Revamp Plastic Storage: Creative Ways To Make Them Look Good

how to make a plastic storage container look better

Plastic storage containers are versatile and convenient, but they often lack aesthetic appeal. With a few simple materials and a bit of creativity, you can transform these mundane containers into stylish décor pieces that complement your space. Whether you're aiming for a chic, elegant, or natural look, there are various ways to upgrade your plastic storage containers. From using paint, paper, or fabric to adding clay designs or handles, the possibilities are endless. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves and give your plastic storage containers a stylish makeover!

Characteristics Values
Materials Air-dry clay, spray paint, fabric, jute, contact paper, paper, paint, solvent
Techniques Sanding, drilling, paper mache, decoupage
Benefits Elegant, functional, decorative, stylish, creative, budget-friendly, eco-friendly

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Use fabric and jute handles

Plastic storage containers are versatile and functional, but they often lack style. With a bit of creativity and some simple materials, you can transform these containers into stylish pieces that complement your personal style and living space. One way to do this is by adding fabric and jute handles. Here's how:

Choose Your Fabric

The first step is to select a fabric that matches your style and decor preferences. Go for a pattern and colour that you love and that will enhance the look of your storage container.

Cut the Fabric to Size

Once you've chosen your fabric, it's time to cut it to size. Cut the fabric so that it reaches the right height of the bin and has enough length to wrap around the sides. Ensure you cut it to the correct size, as you don't want it to be too short, but also be mindful that too much excess fabric can be challenging to work with.

Apply Adhesive

Use spray adhesive or a combination of mod podge and a paintbrush to apply a layer of adhesive to the back of the fabric and the plastic container. Be careful not to use too much adhesive, as it may seep through the fabric, creating a permanent stain.

Attach the Fabric

Carefully press the fabric onto the adhesive, ensuring it adheres smoothly and without wrinkles. Take your time with this step to avoid creases or bubbles. Work slowly and methodically, smoothing the fabric as you go.

Create a Seam

For a neat finish, cut up the sides of the fabric where it overlaps at the corners. Then, fold these pieces over each other, creating a seam. This will give your container a polished and tailored look.

Add Handles

Now it's time to add the jute handles. Drill holes in the sides of the container where you want the handles to be placed, ensuring they are evenly spaced for a balanced look. Cut the jute rope to your desired handle length, allowing for a knot to be tied on the inside. Thread the jute through the holes and secure it with a knot, adding extra security with hot glue if needed.

Optional Extras

You can further enhance the look of your container by adding craft feet to raise it off the ground and give it a more elegant appearance. You could also consider lining the inside with fabric for an extra layer of colour and texture, or even adding wheels to the bottom for a mobile storage solution.

With these simple steps, you can transform a plain plastic storage container into a stylish and functional piece that adds to the decor of your home.

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Try clay crafts for an elegant look

If you're looking to elevate the look of your plastic storage containers, consider trying clay crafts for an elegant and functional transformation. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving this:

First, prepare your plastic storage container by giving it a quick sanding. Use fine-grit sandpaper to gently roughen the surface. This step will help the clay and paint adhere better to the container. Make sure to work gently until you achieve the desired texture.

Next, it's time to add some elegant clay designs to the outside of the container. Before working with air-dry clay, remember to dust your molds with cornstarch. Get creative and craft designs that reflect your personal style. You can create various shapes, textures, and patterns to make your container unique.

Once you're happy with your clay designs, it's time to add some colour. Apply a coat of silver spray paint to the container as a stylish base. The silver will complement the faux stone finish you'll create later. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on.

Now, use a textured stone spray in various shades of beige to create a faux stone appearance. Apply several light coats of the spray, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next. Building up the texture gradually will result in the most realistic stone effect.

With these steps, you can transform ordinary plastic storage containers into elegant and decorative pieces. This DIY project is a creative and budget-friendly way to add a touch of elegance to your storage solutions while expressing your personal style.

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Spray paint for a stylish background

Spray paint is a great way to transform your plastic storage containers and give them a stylish new look. It's a simple and effective method that can be used on its own or as a base for other decorative techniques.

Firstly, you will need to prepare your container by giving it a quick sanding. This will create a rough surface for the paint to adhere to. Use fine-grit sandpaper and work gently until you achieve the desired texture. Then, remove any dust with a cloth or brush.

Next, you can apply a coat of spray primer. This will ensure the paint bonds effectively with the plastic surface. Allow the primer to dry completely; this should take around 30 minutes in sunny conditions.

