I can think of so many things you could do with this filing cabinet. This would make a great cabinet to use in your bathroom for all your hair products and makeup, or prop it up in the corner of your kitchen to store pot holders, kitchen towels, and utensils.

What about using it in your laundry room? For under $30, you can refinish and repurpose this old piece of furniture and give it a new home. It’s an inexpensive weekend DIY project that adds both style and extra storage while keeping an old piece of furniture out of the landfill. With a little paint and creativity, the possibilities are endless.

How to Prepare a File Cabinet for Painting

#1: Start by removing the hardware and lightly sanding the cabinets with 220-grit sandpaper. After you’re done sanding, wipe it down with a clean cloth. (Note: as you can see, I propped it up on some wood planks so I didn’t get paint on the floor or have the paint stick to plastic or paper.) Proper preparation is the key to a smooth, professional-looking finish when you repurpose a file cabinet, and it helps the paint adhere much better.

Paint the Hardware for a Durable, Professional Finish

#2: Press the hardware into a piece of Styrofoam to hold it in place. Spray paint it with Rust-Oleum Metal Primer and let it dry for 30 minutes. Then spray it with Rust-Oleum Metallic Spray Paint and let it dry for about 30 minutes. Taking your time with the hardware gives it a durable, factory-like finish that beautifully complements your newly painted cabinet.

#3. Prime the frame and draw with Primer (Kilz or Stix primer works well)

Use a sponge roller to get a smooth finish and a cut-in brush in the areas that you can’t reach with the roller.

Let it dry for 4 hours before

Paint the frame and draw with any Satin Latex paint or Chalk Paint ( learn how to make your own chalk paint with magic powder)in any color. Paint in the same manner as the primers. Paint two coats, allowing the first coat to dry 3-4 hours before painting the second coat.

Allow the second coat to dry 4 hours before distressing (Optional)

Use 220 grit sandpaper to sand down the corners and areas that are normal wear and tear areas. If you want to get creative, add a stencil design. Put your new, freshly painted hardware back on, and you have a new piece of furniture that is functional and decorative.

I hope this project inspires you to repurpose a file cabinet instead of sending one to the landfill. With a little sanding, paint, and creativity, an outdated filing cabinet can become a beautiful and functional piece for almost any room in your home. The next time you’re at a thrift store, garage sale, or see one sitting on the curb, don’t pass it by—you might be looking at your next favorite DIY makeover. Happy painting!

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