Alexei Volkov
Plastic drawers are a great, affordable storage solution, but they can be boring and unattractive. There are many ways to decorate plastic drawers with paper, including scrapbook paper, contact paper, newspaper, and fabric. Using paper, you can transform the appearance of plastic drawers and make them more functional and aesthetically pleasing. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to decorate plastic drawers with paper, offering tips and tricks for a successful and affordable DIY project.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Scrapbook paper, fabric, paint, decoupage, packing tape, contact paper, stickers, spray paint |
| Benefits | Inexpensive, easy, not messy, can be easily removed, durable |
| Drawer Types | Plastic bins, plastic drawers, plastic storage drawers |
Explore related products
Using scrapbook paper
Scrapbook paper is a great way to decorate plastic drawers and transform their appearance. It is an easy, fun, and inexpensive way to give your drawers a makeover. You can use scrapbook paper to line the insides of your drawers or cover the fronts and sides.
Firstly, measure the inside of your drawers, including the front and the two sides. You want your scrapbook paper pieces to be slightly smaller than the actual measurement. Then, cut your scrapbook paper pieces to size. Before gluing, do a test fit to see how the paper works together. If your drawer is curved, place the paper inside, press it against the curve, mark where the curve is, and trim the paper accordingly.
Next, apply clear packing tape to the back of your scrapbook paper piece, leaving an overhang of tape along the top edge. This will help the paper adhere to the inside of the drawer. Put your paper piece in place, pressing down the tape along the top edge. The top edge of the tape should sit just below the top edge of the drawer. Apply tape along the sides and bottom to adhere it to the drawer. For extra durability, cover the paper entirely with tape.
For a more permanent option, you can use a decoupage medium like Mod Podge to glue the scrapbook paper pieces in place. Apply a coat of Mod Podge to the drawer and the back of the scrapbook paper, then use a brayer to remove any trapped bubbles underneath. Once the initial coating of Mod Podge is dry, apply another layer and let it dry. In total, you'll want 3-4 coats for a durable finish.
You can use scrapbook paper with various designs and colours to create a unique look for your plastic drawers. You can even create a patchwork pattern by layering different papers with complementary colours and patterns.
How Long Does Coronavirus Survive on Plastic?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using packing tape
Decorating plastic drawers with paper is an easy and inexpensive way to upgrade your storage. You can use any kind of paper, from wallpaper to scrapbooking paper, but wrapping paper is a great option as it is cheap, comes in nice patterns, and is usually long enough to cover a drawer in one piece.
If you want to use packing tape, follow these steps:
- Measure the inside of your drawers: the front and the two sides. Cut your paper to size, making sure the pieces are slightly smaller than the actual measurements.
- Do a dry fit with the front piece to make sure it fits well.
- Apply clear packing tape to the back of the paper, leaving an overhang of tape along the top edge so it will adhere to the inside of the drawer.
- Put the paper in place, pressing down the tape along the top edge. The top edge of the tape should be just below the top edge of the drawer.
- Apply tape along the sides and bottom to adhere it to the drawer. Cover the paper entirely with tape for extra durability.
- Do the same to the sides of the drawer, making sure the sticky side of the tape isn't exposed anywhere. If you find a spot, cover it with another piece of tape.
Plastic Covers: Furniture's Friend or Foe?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using decoupage
Decoupage is a great way to decorate plastic drawers with paper. It is an easy and affordable way to transform your plastic drawers into stunning decor. You can use a variety of papers for decoupage, including decorative paper napkins, scrapbook paper, printed decoupage paper, tissue paper, and rice paper.
Prepare the Paper:
Firstly, choose the paper you want to use for your project. If you are using fabric, you can prep it with decoupage on waxed paper. Leave it for about 20 minutes, then move it to another piece of waxed paper to dry. This will prevent the fabric from fraying when you cut it. While the fabric dries, you can create templates for your drawer fronts using paper and creasing it along the edges of the drawers.
Cut and Apply the Paper:
Once the fabric is dry, trace the template onto the fabric and cut out the shapes. You can also cut out shapes directly from your chosen paper. Apply a thin coat of decoupage to the drawer and the back of the paper. Carefully place the paper on the drawer, smoothing out any air bubbles as you go. Use a piece of scrunched-up plastic wrap to smooth out the paper.
Finishing Touches:
Allow the decoupage to dry, then use an X-Acto knife to cut away any excess paper. You can also use a sanding block to sand off any excess paper, especially around the drawer fronts. Apply a final coat of decoupage or Mod Podge to seal the paper and protect your work.
Additional Tips:
- You can use clear packing tape to adhere the paper to the drawers for an easy and mess-free alternative to decoupage.
- If using tissue paper, consider painting the drawers first, as the colour underneath can affect the appearance of the paper.
- For a professional finish, take your time to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles in the paper.
