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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

Amanda | The Kolb Corner    Erlene | My Pinterventures    Kim | Made in a Day
Dru | Polka Dot Poplars    Maureen | Red Cottage Chronicles    Pili | Sweet Things
Debra | Shoppe No. 5    Marie | DIY Adulation    Havalah | Sisters, What
Chelsea | Making Manzanita    Ann | Duct Tape and Denim
Molly | Just a Little Creativity    Ashley | 3 Little Greenwoods    Kimm | Reinvented
Kim | Farmhouse Made    Victoria | Dazzle While Frazzled    Sara | Twelve on Main
Chelc | Inside the Fox Den     Michelle | Our Crafty Mom    Jeannee | Shepherds and Chardonnay
Jennifer and Vicki | 2 Bees in a Pod    Lora | Craftivity Designs
Ali | Home Crafts By Ali    Denise | My Thrifty House    Kathleen | Our Hopeful Home
Toni | Small Home Soul    Jeanie | Create & Babble    Michelle | Michelle James Designs

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. 

How to apply a faux zinc finish to a basic file cabinet for an rustic industrial makeover. Thrift store upcycle. Click the image to view the full tutorial with photos and paint colors.

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.

How to apply a faux zinc finish to a basic file cabinet for an rustic industrial makeover. Thrift store upcycle. Click the image to view the full tutorial with photos and paint colors.

How to apply a faux zinc finish to a basic file cabinet for an rustic industrial makeover. Thrift store upcycle. Click the image to view the full tutorial with photos and paint colors.

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.

How to apply a faux zinc finish to a basic file cabinet for an rustic industrial makeover. Thrift store upcycle. Click the image to view the full tutorial with photos and paint colors.

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

How to apply a faux zinc finish to a basic file cabinet for an rustic industrial makeover. Thrift store upcycle. Click the image to view the full tutorial with photos and paint colors.

How to apply a faux zinc finish to a basic file cabinet for an rustic industrial makeover. Thrift store upcycle. Click the image to view the full tutorial with photos and paint colors.

**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.

How to apply a faux zinc finish to a basic file cabinet for an rustic industrial makeover. Thrift store upcycle. Click the image to view the full tutorial with photos and paint colors.

How to apply a faux zinc finish to a basic file cabinet for an rustic industrial makeover. Thrift store upcycle. Click the image to view the full tutorial with photos and paint colors.

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.

How to apply a faux zinc finish to a basic file cabinet for an rustic industrial makeover. Thrift store upcycle. Click the image to view the full tutorial with photos and paint colors.

How to apply a faux zinc finish to a basic file cabinet for an rustic industrial makeover. Thrift store upcycle. Click the image to view the full tutorial with photos and paint colors.

Ready to get this look? Grab the products you’ll need:


And now for more thrifty goodness!

Check out what my fellow upcyclers created below!


You might also like:

A small dresser for a boys bedroom in ASCP Arles with DIY Leather Drawer Pulls. Click through for the full tutorial.Vintage Dresser Makeover in Primitive Chalky Finish by DecoArt with Modern Bar Pulls and Geometric Knobs in Polished Nickel. Thrift Store Upcycle by @CraftivityD13 Gray Furniture Makeovers, Gray Paint Colors by @CraftivityDHow to make a DIY Rustic Basket. Turn a basic basket into a farmhouse style basket. Thrift Store Upcycle monthly challenge. by @CraftivityD

Ashley ~ 3 Little Greenwoods

Monday 15th of May 2017

Oh this is a fabulous makeover! I've got an ugly metal filing cabinet that would look so much better with this paint treatment.

Thanks so much for the inspiration!

{BIG hugs} ~Ashley

Lora Green

Friday 19th of May 2017

Thanks! I'd love to hear how it goes if you try it!

Erlene

Tuesday 9th of May 2017

I love the new look! Now I want to kick myself for giving away a mini red side table that I could have tried this technique on.

Lora @ Craftivity Designs

Sunday 14th of May 2017

Thanks, Erlene! I was so pleased with how it turned out!

Shani | Sunshine & Munchkins

Saturday 6th of May 2017

That looks so good Lora! I agree that adding the brown at the end takes it to the next level and really finishes the look.

Lora @ Craftivity Designs

Sunday 14th of May 2017

Thanks, Shani! I'm glad you like the brown, I went back and forth on it for awhile.

Michelle

Saturday 6th of May 2017

I so want to try this!! I love the look!

Lora @ Craftivity Designs

Sunday 14th of May 2017

I'd love to hear what you think if you give it a try!

Pili

Friday 5th of May 2017

Love the industrial look of your cabinet, it is so cool now!