Sofia Martinez
Plastic drawers are a great way to stay organised, but they're not always the most aesthetically pleasing. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to jazz up your plastic drawers and turn them into a fun and pretty feature of your home decor. Whether you're looking for a simple solution or a more creative DIY project, there are many ways to upgrade your plastic drawers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Decorate with | Fabric, scrapbook paper, paint, nail polish, stickers, duct tape, decoupage, washi tape, cardboard, wood, metallic elements, chalkboard paint, clear packing tape, scrapbooking paper, gold spray paint, vintage-style paper, sharpie markers, acrylic paint |
| Purpose | To improve the appearance of plastic drawers, make them look more expensive, and coordinate them with other furniture |
| Benefits | Easy, inexpensive, versatile, customisable, removable, reusable, washable, durable |
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What You'll Learn
Cover plastic drawers with fabric
Plastic drawers can be easily transformed into beautiful pieces of furniture with a simple makeover. This can be done by covering them with fabric and using decoupage glue, such as Mod Podge, to stick the fabric onto the drawers.
First, select a fabric with a pattern and colour that you like. Lay out the fabric and place the drawers on top, tracing around the edges of the drawers with a pencil to create a template. Cut out the fabric pieces, adding a little extra fabric to the edges so that you can trim them to size later.
Next, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the back of the fabric and press it onto the drawer, smoothing out any bubbles or wrinkles. You can use a foam paintbrush to apply the Mod Podge. Repeat this process for all sides of the drawers, ensuring that the fabric lines up evenly.
For the handles, cut around the handle area and place the fabric inside, tracing around the handle with a pencil. Apply Mod Podge to the edges of the fabric and smooth it into place.
Finally, trim off any excess threads and allow the drawers to dry for several hours. You can add an additional coat of Mod Podge over the fabric for extra protection. Your plastic drawers are now beautifully transformed and ready to be used for storage or display!
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Decorate with scrapbook paper
Decorating plastic drawers with scrapbook paper is a fun and easy way to give them a new look. It's a simple and affordable project that can transform your storage and add a decorative touch to your home. Here are some tips and ideas to get you started:
Choosing Your Scrapbook Paper
The first step is to select the perfect scrapbook paper for your project. You can find a wide variety of designs and colours at craft stores, such as Hobby Lobby, which offers a set with polka dots and stripes that can be coordinated. If you want something colourful, consider a vintage-style or floral and butterfly design for a softer look. For a modern twist, you might opt for black and white patterns. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different prints and patterns to give your drawer stack a unique and colourful look.
Preparing the Drawers
Before you begin decorating, it's important to clean your plastic drawers, ensuring they are free of any dirt or residue. You can then create templates for the drawer fronts by tracing the shape onto paper or cardboard. This will ensure that your scrapbook paper fits perfectly. If you're using fabric, you can prep it with decoupage on waxed paper, allowing it to dry before cutting out the shapes.
Attaching the Scrapbook Paper
Once you have your scrapbook paper cut to size, it's time to attach it to the drawers. You can use a variety of adhesives, such as Mod Podge, glue, or double-sided tape. For a durable finish, apply multiple coats of Mod Podge, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next. You can also use Scotch tape to secure the paper, especially if you're working with clear drawers.
Adding Extra Details
To further enhance your decorated drawers, consider adding extra details such as ribbons, buttons, or wooden shapes. You can paint these shapes to match your drawer colours or use a micron pen to write on them. Another idea is to incorporate a pegboard at the back of the drawers for added functionality, especially if you're short on space.
With these tips and your chosen scrapbook paper designs, you're ready to give your plastic drawers a beautiful and personalised makeover. It's a simple way to bring new life to your storage solutions while expressing your creativity and style.
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Use gold spray paint
Spray painting plastic drawers is a great way to upgrade their look and make them fit in with your home decor. Gold spray paint, in particular, can make your plastic drawers look fabulous. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving this look:
Prepare your workspace:
First, decide whether you will be painting inside or outside. If you choose to paint outdoors, ensure there is no wind to prevent dust from settling on your freshly painted drawers. Mild temperatures and low humidity are ideal. If you paint inside, in a garage or basement, for example, you will need drop cloths to protect the surrounding area. It is also important to work in a well-ventilated area, as spray paint is toxic.