- You can add decorative elements like clay moulding, stencils, or foil to your decoupaged drawers for a unique touch.
With these steps, you can easily decorate your plastic drawers using decoupage and give them a beautiful and personalised makeover.
Plastic Pollution: A Marine Life Death Sentence
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using fabric
Decorating plastic drawers with fabric is a fun and creative way to improve your home organisation and add a touch of personality to your space. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to decorate plastic drawers using fabric:
Prepare the Fabric:
First, select a fabric that suits your style and preferences. You can choose from a variety of fabrics, such as canvas, vinyl, oilcloth, or even scrap fabric from previous projects. If you want a more permanent option, go for vinyl or oilcloth, which can be cut to size and placed in the drawers without any glue. For a fun and waterproof alternative, consider using iron-on vinyl over your chosen fabric. If you prefer something washable and removable, cut and sew the fabric to fit your drawers, so you can take it out and wash it when needed.
Apply Adhesive:
Before attaching the fabric to your plastic drawers, you'll need to apply an adhesive. You can use spray adhesive, which comes in two varieties: "web" and "mist." It is recommended to use "web" adhesive, as "mist" adhesive tends to be messier and can float through the air. Apply the adhesive generously to the plastic surface of the drawers, ensuring that you follow the instructions on the can for the best results.
Attach the Fabric:
Once the adhesive is applied, carefully place the fabric onto the drawers, smoothing it out to avoid wrinkles and ensuring it adheres properly. If you are covering the outside of the drawers, cut the fabric to size, so it reaches the desired height. If you are lining the inside of the drawers, place the fabric inside, trace around the area with a pencil, and then cut the fabric to size.
Finish and Protect:
After the fabric is attached, you may want to add an extra layer of protection, especially if the drawers will be heavily used. You can use a clear acrylic sealer or a water-based clear sealer to protect the fabric and seal the edges. Alternatively, you can use Mod Podge, a popular decoupage medium, to seal and decorate your drawers. Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge to the drawer's surface and the back of the fabric, smoothing out any bubbles or wrinkles. Allow it to dry for several hours before adding an additional coat of Mod Podge if needed.
Decorating plastic drawers with fabric is a simple and creative project that can transform your storage solutions into stylish decor pieces. With the right tools and a bit of creativity, you can easily add a personal touch to your space.
Tannins: Enhancing Brain Plasticity and Cognitive Function
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using paint
Painting plastic drawers is a great way to give them a new look and make them more durable. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the best results:
Preparation:
Firstly, you'll need to decide on the type of paint you want to use. Spray paint is a popular choice for plastic drawers, as it can provide an even and smooth finish. You can find spray paints specifically designed for plastic, including primer sprays, at your local hardware store. If you opt for a regular paint, choose a durable variety like Americana acrylics.
Before you begin painting, it's crucial to prepare the surface of the drawers. Plastic can be challenging to paint due to its slick surface, so sanding is essential. Use high-grit sandpaper to roughen the surfaces you plan to paint, including the drawer fronts and any visible sides. This process will help the paint adhere better and create a longer-lasting finish. After sanding, wipe down the drawers with a damp rag to remove any dust and ensure they are clean.
Painting:
Once the drawers are prepared, it's time to start painting. If you're using spray paint, work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors, but avoid windy conditions to prevent dust from settling on the wet paint. Protect the surrounding area by taping plastic tarps or drop cloths to the walls and floor. Spray paint particles are fine and can travel, so ensure everything is covered.
Apply the paint in thin, even coats to achieve the best results. Multiple light coats are better than one heavy coat, which can drip or sag. Follow the instructions on your paint can for specific drying times between coats.
If using a brush-on paint, use a primer designed for plastic surfaces before applying your chosen colour. Brush-on paints may require more coats, and you may need to thin the paint if it becomes too thick. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.
Drying and Care:
Allow your painted drawers to dry thoroughly before use. The drying time will vary depending on the paint used and environmental conditions. Once dry, you can further decorate them with paper or fabric if desired, using techniques like decoupage.
Your newly painted drawers will require some care to maintain their appearance. While the paint should be durable and scratch-resistant, treat the surface gently to avoid chipping or scratching. If necessary, you can apply a clear coat or sealant designed for plastic to provide an extra layer of protection.
Plastic Plates: How Many Come in a Pack?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can use scrapbook paper, fabric, decoupage, paint, and packing tape.
First, measure your drawers. Then, cut your scrapbook paper to size, leaving a little extra paper to fold over the sides. Apply clear packing tape to the back of the paper, and stick it to the drawer. Cover the paper entirely with tape for extra durability.
Yes, you can use fabric instead of paper. You can use decoupage to stick the fabric to the drawers.
Yes, you can use paint to decorate plastic drawers. You can use spray paint or acrylic paint.
You can use stickers or labels to decorate your drawers. You can also repeat the pattern across multiple drawers to make them look like they were originally part of the same set.
