How to Paint a File Cabinet
Filing cabinets are necessary pieces of furniture in many offices. Filing cabinets wear down over time with dings and scratches in the paint. Replacing these filing cabinets can be expensive, especially when companies are trying to save money and reduce costs. You can give your filing cabinets a new coat of paint to make them look brand new. Painting your filing cabinets gives you new-looking furniture, but with only a fraction of the cost.
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Things You'll Need
- Plastic zipper bags
- Screwdriver
- Drop cloths
- Sander
- Sandpaper, 220 grit
- Rag
- Metal spray paint primer
- Metal spray paint
Instructions
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1
Take out all the drawers of the filing cabinet and remove any files.
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2
Remove all the hardware from the drawers. Put the hardware in a plastic zipper bag so they will not get lost.
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3
Lay a drop cloth on the ground to protect the surface and also to protect debris from getting into your fresh paint.
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4
Fit your hand sander with 220-grit sandpaper. Give the entire surface of the filing cabinet a light sanding to scuff up the surface a little and help the paint adhere.
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5
Use a rag to wipe off the sanded surface of the filing cabinet. Make sure to remove all traces of sawdust, as they will be quite noticeable in your paint job.
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6
Use the metal spray paint primer to cover the entire exterior surface of the filing cabinet. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the actual paint.
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7
Hold the can of spray paint about 8 inches away from the surface of the filing cabinet. Spray a light coat of paint all over. Allow the paint to dry for about 24 hours.
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8
Sand the entire surface of the filing cabinet again, very lightly.
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9
Spray a second coat of spray paint all over the exterior surface of the filing cabinet.
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10
Allow the paint to dry completely. Do not try to move the filing cabinet back into the office or replace the hardware for at least 48 hours to allow the paint to cure; otherwise you risk scratching the paint very easily.
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Tips & Warnings
Work outside if possible since spray paint has a tendency to get all over things you did not intend on painting.
Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose, especially if you have respiratory problems. Even while working outside, you could inhale some of the spray paint causing damage to your lungs.