Now it's time to add your chosen colour. You can use any spray paint suitable for plastic, and it's best to apply at least two coats for a bold, consistent finish. Allow each coat to dry before adding the next. Depending on the paint type and the look you want to achieve, you may need to add additional layers.

Finally, seal your handiwork with a clear acrylic coat. This will protect the paintwork and ensure it bonds securely to the plastic. Leave the final coat to dry for about an hour before moving your container, and try to avoid touching it during this time. It's best to wait at least 24 hours before using the container and placing items inside.

With these simple steps, you can easily upgrade your plastic storage containers and give them a stylish new background.

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Paper mache for a quick cover-up

While there are many ways to make a plastic storage container look better, paper mache is a quick and easy method to cover up any dull or worn-out containers. Paper mache is a versatile craft technique that can be used to transform ordinary plastic containers into decorative and functional pieces. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving a stylish and creative cover-up:

Prepare the Plastic Container:

Start by giving the plastic container a quick sanding using fine-grit sandpaper. This step will create a rough surface, allowing the paper mache to adhere better. It is important to work gently and evenly to achieve the desired texture without damaging the container.

Create the Paper Mache Mix:

To make the paper mache paste, you can use a simple mixture of flour and water. Combine one part flour with two parts water in a bowl and mix until you achieve a smooth and lump-free consistency. You can adjust the quantities as needed, depending on the size of your container and the thickness of your paper mache pulp.

Apply the Paper Mache:

Dip strips of paper into the paste and carefully apply them to the container. Ensure that you smooth out any air bubbles and overlap the strips slightly to create a strong and seamless layer. You can use plain paper or experiment with coloured paper to add a unique touch. Allow the paper mache to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Decorate and Personalize:

Once the paper mache layer is dry, you can decorate your container to match your personal style. Consider painting the container with your favourite colours or adding fabric for a unique texture. You can also attach decorative knobs or handles to enhance the overall appearance and functionality.

Seal and Protect:

Finally, seal your artwork by applying a coat of clear sealant or varnish to protect the paper mache and your decorations. This step will ensure that your container is durable and can be used for storage without worrying about damage.

With these simple steps, you can quickly transform your plastic storage containers into eye-catching decorative pieces. Paper mache provides a fun and creative way to cover up any dull containers, adding a personal touch to your storage solutions.

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Use contact paper for a textured finish

Contact paper is a versatile material that can be used to give your plastic storage containers a stylish upgrade. It is smooth on one side and has an adhesive backing on the other, making it easy to apply and offering a range of decorative possibilities.

When choosing contact paper for your project, look for a roll that is clearly marked as "removable". This type of contact paper will have the right balance of stickiness, ensuring it stays in place for as long as you need and can be easily peeled off when you want to change up your style.

The world of contact paper offers an incredible variety of patterns, textures, and finishes. You can find everything from bold colours with high-gloss finishes to subtle patterns like plaids and polka dots. If you're looking for a more natural look, there are realistic faux-marble options with veining that can give your containers an elegant upgrade. You can even find metallic finishes or solid colours to create a modern and sleek look.

Contact paper is an excellent choice for decorating plastic storage containers as it is easy to clean and maintain. However, it's important to note that contact paper should not be used on surfaces that come into contact with heat. Heat can damage the contact paper, affecting its appearance and making it difficult to remove.

With contact paper, you can easily transform your plastic storage containers into stylish accents that complement your living space.

Frequently asked questions

There are many ways to make your plastic storage container look better. You can decorate it with fabric, paper, or clay. You can also try painting it or adding some craft feet to the bottom.

If you want to paint your plastic storage container, make sure you choose a paint made for plastics. The solvents in some paints will deform or even dissolve the plastic. You can also try using a vinyl contact paper instead of paint.

Choose a fabric that matches your decor preferences and cut it to the right height of the bin. Use spray adhesive to stick the fabric to the container. Cut up the sides of the fabric where it overlaps at the corners and fold these pieces over each other to create a neat seam.

Yes, you can use paper to decorate your plastic storage container. Try using patterned craft book paper or magazine pages. You can also try a basic paper mache technique with Mod Podge to cover the outside of the tub.

Start by giving the container a quick sanding to roughen up the surface and allow the clay to adhere better. You can then add some elegant clay designs to the outside of the container. Finish by applying a coat of silver spray paint to provide a stylish background for the clay designs.

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