Sofia Martinez
Plastic drawers are a convenient way to organise your belongings, but they can be an eyesore. Luckily, there are many ways to upgrade plastic drawers and turn them into something more aesthetically pleasing. From using spray paint and patterned paper to decoupage, fabric, and paint, there are plenty of simple DIY methods to give your plastic drawers a decorative touch.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Wrapping paper, wallpaper, scrapbooking paper, scrap fabric, paint, decoupage, spray paint, nail polish, glue |
| Tools | Waxed paper, pen, scissors, paintbrush, dish, water |
| Benefits | Cheap, simple, decorative, practical |
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What You'll Learn
Using spray paint
Upgrading plastic drawers using spray paint can be a simple and effective way to give them a new look. It is important to prepare your workspace and the drawers themselves before painting to ensure a neat finish.
Firstly, decide whether you will be painting your drawers inside or outside. If painting outside, ensure there is no wind to prevent dust from settling on the painted surfaces, and check that the temperature is mild and not too humid. If painting inside, ensure there is adequate ventilation and cover the surrounding area with plastic tarps or drop cloths to protect from paint spray.
Next, prepare the drawers for painting. Remove the drawers from the unit and take out any contents. If your drawers have wheels, it is recommended to remove these before painting to avoid getting paint on them. Use a piece of cardboard to cover the inside of each drawer to protect it from paint, and prop up the drawers with shims or scrap wood so they don't stick to the surface. Use blue tape to tape off any areas you don't want to paint, such as the inside front edge of the drawer.
Before you start painting, shake the can of spray paint for a full minute. Hold the can about 12-18 inches away from the drawer and use wide, sweeping strokes, spraying in a back-and-forth motion. Avoid getting too close to the surface to prevent drips. Allow the paint to dry for a few minutes, then apply a second coat if needed.
Finally, allow the paint to dry completely before reassembling the drawers. It is recommended to wait about 24 hours before reassembling to ensure the paint is fully cured.
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Decorating with paper
Decorating plastic drawers with paper is a simple, affordable, and effective way to upgrade their look. You can use any kind of paper, from wallpaper to scrapbooking paper, wrapping paper, or even leftover scrap paper.
First, you will need to remove the drawers from the storage tower. If you want to cover the sides of the drawers, you will need to use poster board or cardboard. The cardboard needs to be slightly shorter than the drawer front. Cut the paper to size, allowing enough to cover the drawer fronts and any other areas you wish to cover. You can use a piece of paper to create a template by creasing it along the edges of the drawers.
When decorating with wrapping paper, simply glue it into place. For thicker papers, you can use a thin coat of decoupage to attach the paper to the drawers. Apply the decoupage to the drawer and the back of the paper, place the paper onto the drawer, smooth it out, and apply decoupage over the top. You will need 3-4 coats for a durable finish.
If you want to add a more elegant aesthetic, you can use marble or wood-effect contact paper. Lay the paper over the drawers, peel off the backing, stick it to the drawers, and cut off any excess.
You can also use fabric with paper to decorate your drawers. Prepare the fabric with decoupage on waxed paper, and after 20 minutes, move it to another sheet of waxed paper to dry. Once the fabric is ready, trace the template onto the fabric, cut it out, and attach it to the drawer with decoupage.
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Creating a marble effect with nail polish
Upgrading plastic drawers can be a fun and easy DIY project. While plastic drawers are practical, they can be quite bland and unattractive. Here is a detailed guide on how to create a marble effect with nail polish to upgrade your plastic drawers:
Prepare your workspace: This process can get messy, so it is recommended to protect your clothes and the surfaces you are working on. Have some nail varnish remover handy to easily clean up any messes. It is also a good idea to practice on an old container or item before attempting it on your plastic drawers.
Prepare the nail polish: Fill a container with a small amount of water. It is best to use a container that you can dispose of afterward, such as an old ice cream tub. Open all the nail polish bottles you plan to use and have them ready. The quicker you can add the nail polish to the water, the better.
Create the marble effect: Carefully pour a small amount of nail polish into the water. It is important to do this slowly, drop by drop, to allow the nail polish to settle on top of the water. If you pour it too quickly, it will sink to the bottom. You can use different colours of nail polish and alternate the lines to create a blended marble effect. Play around with different shades and combinations to achieve your desired look.
Dip the drawers: Once you are happy with the marble design, carefully dip your plastic drawer in the water. Ensure that the nail polish in the water has settled and created a thin film before dipping. You may need to hold the drawer in the water for a few seconds to allow the nail polish to adhere.
