You know that moment when you realize that your project may be a little bigger than you anticipated? Well this was that moment, removing drawer number 18 out of 45.
{It’s when I understood that look my husband gave me when he first saw
my beautiful piece of “metal junk”.}
I wanted every single one of those beautiful filing cabinets in my home. My concern was twofold:
1. Making sure that nothing would flake off of it when my baby tried to eat a handle.
2. Making sure that it wouldn’t rust any more or stain my carpet.
After doing some research I landed at a website that gave me the direction I was looking for. It told me how to remove the dust and dirt and protect it from rusting further.
To clean up and protect the cabinet:
First, I used an air compressor to blow off most of the dirt.
Second, I wiped all of the drawers, and the cabinet, with the mineral spirits on a rag to remove the remaining dirt.
Third, I applied Penetrol. This is an add-in for oil based paints that keeps metals from rusting. I applied with a foam brush and I don’t see any brush marks on the cabinet.
Fourth, I clear coated the entire cabinet with a matte finish.
The final result is a beautiful rusty cabinet that has been moved into my living room.
What do you think of the chair legs that I put in a basket?
What rusty treasures do you plan to clean up and move into your home?
Natalie says
I pinned this 🙂 Looks great!
Becky Dempster says
Thanks! 🙂
Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.com says
What a wonderful cabinet. It’s so unique to begin with…I can see why you bought it. And it looks so nice in your home. Great accessories.
Becky Dempster says
Thank you! I contemplated selling it but I don’t think I can part with it 🙂
Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage says
What an amazing piece! I love it! You decorated the top so cute too!
Becky Dempster says
Thanks! I love having it in my home!
Jamie {Better With Age} says
This is gorgeous!I’d love it if you could link this up to our party, Give Me The Goods Monday! {1 party, 4 blogs}
http://www.somuchbetterwithage.com/2013/07/give-me-the-goods-party-no-16/
Have a great week!
Jamie @ Better With Age
Becky Dempster says
Thanks for the info for your link party. I’ve added it to my list of parties!
Roeshel says
It’s gorgeous!
Rita says
This is lovely!
Rita
http://www.ferrytaleshome.blogspot.com
Amy says
Loved this project! I chose it for one of my features at Give Me the Goods Monday Link Party this past Sunday!! So good to see what really works with cleaning and preserving metal objects…loved how you mentioned that you didn’t want it to leave rust marks on your carpet! So many people don’t think of that! It turned out so fantastic! Thanks for linking up! Hope to see more of your projects!
Amy @ http://www.commona-myhouse.blogspot.com
http://www.commona-myhouse.blogspot.com/2013/09/give-me-goods-monday-link-party-no-24.html
Becky Dempster says
Thanks so much for the feature Amy!
renee hansen (@iowamamaof3) says
I have this same cabinet. I bought from our courthouse! We store our DVDs in it. Perfect fit! Luckily mine wasn’t rusted!! You did a GREAT job!
Becky says
Ahhh! A courthouse! I’ve been working through places that would need a cabinet like this and you may have just solved the mystery. Thanks for stopping by!
Leah says
I am in LOVE with your cabinet! I kind of have a thing for lockers/locker-type cabinets! So FUN!
Becky says
Love using old lockers!
Jesica says
That is so stunning! Love that you found a way to preserve its original patina. I’m obsessed with anything vintage industrial but it’s soooooo expensive around here, otherwise I might have a whole house full of rusty furniture 🙂
Becky says
Thanks! I love the way it turned out and I’m still enjoying it today!
creativejewishmom/sara says
That certainly is a treasure, and I had to laugh about your husband, mine would certainly give me more than just a “look”! thanks for sharing on craft schooling Sunday
Marie, The Interior Frugalista says
Wow, that is one fabulous find! I love how you kept the original patina. I bet it’s a conversation piece in your home. Pinning to share 🙂
Vanessa D. says
I am drooling with envy over that glorious file cabinet – literally drooling.
rleeosborn says
Somebody needs to love and appreciate items like these! I’m glad you persevered and found something that worked on the cabinet in order to preserve it! Thanks for sharing at the Family Joy Linkup!
Studio Paint Design says
What a wonderful piece!! It’s so unique…. I’ve never seen anything like it before. Just love the neutral finish you put on it.
I will be featuring your post on Wonderful Wednesday’s Link Party next week. I hope you come by and check it out on my blog next week.
Maxine:)
http://www.studiopaintdesign.com
lorraine williamson says
Love it thanks for the tips have a chest that’s rusted need to work on it when I can find a space to spray it pinning and sharing have a great weekend
gracefulcoffee says
Looks amazing! I’ve never seen anything like this before 🙂
Blessings,
Edye | http://gracefulcoffee.wordpress.com
Organized 31 says
What an absolutely gorgeous piece (now, after all your hard work)! It’s a good thing that I’m not your neighbor or I’d be brainstorming ways to sneak it out of your house without you noticing. 🙂 Thanks for sharing at the #ThisIsHowWeRoll Link Party.