Sofia Martinez
Clear plastic drawers are a great way to organise your belongings, but they may not be the most aesthetically pleasing. If you want to hide plastic drawers inside a dresser, there are several methods you can try. One option is to cut cardboard to the size of the drawer and cover it with wrapping paper, wallpaper, or scrapbooking paper. You can then slide the cardboard inside the drawer and secure it with tape. Alternatively, you can use contact paper or spray paint designed for plastic to decorate the drawers. If you want to hide the entire drawer unit, you can place it inside a cabinet or cupboard, or cover the outside with adhesive vinyl.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Wrapping paper, wallpaper, scrapbooking paper, contact paper, adhesive vinyl, spray paint, primer spray, cardboard, glue, tape |
| Actions | Cut paper to size, slide cardboard inside drawer, cover cardboard with paper, glue paper to cardboard, tape cardboard inside drawer, spray paint directly onto plastic, cover plastic with contact paper |
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Use contact paper
Contact paper is a great way to hide plastic on dresser drawers and upgrade your furniture. It's a simple and effective method that can transform the look of your dresser. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use contact paper to achieve a beautiful and cohesive finish:
Choose Your Contact Paper
The first step is to select the right contact paper for your project. There are various styles and designs available, including marble, stone, brick, modern geometric shapes, floral patterns, and wood effects. Consider the overall aesthetic of your home and choose a design that complements it. You can search online for inspiration and current design trends to help you make your decision.
Measure and Plan
Before purchasing your contact paper, carefully measure your dresser drawers, especially if they have unique shapes or curved details. Ensure you have enough contact paper to cover all the surfaces you plan to upgrade. It's always better to have a little extra than to run out halfway through the project.
Prepare the Surface
Thoroughly clean the surfaces of your dresser drawers to ensure there are no particles of dirt that might prevent the contact paper from adhering smoothly. A clean surface will also help create a more professional finish.
Apply the Contact Paper
Start by applying a large rectangle of contact paper to the drawer, leaving a few extra inches on each side to give yourself some room for adjustments. Use one hand to slowly peel off the backing while using your other hand to smooth the paper onto the drawer with an edge-smoothing tool. This technique will help prevent air bubbles from forming underneath.
Cut and Trim
Once the contact paper is in place, use a craft knife to make precise cuts and trims around the edges of the drawer. Smooth the edges and surfaces continuously to eliminate any air bubbles that may have formed. For curved drawers, cut out small rectangular pieces and apply them to the curved portions, trimming any excess paper.
Secure the Paper
To ensure the contact paper stays in place, carefully cut and apply regular tape to the bottom edges of the drawers. This will prevent the paper from lifting or bubbling over time.
Step Back and Evaluate
After completing each drawer, take a step back and evaluate your work. Check for any imperfections or areas that may require touch-ups. Enjoy your upgraded dresser!
Using contact paper is a creative and affordable way to hide plastic on dresser drawers, giving them a fresh new look that blends seamlessly with your space.
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Use wrapping paper
Covering plastic dresser drawers with wrapping paper is a creative, easy, and inexpensive way to upgrade your storage containers. It can be used to hide what's inside and give your dresser a facelift at the same time.
To start, you will need to gather your supplies: wrapping paper, cardboard, glue, tape, and scissors. You can use any kind of wrapping paper with nice patterns, but make sure it is long enough to cover the drawer length in one piece.
For each drawer, cut a piece of thin cardboard slightly shorter than the drawer front so that it can easily slide inside. Cover the cardboard with the wrapping paper, gluing it on will make it last longer. Alternatively, you can simply glue the wrapping paper directly to the drawer if the paper is thick enough. Then, slide the cardboard inside the drawer and secure it with tape.
If you want to add accents to your dresser, you can include decals, handles, and legs to make it more eye-catching. You can also use contact paper, scrapbook paper, or fabric to decorate your drawers and give them a custom look.
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Use wallpaper
Wallpaper is a great way to hide plastic dresser drawers and give them a new look. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving this:
Preparation:
First, decide on the type of wallpaper you want to use. Removable, peel-and-stick wallpaper is a popular choice for covering furniture as it is easy to apply, affordable, and comes in a variety of fun prints. You can find these at stores like Walls Need Love and Spoonflower. If you are using regular wallpaper, wood surfaces are the best for adhesion.
Cleaning:
Before applying the wallpaper, it is important to clean the dresser drawers. Use a damp sponge to wipe down the surfaces, paying special attention to the areas where you plan to stick the wallpaper. Allow the dresser to air-dry completely before proceeding.
Measurement and Hardware Removal:
Measure the surfaces of the dresser drawers to determine how much wallpaper you will need. Place the wallpaper over the drawer fronts and crease the edges to mark cut lines. Remove any hardware, such as knobs, handles, or hinges, that may interfere with the wallpaper application.
Application:
Cut the wallpaper according to your measurements. Slowly peel and press the wallpaper across the drawer surfaces, smoothing out any air bubbles as you go. You can use a plastic pan scraper, a brayer (a small hand roller), or a hard, flat-edged tool like a plastic ruler to remove air bubbles and ensure a smooth finish.
