Sofia Martinez
Plastic storage bins are a great way to stay organised, but they're not always the most attractive home feature. With a few simple materials and a bit of creativity, you can transform these plain containers into something fabulous that complements your decor and adds a touch of personality to your living space. Whether you're using them for storage or as functional furniture, there are endless ways to decorate plastic bins and make them your own.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Paper, stickers, paint, ribbon, patterned cloth, duct tape, permanent markers, scrapbook paper, fabric, jute handles, contact paper, adhesive, craft feet, spray paint |
| Techniques | Covering with patterned cloth or fabric, applying mod podge, using stencils, adding handles, drilling, tying knots, gluing, weaving, drawing |
| Benefits | Chic, stylish, practical, functional, decorative, organised, elegant, creative, unique, personalised |
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What You'll Learn
Using patterned cloth
First, choose a patterned cloth that matches your style and the décor of the room where the container will be placed. Cut the cloth to the right size, ensuring it covers the inside of the container. You can use fabric with a polka-dot pattern, zebra stripes, or any design that appeals to you and complements the room's aesthetic.
Next, apply an adhesive to the inside of the container. You can use spray adhesive or a product like Mod Podge, which can be brushed on. Generously apply the adhesive to the plastic surface, ensuring an even coat.
Carefully press the cut fabric onto the adhesive. Smooth out any wrinkles or creases, ensuring the fabric adheres securely. For a neat finish, cut up the sides of the fabric where it overlaps at the corners, and fold these pieces over each other to create a tidy seam.
If your container has handles, locate the holes and poke through the fabric at these points. You can then thread your chosen handle material through the holes and secure it with a knot on the inside.
For an extra decorative touch, consider adding craft feet to the bottom of your bin. This will elevate the container slightly and enhance its overall appearance.
By following these steps, you can easily decorate the inside of a plastic storage container with patterned cloth, creating a stylish and functional piece for your home.
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Painting and stencilling
Before you begin painting, it's important to prepare your plastic surface. Wash the container with dish soap and warm water, then gently sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper. This will create a rough texture that will help the paint adhere better. Wipe the container with rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining dust or residue. Use painter's tape to cover any areas you don't want to paint, such as the handles or edges. Apply a coat of primer to the container and let it dry completely before moving on to painting.
When using stencils, choose a design that you like and secure it to the surface with painter's tape or spray adhesive. It is important to ensure that the stencil is completely secure and won't move around while you're painting. Use a brush or roller to apply paint to the stencil, working in thin layers and building up colour gradually. This technique is called dry brushing, and it helps achieve a clean and professional finish. Remove any excess paint from your brush or roller before applying it to the stencil, as too much paint can cause bleeding underneath.
If you're feeling creative, you can also freehand paint designs onto your plastic storage containers. Permanent markers or sharpies are a great option for creating unique designs by hand. You can also use paint to create zig-zags, checkerboards, or any other pattern you can think of.
Remember to let the paint dry completely before handling the container or stacking items inside. Enjoy your newly decorated plastic storage!
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Labels and stickers
If you want to decorate the inside of your plastic storage with labels and stickers, there are several methods you can use. Firstly, decide whether you want to create your own labels or use a label maker. If you want to create your own, you can use a home printer to print labels onto sticker paper or regular paper. If you use regular paper, you can then apply clear packing tape over the words to create a DIY sticker. You can also use a product like the Creative Station to turn your written labels into stickers.
When creating your labels, consider the size of the font and the design. You can use a program like Microsoft Word to format the labels to your desired specifications. If you want to use a label maker, make sure the label material is strong enough to withstand temperature changes and will stick to the plastic surface. You can also use a Cricut machine to make vinyl labels from your phone.
Before applying stickers to plastic, you can wipe the surface with acetone or another solvent to dull the gloss and promote adhesion. You can also use an adhesion promoter to make the adhesive stickier. If you're using a removable label, like those from Avery, you can avoid the issue of stubborn adhesive residue when it's time to remove the labels.
There are also alternative methods to using stickers. For example, you can use a wine pen to write directly on glass storage containers, or use magnetic labels if you plan on rearranging your items frequently.
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Ribbons and trims
- Double-sided ribbons, which feature a contrasting colour on each side, can be used to create stylish decorations and bows.
- Tartan ribbons, available in traditional Tartan designs, can add a touch of Scottish heritage to your storage.
- Ribbons with a chunky trim in a contrasting colour and a skinny trim can give a three-dimensional effect.
- Ribbons with a heart edge or a ruffle can be great for decorative uses, such as invitations.
- Natural cotton-like ribbons, available in a variety of colours, are ideal for floral and craft decorations.
- Ribbons with a glitter or shimmer design can add a touch of sparkle to your storage.
- Satin ribbons with words or designs printed on them can be a unique way to express yourself.
When using ribbons and trims to decorate the inside of plastic storage, you can apply them using mod podge, hot glue, or tape. You can also simply tie the ribbon around the plastic. If you are using ribbons to store craft materials, it is important to keep them organised and clutter-free. You can do this by winding the ribbons around a spool or trim card and storing them in a box or drawer.
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Permanent markers
Choosing the Right Markers
- Select permanent markers specifically designed for writing on plastic, such as Sharpies or Artistro markers. These markers will ensure that your designs are long-lasting and won't easily rub off.
- Consider the tip size of the markers. Fine or extra-fine tips are excellent for detailed work, while broader tips can be used for filling in larger areas or creating bold lines.
- Opt for water-resistant markers if you want your designs to withstand condensation or light washing. However, keep in mind that too much water resistance will make it challenging to remove the ink when needed.
Design Ideas and Techniques
- Create unique labels for your storage containers. Instead of simply writing the contents, try drawing related pictures or symbols. For example, draw a sun and some rays on a container holding sunscreen or draw a wave pattern on a container for swimming gear.
- Experiment with different colours and techniques to create eye-catching designs. Try blending colours, creating gradients, or using dot work or cross-hatching techniques to add depth and texture to your illustrations.
- Involve your kids! If you're organising their toys or art supplies, let them decorate the containers with their own creative drawings. They can even design their unique labels for different types of toys or art materials.
Considerations
- Keep in mind that some permanent markers may leave slight shadows on plastic surfaces, especially after washing or heating. These shadows can often be removed or reduced with rubbing alcohol.
- If you want to avoid the risk of shadows altogether, consider writing your labels on washi tape with permanent markers and then sticking them onto the plastic surface.
- Be cautious when using permanent markers, as they may stain certain surfaces, such as non-stick pans, permanently. Always test the markers on a small area first if you're concerned about staining.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to decorate the inside of a plastic storage container. One way is to cut strips of colourful fabric and weave them through the sides of the container to create a basket-like effect. You could also use patterned duct tape or stickers.
To decorate the outside of a plastic storage container, you can use materials such as paper, paint, ribbon, and cloth. You can also use contact paper, which is easy to clean and gives the container a polished look.
Before decorating your container, wash it with dish soap and warm water. You can then sand the surface and apply a coat of primer before painting. If you want to add a personal touch, use objects from inside the container to create a unique label. For example, glue a couple of Lego bricks to the front of a box instead of writing "Lego".
