Ethan Clarke
Plastic drawers are a great storage solution, but they can sometimes look a little boring or unattractive. There are many ways to spruce up plastic drawers and make them more aesthetically pleasing. Whether it's using paint, fabric, or paper, there are simple and affordable ways to transform plastic drawers. This can be a fun DIY project that adds a personal touch to your space and makes your plastic drawers stand out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Paint, decoupage, fabric, wallpaper, scrapbooking paper, wrapping paper, contact paper, washi tape, shelf liner, glue |
| Steps | Wash drawers, prep fabric with decoupage on wax paper, create templates for drawer fronts, cut fabric, attach to drawers with glue |
| Benefits | Practical, aesthetic, fun, creative, unique, inexpensive, quick |
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Using paint
Painting plastic drawers is a great way to give them a new look and make them more durable. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Before you start painting, it's important to prepare the surface of the drawers. Start by sanding the drawers to create a smooth base for the paint to adhere to. Wipe down the drawers to remove any dust or debris after sanding. Then, use a primer specifically designed for plastic surfaces, such as Dixie Belle's Slick Stick, to ensure that the paint will stick to the plastic. You can spray or hand-paint the primer, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Once the primer is dry, you can start painting. Choose a spray paint that is specifically designed to adhere to plastic, such as Krylon's All-In-One spray paint line or Rust-O-Leum. Make sure to shake the can for a full minute before you start spraying. Use wide, sweeping strokes and spray in a back-and-forth motion about 12-18 inches away from the drawers. Avoid getting too close to the surface, as this can cause drips.
Apply multiple thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat. Wait a few minutes between each coat, as recommended by the manufacturer. Most projects will only need two coats of paint. However, if you notice overspray or an uneven finish, you may need to apply additional coats. Allow the paint to dry completely before reassembling the drawers, which typically takes about 24 hours.
To protect your work area from paint, set up a drop cloth on a windless day to avoid dust settling on the wet paint. You can also cut the drop cloth into smaller squares, placing a fresh square underneath each drawer as you paint it. Additionally, use cardboard to cover the inside of the drawers to prevent paint from getting inside.
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Using decoupage
Decoupage is a great way to upcycle plastic drawers and transform them into beautiful pieces of furniture. The process is simple: cut out pictures or fabric, glue them to the drawers, and then coat them with varnish.
To start, you'll need to gather your materials. For decoupaging plastic drawers, you will need fabric, decoupage glue, varnish, scissors or a craft knife, a soft cloth or sponge, tweezers, and sandpaper. You can use any type of fabric you like, but if you want to get creative, consider using pretty fabric leftovers or scraps. Charm packs, which are designed to work together, can be a fun option.
Once you have your materials, begin by washing your plastic drawers and preparing the fabric. To prepare the fabric, apply a thin coat of decoupage to the back of the fabric and lay it on a piece of waxed paper. After about 20 minutes, move the fabric to another piece of waxed paper to continue drying. While the fabric dries, you can create templates for the fronts of your drawers by tracing their shape onto paper and cutting out the shapes.
When the fabric is ready, trace the template onto the fabric and cut out the shapes, cutting slightly inside the lines. Line up the fabric on the drawer front and trim as needed. Apply a thin coat of decoupage to the drawer and the back of the fabric, place the fabric onto the drawer, and smooth it out. Apply another coat of decoupage over the fabric.
As a final touch, you can add wooden shapes, such as ovals, painted with acrylic paint to match or contrast with the drawers. Attach these with craft glue and allow them to dry. Now you have beautifully organised and unique plastic drawers!
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Using fabric
If you want to use fabric to give your plastic drawers a new look, there are several methods you can try. One popular method is to use Mod Podge, which can be applied directly to the plastic surface of the drawers, with fabric placed on top. You can also spread Mod Podge on the back of the fabric and press it onto the drawer. This method can be used to cover the entire drawer or just specific sections, such as the handles.
Another option is to create a fabric slipcover for your plastic drawers. This involves cutting fabric to size and then weaving it through the slots of the drawers, creating a basket-like appearance. This method allows the fabric pattern to show through on the inside of the drawers as well.
If you want to add a decorative touch to your drawers, try cutting strips of colourful fabric and weaving them through the sides of the drawers. This technique works well with slotted plastic bins and gives them a unique, personalised look.
When using fabric to spruce up your plastic drawers, it's important to consider the type of fabric you want to use. You can choose a fabric that complements the existing decor in your room or go with a fun and bright pattern to add a pop of colour. You can even use fabric leftovers or scraps to put together a unique design.
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Using contact paper
Contact paper is a great way to spruce up plastic drawers and add style and protection to your furniture. There are many designs to choose from, including marble, stone, brick, modern geometric shapes, and floral patterns. You can even find contact paper that looks like real wood.
First, you need to prepare your drawers. Clean them thoroughly to ensure there are no particles of dirt or grease, as this will help the contact paper adhere better to the surface. Measure the inside of each drawer carefully and transfer these dimensions to the contact paper, adding a few extra inches for good measure.
When you are ready to apply the contact paper, slowly start from one corner and work across, smoothing the paper as you go to avoid wrinkles and bubbles. Use a smoothing tool, such as a plastic card or a professional squeegee, to force out any bubbles. If you are working with curved drawers, apply a large rectangle of contact paper first and then cut and trim to fit the curves. Use the excess paper to wrap around the sides and undersides of the drawer to keep the paper secure.
Finally, step back and admire your handiwork! You have transformed your simple plastic drawers into something unique and stylish.
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Using wallpaper
Wallpaper is a great way to give your plastic drawers a new look. It is an affordable and easy way to decorate your plastic drawers and can be done in a few simple steps.
First, you need to select the wallpaper you want to use. You can use any kind of wallpaper, but removable wallpaper is a good option as it is easy to manage and apply. You can choose from a variety of fun prints and murals to suit your taste. Tropical prints, banana leaf designs, and gold dots are some examples of patterns that can give your drawers a bold and unique look.
Once you have chosen your wallpaper, the next step is to prepare the surface of your drawers. Clean the surfaces of the drawers with a multi-purpose cleaner and let them dry. If there are any knobs or handles, it is a good idea to remove them before you start applying the wallpaper.
Now it's time to measure and cut the wallpaper. Place the wallpaper over the drawer surface and crease the edges to mark the cutting lines. Carefully cut the paper along the creased lines. You can also use wrapping paper, which is usually long enough to cover the drawer length in one piece and comes in nice patterns.
Finally, it's time to apply the wallpaper. Slowly peel and press the wallpaper across the surface of the drawers. Use a plastic pan scraper to smooth out any air bubbles and ensure a neat finish. The entire process of applying the wallpaper is super easy and quick, usually taking around 15 minutes per drawer.
With these simple steps, you can transform your plastic drawers using wallpaper, adding a touch of creativity and personality to your storage solutions.
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Frequently asked questions
Use some shelf liner or wallpaper to cover your plastic drawers. You can also use wrapping paper, which is cheap, comes in nice patterns, and is long enough to cover the drawer length in one piece.
You can use fabric, decoupage, paint, and washi tape to decorate plastic drawers.
You can use spray paint designed for plastic or a primer spray. You can also use acrylic paint.
First, wash your drawers and prep the fabric with decoupage on waxed paper. After 20 minutes, move the fabric to another sheet of waxed paper to dry. Then, create a template for the drawer fronts using a piece of paper and crease it along the edges of the drawers. Trace the pattern onto the fabric and cut it out.
You can use contact paper, which comes in various patterns and colours. You can also weave colourful fabric through the sides of the drawers to create a basket-like effect.
