Creative Ways To Decorate Plastic Stacking Storage Drawers

how to decorate plastic stacking storage drawers

Plastic stacking storage drawers are a great way to stay organised, but they can often be an eyesore. Luckily, there are many ways to decorate them without breaking the bank. Whether you want to use scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, wallpaper, or even paint, the possibilities are endless. You can also add DIY sticker labels to your newly decorated drawers so you know exactly what's inside. So, if you're tired of looking at those boring plastic drawers, it's time to get creative and give them a much-needed makeover!

Characteristics Values
Materials Scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, wallpaper, fabric, paint, Mod Podge, glue, packing tape
Benefits Simple, affordable, customizable, removable
Tools Sharp knife, razor blade

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Using scrapbook paper and Mod Podge

Decorating plastic stacking storage drawers with scrapbook paper and Mod Podge is a simple and affordable way to upgrade their look. You can buy scrapbook paper from stores like Hobby Lobby, which carries a variety of designs and bright colour schemes, including polka dots.

To begin, select a scrapbook paper that complements your room's colour scheme or your personal preferences. Measure the inside of each drawer and trim the paper accordingly, ensuring that it covers the entire surface. Mark where the handle of the drawer is located, and use a sharp knife or razor blade to carefully cut around this shape.

The next step is to apply a generous amount of Mod Podge to the inside of the drawer. Smooth the paper over the wet Mod Podge, ensuring that it adheres evenly. Some wrinkles may remain, but that is okay. Once the paper is in place, apply another coat of Mod Podge over the paper. Repeat this process for each drawer, allowing the coating to dry before applying subsequent layers.

For added customisation, consider using different complementary prints of paper for each drawer to create a unique and colourful look. Alternatively, you can use clear packing tape instead of Mod Podge if you think you might want to change the paper in the future.

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Painting with acrylics

Painting plastic with acrylics can be challenging due to the smooth and non-porous nature of plastic surfaces, which makes it difficult for paint to adhere to them. However, with the right preparation and techniques, you can successfully paint plastic stacking storage drawers with acrylics. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Surface Preparation

Firstly, clean the plastic surface with soapy water and a sponge to remove any dirt, grease, or residues. Ensure that you rinse and dry the surface thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Sanding

Next, use fine-grit sandpaper (120 to 220 grit) to lightly sand the surface in a circular or straight-line motion. This process adds texture to the plastic, creating a "tooth" for the paint to grip onto. After sanding, use a blower, vacuum cleaner, or cloth to remove the sanded dust.

Step 3: Priming

Apply a primer specifically designed for plastic surfaces. Spray the primer smoothly from 1 to 1.5 feet away, maintaining a consistent distance to achieve an even layer. Allow the primer to dry before proceeding.

Step 4: Painting

Now you're ready to start painting with your chosen acrylic paint colour. Hold your spray can at a consistent distance and apply thin, even layers of paint. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next, as this will result in a more consistent colour and finish.

Step 5: Sealant (optional)

If you want to protect your painted drawers from wear and tear, especially if they will be handled frequently or exposed to the elements, consider using a sealant. A sealant will also help prevent the paint from fading or washing away. Choose a sealant that is suitable for acrylic paints on plastic surfaces, such as a product made with oil-based elastomers.

Step 6: Drying and Curing

Allow your painted drawers to dry and cure fully. Acrylic paint dries within hours, but it can take a few days to cure completely. During this time, handle the painted drawers with care and avoid exposing them to extreme temperature and humidity conditions, as these factors can affect the finish.

Step 7: Maintenance

Even after your paint has cured, continue to care for your painted drawers by regularly checking for any signs of wear or peeling. Touch up the paint as needed to maintain the finish and protect the underlying plastic.

By following these steps, you can successfully decorate your plastic stacking storage drawers with acrylic paint, creating a unique and personalised storage solution for your space.

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Using contact paper

Contact paper is a great way to decorate plastic stacking storage drawers. It is a simple, quick, and affordable method to transform your storage units.

