Categories: Crafts & Hobbies

Shabby Chic Filing Cabinet DIY Project

Creating a Shabby Chic Filing Cabinet is an easy project that can be accomplished in one weekend. To start this Shabby Chic Filing Cabinet Paint Technique project you will need to spend at least one weekend, but maybe a little more time.

Any real wood or cheap plain fake wood Filing Cabinets are perfect for this Shabby Chic Paint Technique.

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Here is a list of supplies you will need to start making these Shabby Chic Filing Cabinets:

Primer
Paint (2 colors: white and either sand or tan)
Roller paint brushes
A variety of 2″, 3″, or 4″ paint brushes
Wood stain
Glaze
Sandpaper
Drop clothes
Filing Cabinets

Now, start sanding the surface of your plain Filing Cabinet. Once you have the surface lightly sanded, you should wipe off the dust with a clean dry clothe. An old white t-shirt will work perfectly here.

Now, you are ready to put a coat of primer. If you are using a cheap fake wood Filing Cabinet this is a very important step. Your Shabby Chic Paint Technique will not stick to your surface if you don’t sand and then prime your Filing Cabinet surface.

If you want a rough more rustic Shabby Chic Filing Cabinet try putting the primer on with one of the 4″ brushes. This will give texture and create the look of real wood. If you prefer the smoother look you can roll the paint on with any type of paint roller. A foam roller will create the smoothest surface.

Allow your primer to dry completely.

Put on a coat of your base paint. This is either a sand color or tan color. You could do a yellowish tan. This paint should not be the actual color you want your desk to end up, but the color you want to show through when you finish the Shabby Chic Filing Cabinet.

Now you are ready to paint your surface with the real color you wish it to be. I always recommend painting a white or antique white color for true Shabby Chic Filing Cabinet.

Don’t be scared to choose a bright white because the Shabby Chic Filing Cabinet Paint Technique process will tone down the appearance of the stark white considerably if you want.

Once your white shabby chic Filing Cabinet color has dried you are ready to start roughing it up. Start by using the sand paper to rough up edges and other areas that would typically be used over time.

Once you have finished sanding the Filing Cabinet surface wipe the surface down with a clean dry cloth. That old white t-shirt will work well here again. You can stop at this point, but if you want to go the extra mile you can use a mixture of ½ wood stain and ½ glaze to darken your piece. This darkening will mimic years of dirt and the aging process. If you use a antique white you do not have to do this.

Start by mixing you paint and glaze in a plastic container. Use a white rag or another old t-shirt to rub the stain onto the Filing Cabinet.

You can do this process until you achieve the Shabby Chic Filing Cabinet look you want for your vintage family room, retro home office, or little girl’s room next to her desk.

Check out more projects by Rebecca.