Finishing Touches:
If you have consecutive drawers, use smaller pieces of wallpaper from the same roll to ensure the pattern lines up from one drawer to the next, creating a seamless look. You can also paint the dresser frame to match or complement the wallpaper design.
With these steps, you can easily transform your plastic dresser drawers with wallpaper, giving them a unique and personalised appearance.
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Use adhesive vinyl
If you want to hide plastic on dresser drawers, one way to do it is by using adhesive vinyl. This method can help you achieve a chic storage solution. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Adhesive Vinyl
Start by measuring the inside of your drawers, including the front and two sides. Cut your adhesive vinyl pieces slightly smaller than the actual measurements. You can also cut the vinyl to fit the outside of the drawers if you prefer.
Step 2: Apply the Adhesive Vinyl
Begin with the front piece of vinyl. Do a dry fit to ensure it aligns correctly. Apply clear packing tape to the back of the vinyl, leaving an overhang at the top edge, so it adheres to the inside of the drawer. Press the front piece in place, ensuring the tape adheres smoothly and firmly.
Step 3: Secure the Sides and Bottom
Apply tape along the sides and bottom of the drawer to secure the adhesive vinyl. Cover the entire paper with tape for extra durability. Repeat this process for the sides of the drawer. Ensure there is no exposed adhesive tape inside the drawer to prevent items from sticking.
Step 4: Create Labels (Optional)
If desired, you can create labels to indicate the contents of each drawer. Print out the labels on regular photocopy paper, choosing a font that stands out. Cover the labels with clear packing tape to protect them. You can then attach these labels to the front of each drawer using tape or adhesive.
Tips and Variations:
- For a more permanent solution, you can use a decoupage medium to glue the adhesive vinyl pieces in place instead of tape.
- If you want to decorate the outside of the drawers, consider using spray adhesive to attach fabric to the plastic surface.
- You can also use contact paper or wallpaper samples to cover the drawers and achieve a similar effect.
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Use spray paint
Spray paint is a great option for upgrading plastic dresser drawers and hiding the plastic. It is a simple and effective way to transform the look of your furniture. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use spray paint to hide the plastic on your dresser drawers:
Prepare the Work Area:
Start by preparing your work area to avoid making a mess and damaging surrounding objects. Set up your workspace outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Cover the ground and surrounding areas with plastic tarps or drop cloths to protect them from paint. Make sure there is no wind if working outdoors, to prevent dust from settling on the wet paint. Alternatively, work in a garage or indoor space and use multiple drop cloths to cover the floor and any nearby items.
Clean and Prep the Drawers:
Remove the drawers from the dresser and take off any hardware, such as knobs or handles. Clean the drawers thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, or grease. You can use a wet rag for cleaning, but avoid immersing the drawers in water. After cleaning, dry the drawers completely. Once dry, lightly sand the surfaces of the drawers with fine-grit sandpaper. Focus on the areas you plan to paint, such as the drawer fronts and sides. Sanding will create a slightly rough surface, improving paint adhesion.
Protect the Inside of the Drawers:
Use blue painter's tape to tape off any areas you don't want to paint, such as the inside edges of the drawers. Place a piece of cardboard inside each drawer to protect it from paint. You can also prop up the drawers with shims or scrap wood to prevent the paint from sticking to the plastic.
Prime the Surface (Optional):
Although optional, using a plastic primer spray paint before applying the colour can improve the final result. It will help the paint adhere better and create a smoother, less "plastic-y" finish.
Spray Paint the Drawers:
Shake the can of spray paint vigorously for at least a full minute to ensure the paint is properly mixed. Hold the can about 12-18 inches away from the drawer and spray in wide, sweeping motions, working in a back-and-forth pattern. Avoid spraying too closely, as this can cause drips and an uneven finish. Apply light coats to achieve the best results. Wait a few minutes between coats, and usually, two coats are sufficient.
Reassemble and Cure:
After painting, wait about 24 hours before reassembling the drawers and putting them back into the dresser. This allows the paint to fully cure and harden, resulting in a durable finish.
Using spray paint designed for plastic is a quick and effective way to hide the plastic on dresser drawers, giving them a whole new look. With the right preparation and technique, you can achieve a long-lasting and scratch-resistant finish.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use any kind of paper to decorate your plastic drawers, from wallpaper to scrapbooking paper. You can also use spray paint designed for plastic or use a primer spray first.
Wrapping paper is a good option as it is cheap, comes in nice patterns, and is long enough to cover the drawer length in one piece.
Cut a piece of thin cardboard slightly shorter than the drawer front, cover it with paper, and glue the paper on if needed. Slide the cardboard inside the drawer and fix it with tape.
Yes, you can use spray paint designed for plastic. You can also use a primer spray first.
Yes, you can put the drawers inside a cabinet or cupboard so you are looking at a nice piece of furniture, not the plastic drawers.
