How to Recycle a Medicine Cabinet
If you are about to replace your old medicine cabinet don't throw it out. You can turn an old medicine cabinet into wall art or storage space. You can make a medicine cabinet into a decorative mirror and a new shelf unit.
Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Spray paint
- 1/4-inch screws
- 2 picture frame hangers
- Cordless drill
- Bit to fit screws
- Washers, 1/2 inch wide
Instructions
-
-
1
Open the medicine cabinet door. Locate the hinges. Remove the screws from the hinge plates of both hinges. Remove the door and set it aside.
-
2
Use a fine-grit sand paper to completely sand the entire surface of the medicine cabinet. Use a back and forth motion applying slight pressure. This will remove any blemishes in the surface and will give the paint a smooth surface to adhere to. Dust all powder created from sanding off of the cabinet using a soft cloth.
-
-
3
Take the cabinet outside or to your work shop. Use any colored spray paint to coat the entire surface of the cabinet. Allow to dry for 10 minutes. Apply another coat of spray paint. When spraying, hold the can 8 to 10 inches away from the surface of the cabinet. Spray evenly by using a back and forth motion. Allow to dry one hour before hanging.
-
4
Tape off part of the door with painter's tape and newspaper. Leave the entire frame exposed. Take the door to your work shop or outside and spray with any colored spray paint. Hold the can 8 to 10 inches from the frame and use a back and forth motion for the top and bottom sides. For the left and right sides use an up and down motion. Allow to dry 10 minutes between coats. When finished painting remove tape and newspaper. Allow to dry for one hour before hanging.
-
5
Attach picture hangers 1/4 inch in from the top right and left edges on top of the back side of the mirror. Use a cordless drill to insert 1/4-inch screws making sure they are going into the frame and not the mirror. Hang the mirror in any room of your home.
-
6
Use 1 inch screws to hang the shelf on any wall of your home. Make sure the screw will go into a stud when when deciding where to hang the shelf. Use a cordless drill to insert the screws through the cabinet holes and into the wall. Use a washer if the screw's head is smaller than the hole in the cabinet.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Sand well for a smooth paint finish.
Use spray paint in a well-ventilated area.
