ReplyDeleteOh Katie, this is just AMAZING! I've always wanted a cabinet just like that. What a great addition to your space and you did a phenomenal job restoring it! Gorgeous :)
ReplyDeleteKatie this turned out gorgeous!! I LOVE it!!
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous, Katie! And that color is perfect! The only problem is now I want one too!
ReplyDeleteLove that cabinet! I would love the spray tent to update my daughter's dresser!
ReplyDeleteSo much storage in that beautiful piece! I love your styling around it, too!
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing! I cannot believe how bad it looked and how wonderful it looks now. I definitely would have walked right past it. Great idea to contain all those tiny toy parts. I also like knowing the spray tent has a flap to close it off. The worst thing about spraying outside, after the wind, is the bugs!
ReplyDeletei had the worst spat of jealousy when you got that cabinet,but i see you love it by doing a fabulous makeover.we live in a wind tunnel and the shelter would be fabulous to work in xx
ReplyDeleteFabulous! It turned out amazing!
ReplyDeleteKatie, a stunning piece! Wish it was mine! I like the tent too. Did you buy that online? Pinned.
ReplyDeleteI love the look and I also love my spray shelter! yours looks gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI inherited the exact same cabinet from my parents when they moved in to an apartment last year. It originally belonged to my grandfather. It's rusty and has old paint splatters from living in the garage. Thanks for the inspiration and information about the spray tent. I think I'm ready to tackle the transformation now!
ReplyDelete