First, you need to measure the drawers and cut the contact paper to size. You can use any type of paper, but wrapping paper is a good option as it is cheap, comes in various patterns, and is long enough to cover the drawer in one piece. You can also use scrapbook paper, which allows you to choose your favourite colours and designs or match the decor of your room.

Once you have cut the contact paper to size, you can start applying it to the drawers. Peel off the backing and place the paper on the drawer front, smoothing out any air bubbles as you go. You can also apply contact paper to the insides of the drawers to give them a complete makeover.

For a neat finish, use a sharp knife or razor blade to trim off any excess contact paper around the edges and handles. You can also use contact paper to cover cardboard, which can then be placed on the sides of appliances like microwaves and held in place with magnets. This way, you can decorate your appliances without damaging them, and the cardboard can be easily removed if you no longer like the look.

Contact paper is a versatile and easy way to decorate your plastic stacking storage drawers, giving them a modern and aesthetically pleasing look.

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Adding DIY sticker labels

Firstly, decide on a font that stands out, but does not detract from the overall look of your drawers. You can then print out your labels on regular photocopy paper. If you do not have access to a printer, you could write out your labels by hand, taking care to make the text clear and legible.

Next, take a roll of clear packing tape and lay it over the paper, ensuring the words are completely covered. This will create a clear sticker label that can be easily removed and replaced if the contents of the drawers change.

If you want to get creative, you could cut the labels into different shapes and sizes, or even paint wooden ovals to glue onto the drawers, attaching the labels to these instead.

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Decorating with decoupage, scrap fabric and paint

Decorating plastic stacking storage drawers with decoupage, scrap fabric and paint can transform them from drab to fab. This simple project can be done in a variety of ways to create a beautiful and functional storage solution.

Decoupage

Decoupage is a great way to decorate plastic storage drawers and can be used with scrapbook paper, fabric or other materials. To use scrapbook paper, first measure the inside of your drawers (the front and two sides) and cut the paper to size, leaving it slightly smaller than the actual measurement. Then, apply clear packing tape to the back of the paper, leaving an overhang of tape along the top edge, which will adhere to the inside of the drawer. You can also use decoupage medium to glue the paper in place, which will allow you to change the position of the drawers if desired.

If using fabric, lay it out in a pattern you like and cut it to size, allowing for any handles. You can use Mod Podge as a decoupage medium, which comes in a variety of formulas, including water-resistant, fabric, matte and glossy finishes. To prepare the fabric, place it on waxed paper and apply a layer of decoupage. After about 20 minutes, move it to another piece of waxed paper to dry further. This will prevent fraying when you cut the fabric.

Paint

Painting plastic storage drawers is an easy way to give them a new look and improve their durability. First, sand the frames and drawers with high-grit sandpaper, then clean them. Use blue tape to cover any areas you don't want to paint, such as the inside front edge of the drawers. Prop up the inside of the drawer with cardboard so that paint doesn't get inside. Shake the paint can for a full minute, then spray in a back-and-forth motion about 12-18" from the drawer. Apply two coats, waiting a few minutes between coats, and leave to dry for about 24 hours before reassembling the drawers.

You can also create a tabletop to span the drawers for a more finished look. Cut plywood to the dimensions of the drawers plus 1/2" and nail 1" x 2" pieces of wood around the edges. Fill any nail holes and sand the surface before painting with spray paint.

Fabric

Fabric can be used to create a slipcover for the drawers, or cut into strips and woven through slots in the sides of the drawers to create a basket-like effect.

Frequently asked questions

There are several ways to decorate plastic stacking storage drawers. You can use scrapbook paper, fabric, paint, or contact paper to decorate the drawers.

First, remove the drawers from the storage tower. Slip a piece of scrapbook paper inside each drawer, mark and trim the paper so that it covers the inside of the drawer. Cut out the handle shape with a sharp knife or razor blade. Apply Mod Podge to the inside of the drawer and smooth the paper over it. Once the paper is smooth, apply another coat of Mod Podge over the paper.

You can use decoupage to attach fabric to the drawers.

You can use spray paint designed for plastic to paint your drawers.

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