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.
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.
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!
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This is really cool Lora! I LOVE old metal finishes and yours is amazing. What a great idea to use it on a filing cabinet. You've inspired me to take a paint brush to ours!
I'm a huge fan of old metal finishes and industrial style, too.
Great way to update a boring ole filing cabinet. It truly does look like metal! Visiting from Thrift Store Challenge.
Glad it looks like metal!!
Wow Lora - this is a fantastic transformation. We love the zinc finish you were able to achieve. We never would have guessed that this was red metal!
Thanks, ladies! I'm really pleased with the finished product.
This turned out great! I have a few ugly old metal cabinets that could use a face lift! xo Kathleen | Our Hopeful Home
Give them a fresh new style 🙂
Wow, this technique is awesome. I love the industrial look! Great job friend.
Me, too! One of my favorite styles.
I love the look of this. File cabinets are always so "officey" and I hate them. You made this one stand out and it looks terrific! I would totally put this in my home.
Yep! That was my goal! Non-office, office furniture, haha!
Such a great project! I actually LOVE that. I was going to use that paint when I redid a vintage table I found a while back but ended up using the Martha steward line. I think next time I might try this brand! Great work Lora.
Lauren
I've done several DecoArt Chalky Finish products and have been really pleased.
Checked the Etsy example and have to say I like yours better!
Yaaay! Thanks 🙂
Nice job. Isn't paint amazing!
Seriously, isn't it?! So versatile.
Looks authentic ! Beautiful job!
Jeannee
That's great!! I'm so glad it's got an authentic feel 🙂
This turned out perfectly. ...great job.
Thanks, Denise!
Really amazing!! I really had no idea that that was a file cabinet when I first saw the pic!
Awesome!! That's always what you want to hear when trying to give a piece style 🙂
That's a really cool idea and great transformation, Lora!
XO, Vanessa
Thanks, Vanessa!
Wow, that looks amazing! I have never tried their Creme waxes before - I have so many projects I can do! Lol Beautiful job!!
I had only worked with ASCP Wax, and this is much more liquidy, and tries quickly -- as a reference.
The file cabinet looks terrific. I like the idea of making office furniture blend in with our decorating styles and you did just that.
Me, too! Why being boring when it can have style, too? 🙂