https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/revamped-drawers • Posted by Doris W.
I had an old clear plastic storage unit for ages, but it was full of dust and gross things and i hated how it showed all the things I had inside. I left it unused in a corner of my room, but recently my craft supplies have overflowed. I still didn't want to use it though because even if i cleaned it up, it would still show the messy things that would be placed inside. So what did I do? I painted it!
I had an old clear plastic storage unit for ages, but it was full of dust and gross things and i hated how it showed all the things I had inside. I left it unused in a corner of my room, but recently my craft supplies have overflowed. I still didn't want to use it though because even if i cleaned it up, it would still show the messy things that would be placed inside. So what did I do? I painted it!
First, clean the storage unit very well, especially if you've had it for ages. I just sprayed multi surface cleaner and wiped everything down. Then I used makeup sponges to dab the paints in the plastic units. I used the multi surface paints mostly because I had them lying around and I wasn't sure the acrylics would adhere as well. You could also use paint brushes or the sponge brushes to apply the paint. I didn't have them, so I used the makeup sponges. (See a pattern here? xP) I only used one layer, so some parts are a little patchy, but I liked how it looked so I kept it that way. One more layer of paint would probably make it opaque. I had wanted to paint a design in black on the outside to make it have a sort of 3-D effect, but I was too lazy. It'd be cool if anyone else tries it though. You can also paint the outer casing if it doesn't fit your color scheme.
I then placed them upside down on top of each other to dry and avoid dust getting in, but I didn't leave enough open areas to let the air circulate, so it didn't completely dry the next morning. What did I do to solve it? I shrugged my shoulders and just let them dry facing up. Whatever dust that got in was minimal. As in I couldn't see any.
After they all dried, I sprayed on some acrylic sealer (because multi surface paint is close enough to acrylic, right?). I'm hoping that helps prevent scratches from occurring once I put in objects. If you drew a design on the outside, it would also probably be a good idea to spray that as well. I put it back together, and now it's ready to be of use!