Faux Zinc Finish File Cabinet

How to transform a basic metal file cabinet with a faux zinc finish. Makeover a file cabinet with an industrial style finish.

Disclosure: Supplies for this project were provided by DecoArt. All opinions are mine alone.

It’s the fourth edition of the Thrift Store Decor Upcycle Challenge for 2017. As a quick reminder, we each take a second-hand item, and upcycle it into something new and fresh for the home. This month, I’m showing you how to update a metal file cabinet — taking it from basic to industrial style. There are over 25 bloggers participating, so you will have plenty of inspiration for your next visit to a thrift store.

The Rules:
1. Upcycle an item(s) from a thrift store, resale store, or garage sale into a new piece of decor.
2. There’s no monthly theme.
3. There’s no budget to stick to.

Meet the Hosts

Make sure you follow our board on Pinterest for more upcycled decor inspiration!

Faux Zinc Finish File Cabinet Makeover

There’s nothing wrong with a basic file cabinet, but my husband and I really like a rustic industrial style. Plus, you may not even have to go to a thrift store for a file cabinet — they can often be grabbed for free. I’ve been inspired by cabinets like this Reclaimed Vintage Industrial Cabinet on Etsy. My finished version isn’t quite as impressive, but for over $700 less, I am quite pleased.

Step 1: Wipe down the file cabinet to ensure there is no dust or grime and paint it with a couple coats of Relic by DecoArt.

Step 2: Dry brush on small amounts of Metallic Paint in Shimmering Silver. If you accidentally apply too much metallic, don’t worry. After it dries, go back over the metallic with more Relic Chalky Finish in order to tone it down.

Step 3: Apply Clear Creme Wax in order to protect the finish.

**note: I actually like this look as well, but it didn’t feel aged. If you don’t want an aged zinc finish, skip Step 4.

Step 4: Use a paper towel to apply Brown Creme Wax to the finish. Don’t apply the dark wax all over, just sparingly over the finish to create a rustic and aged look.

Don’t get discouraged if it takes a few coats and touch-ups to get the right look. Luckily, layering chalky finish paints is very forgiving and it’s easy to correct errors. Here’s a peek at my second faux zinc finish project, a desk in our Sunroom. It was much easier since I had a better feel for how much paint to apply each time.