Prepare your drawers:
Use blue tape to tape off any areas you do not want to paint, such as the inside of the drawers. Place a piece of cardboard inside the drawers to prevent paint from getting inside. Prop up the drawers on scrap wood so they do not stick to your workspace.
Sand the drawers:
Lightly sand the surfaces of the drawers with 220-grit sandpaper. You do not need to sand hard, as the purpose of this step is to give the paint something to grip onto and help prevent peeling. After sanding, wipe down the drawers with a wet rag to remove any dust.
Spray paint:
Shake the can of spray paint for a full minute. Then, holding the can about 12-18 inches from the drawers, spray in wide, sweeping strokes. Do not get too close to the drawers, or you will get drips. After a few minutes, apply a second coat. Two coats should be sufficient.
Protect your paint:
You can protect your paint job by sealing it with a clear acrylic spray paint coating. Alternatively, you can use a product like Smooth-On XTC-3D, which will give a more durable finish, but be aware that it is very toxic and exothermic, so use appropriate safety precautions.
With these steps, you can transform your plastic drawers into stylish, decorative pieces that will add a touch of glamour to your home.
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Apply chalkboard paint
If you're looking to upgrade your plastic drawers, one option is to give them a chalkboard upgrade. This will allow you to write on your drawers with chalk and easily erase and rewrite as you please.
First, take out all of the drawers and lay them on some newspaper. You can use foam brushes to paint the drawers, but be aware that since the surface is plastic, it will take multiple coats of paint to get a thorough cover. You can decide which parts of the drawers you want to paint. For example, you might want to paint the sides, front, and leave the insides and back unpainted.
After applying the first coat of paint, let it dry for about half an hour to forty-five minutes before applying the next coat. Two to three coats deliver the best results, and the final coat should be left to dry for a full 48 hours before using the drawers.
Once the drawers are all fully dry and smooth, put them back in the frame and mark them up with your chalk! You can use any type of chalk, but lighter-coloured chalk is recommended, as deep colours may leave streaks or shadows when erased.
You can also find chalkboard spray paint, which should work just fine on plastic drawers.
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Stick on DIY labels
If you're looking to give your plastic drawers a makeover with stick-on DIY labels, there are a few ways to go about it. One method involves using scrapbook paper and clear packing tape. Cut the scrapbook paper to the desired size and shape, leaving a slight overhang of tape along the top edge, which will adhere to the inside of the drawer. Press the paper onto the front of the drawer, smoothing out any bubbles, and then apply tape along the sides and bottom to secure it in place. Covering the paper entirely with tape will give it extra durability.
Another option is to use a decoupage medium to glue the scrapbook paper to the drawers. This method might be preferable if you want the labels to be more permanent. You can also decorate the sides of the drawers with the same technique, allowing you to move the drawer units around if needed. Using different patterns in coordinated colours will enable you to change the drawers' arrangement while maintaining a cohesive look.
If you're looking for a simpler approach, you can use pre-made stickers or clear sticker labels. Ensure your fingers are clean when handling the labels to avoid any dirt or debris getting stuck underneath. This method allows for easy removal and replacement if you decide to change what's in the drawers.
When creating your labels, consider the size of your drawers and the specific areas where you want to place the labels. Doing a dry fit with the labels before applying them will help ensure a proper fit.
With these methods, you can transform your plastic drawers into fun and decorative items while also keeping your space organised and labelled.
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Frequently asked questions
First, wash the drawers and prepare the fabric with decoupage on waxed paper. After 20 minutes, move the fabric to another sheet of waxed paper to dry. Next, create a template for the drawers by creasing a piece of paper along the edges of the drawers. Trace the template onto the fabric, cut out the fabric, and apply a thin coat of decoupage to the drawer. Place the fabric on the drawer, smooth it out, and apply more decoupage on top. Finally, add a fabric slip-cover.
Cover the inside of the drawer with cardboard, then glue patterned paper on top. Alternatively, apply clear packing tape to the back of a piece of scrapbook paper, leaving an overhang of tape along the top edge. Press the paper onto the drawer and apply tape along the sides and bottom. Cover the paper entirely with tape for extra durability.
Use spray paint designed for plastic, or first use a primer spray. You can also dip the drawers in nail polish. For a more natural look, try using a combination of light baby blue and industrial grey, or green with white.
Ensure your fingers are clean, then submerge the stickers in water and clean off any debris. Apply the stickers to the drawers, ensuring the sticky side of the tape isn't exposed.