Allow it to dry: Carefully remove the drawer from the water and set it aside to dry completely. You can use a hairdryer on a low setting to speed up the drying process if needed.
With this technique, you can transform boring plastic drawers into stylish storage. Experiment with different nail polish colours and patterns to create unique designs. You can also try using gold or silver spray paint for an upgraded look. Additionally, you can line the inside of the drawers with patterned paper or wrapping paper for an extra decorative touch.
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Adding wooden shapes
Plastic drawers are a great storage solution, but they can be a bit boring or unattractive. Here are some ways you can upgrade them by adding wooden shapes:
Painting Wooden Shapes
As demonstrated by Crafts by Amanda, you can paint wooden shapes to match your drawers. For example, paint some wooden ovals with acrylic paint, each one matching the colour of your corresponding drawers. You could also experiment with contrasting colours. Use a micron pen to write on each oval shape, then attach them to the drawers with white craft glue.
Building a Wooden Chest
Another option is to build a wooden chest to encase your plastic drawers. This method, popularised by TikTok creator @faithhopehome, involves purchasing two plastic organisers and a 4-by-8-foot utility panel from a hardware store. Cut the wood to size, then glue the pieces together to form a box. Fill the sides with wood filler, sand it down, and apply a wood stain for a polished finish. You can also paint the wooden chest and add designs. Finally, glue your plastic drawers to the inside of the chest. This method allows you to customise your storage to match the wood in your room.
Stencils and Lettering
Using wooden drawers as inspiration, you can create beautiful lettering and stencils on your plastic drawers. Use a gold paint pen on the drawer pulls to create a simple yet elegant design.
Washi Tape
Although not made of wood, Washi tape can be used to create beautiful patterns and designs on your plastic drawers. It comes in various colours and patterns, allowing you to quickly and easily decorate your storage.
Upgrading plastic drawers by adding wooden shapes or other decorative elements is a fun and creative way to enhance the appearance of your storage solutions.
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Using decoupage and fabric
Upgrading plastic drawers using decoupage and fabric is a fun and creative way to bring new life to old furniture. Decoupage is a craft that involves using glue or a decoupage medium to attach paper or fabric to a surface, and it can be a great way to make something unique and special. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to upgrade your plastic drawers using decoupage and fabric:
Prepare the Materials:
Firstly, gather your materials. You will need your plastic drawers, fabric of your choice, decoupage medium (such as Mod Podge), waxed paper, a pen or pencil, scissors, and a paintbrush.
Wash and Prepare the Drawers:
Start by washing your plastic drawers to remove any dirt or dust. If your drawers have any hardware, remove it, and use sandpaper to smooth the surface and repair any damage. Wipe the surface clean.
Prepare the Fabric:
Lay out your chosen fabric and cut it into pieces that will fit the front of each drawer. You can create a template by tracing the shape of each drawer front onto paper and then cutting it out. Place the template on your fabric and trace around it with a pen or pencil. Prepare the fabric with decoupage by spreading a thin layer of decoupage medium onto the waxed paper and placing the fabric on top. Leave it for about 20 minutes, then move it to another piece of waxed paper to dry further.
Apply the Fabric:
Once the fabric is ready, apply a thin coat of decoupage to the drawer front. Carefully place the fabric onto the drawer, smoothing it out to remove any bubbles or wrinkles. Trim the fabric as needed. You can also apply decoupage to the back of the fabric before placing it on the drawer.
Add Details and Protection:
If your drawers have handles, cut the fabric around the handle area. You can also add a coat of decoupage over the entire fabric-covered area for added protection and a smoother finish. Let the drawers dry for several hours or as recommended by the decoupage medium instructions.
Final Touches:
Once the drawers are dry, you can add any final touches, such as painting the sides or adding unique hardware. Enjoy your upgraded plastic drawers and admire your handiwork!
Upgrading plastic drawers with decoupage and fabric is a simple way to transform boring storage into something beautiful and functional. It's a great project for adults and teens to add a personal touch to their living or working space.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some easy ways to upgrade plastic drawers:
- Using spray paint designed for plastic
- Using decoupage, scrap fabric, and paint
- Using marble nail polish and water
- Using wrapping paper, wallpaper, or scrapbooking paper
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.
First, prep the fabric with decoupage on waxed paper. Then, create a template for the front of the drawers using a piece of paper and creasing it along the edges. Trace the template onto the fabric, cut it out, and apply a thin coat of decoupage to the drawer front and the back of the fabric. Place the fabric onto the drawer, smooth it out, and apply decoupage over the top.
Yes, you can use spray paint designed for plastic or acrylic paint.
