How and how to update an old wardrobe - ways

The wardrobe occupies an important place in any interior. But over time, it loses its original luster or just goes out of fashion. Then the question is brewing: what to do with the old cabinet? The easiest way would be to buy a new one, but this is certainly a big cash cost, and you also need to understand that most of the presented models will be of the same type and devoid of individuality.

There is a reliable way out of this situation - to update the old cabinet with your own hands. Thus, you will not only save money, but you will also be the proud owner of a unique piece of furniture.

What may be needed during the restoration process

The first and most important thing that is needed when updating a boring closet is your imagination. First you need to recreate the ideal image in your head, decide on the style and color scheme.

The undoubted advantage of home restoration is that there are tools for this in every home. And if something is not found at home, then it can be easily purchased at the nearest store. Depending on the style and update method you choose, you may need the following tools:

• fine sandpaper;
• brushes;
• rollers;
• glue;
• primer;
• dye;
• decor elements;
• accessories.

How to prepare a cabinet for restoration

Preparing the cabinet for the update is not difficult if you follow the step-by-step instructions:

1. Remove the fittings and unscrew the curtains. So that nothing distracts you and does not spoil the mechanisms when processing surfaces.
2. Furniture cleaning. All surfaces must be well cleaned. There should be no dirt, old stains or streaks. Pay attention to hard-to-reach places. When cleaning, use a soft cloth and detergent. This work should be done as efficiently as possible, since it depends on how the paints and varnishes will form.
3. Cleaning and repair. Once the furniture is dry after wet processing, you can start cleaning and repairing. The top layer must be carefully processed with fine-grained emery paper. If the cabinet has visible defects (chips, scratches, dents or screw holes), they need to be fixed. Treat these places with a primer and putty. After the putty has completely hardened, it is necessary to process these areas with sandpaper. Before proceeding to the direct decoration of the cabinet, you need to treat the entire surface with a primer.

Methods for transforming an old cabinet

There are many different ways to modernize your wardrobe.It all depends on the ultimate goal and your taste. Let's consider the most popular methods of transformation.

Decoupage technique

An interesting decorating technique that does not require money and labor.

1. First you need to choose napkins with a suitable pattern. These are sold in any store.
2. Next, you need to attach a napkin or part of it to the surface and moisten it evenly with water.
3. Then take a wide brush or roller and smooth out the napkin well. At the same time, there should be no bubbles or folds.
4. Next, you need to apply PVA glue to the napkins and wait until they dry completely.
5. In order to fix the result for a long time, it is necessary to cover the surface with furniture varnish. This decor looks great on light-colored furniture.

Toning

Toning is used when they want to emphasize the beauty and structure of the wood from which the furniture is made. To apply this method, you will need:

• roller or brush;
• lint-free cloth rag;
• wood stain or other toning material.

Important! The surface must be perfectly sanded before coating. At the same time, it is important to remove all the resulting dust with a vacuum cleaner, and not with a damp cloth, as this will lead to the fact that the dust gets clogged into the structure of the tree and, as a result, to poor-quality toning.

Using a brush or roller, coat the surface with the tinting material. Wipe off excess with a dry cloth. Leave to dry completely.

Note! The assessment of the final result depends on how well the surface dries. If the product is not dry enough, then it may appear to be the wrong shade.

A varnish should be used to protect the surface. Most often, oil varnishes are used to treat the surface of furniture. Their main advantage is fast drying and a dense film formed on the surface. They are suitable for any type of wood. Also, acrylic varnishes do not lag behind in quality and popularity. The advantage of such a paint and varnish material is that it is safe for humans and practically odorless.

The varnish will give additional protection to the coating, as well as give a noble glossy shine.

Painting

When a question arises how to update a wardrobe, the first thing that comes to mind is painting. Here we are talking not only about refreshing coloring, but also about a global color change. With the new color of furniture, you can achieve a radical change in the interior. The main thing is to decide on the shade of paint and its composition.

When choosing paint, pay attention to the composition. It is worth abandoning old oil paints and those made on the basis of solvents, since such paints are toxic and fire hazardous. Water-based paint is ideal. It is more environmentally friendly, fire resistant, and has a less pronounced odor.

Apply the paint in several layers, letting each dry. In the end, do not forget to varnish the cabinet - this will prolong the durability of the coating.

Important! Do not forget to ventilate the areas where you are painting. Do not neglect personal protective equipment.

Craquelure method

The craquelure technique is based on the artificial aging of furniture and the creation of cracks on it. With this method, you will need brushes, a roller, 2 shades of paint, a special craquelure varnish.

On the previously prepared surface, it is necessary to apply a thick layer of ordinary paint. Craquelure varnish is applied over the dried paint. But do not allow to dry completely. You can check this by touching your finger, if it sticks, but does not paint, then it is ready. Next, the second type of paint is applied. In this case, cracks appear instantly. The thickness of the cracks can be adjusted by the density of the paint layer. A thicker layer means deeper cracks.

Advice! You can speed up the drying process using a regular hair dryer.

Photo wallpaper or photo printing

Another original way to remake a wardrobe is wallpaper or photo printing. The selected image in the photo shop will be enlarged and printed in the desired size. Or you can buy the wallpaper you like. After that, the matter is small. The technology of gluing photo printing on the cabinet is no different from the usual gluing of wallpaper. For better reliability, you can varnish the surface.

Stained glass film

The use of stained glass film in the restoration of furniture has many advantages: it is durable, attractive, has a wide variety of colors, it is easy to care for it, and protects the method from mechanical damage. With this method, it is easy to refresh furniture, while spending a minimum amount of time and money. You will need a film and sharp scissors.

In order to avoid difficulties, it is necessary to use the following algorithm of actions:

• measure the dimensions of the furniture;
• cut the film into pieces of the required size;
• before gluing, free the edge of the material by 10-15 cm from the protective coating;
• attach the edge with the adhesive side to the furniture and gently smooth out the remaining film.

Remember! It is important to have a clean and even, flawless surface. All the flaws will become apparent under the film.

Restoration of an old lacquered cabinet with fabric

An original method of decorating old wardrobes using fabric. To do this you need:

• the cloth;
• furniture stapler;
• foam rubber or synthetic winterizer.

The fabric is fixed with a stapler from the back of the surface. Be sure to put a thin layer of pad under the fabric. Preference should be given to dense fabrics that do not deform after tension. An excellent solution for a nursery will be a design from pieces of fabric in the patchwork technique.

Replacement of fittings

Old, shabby, sloppy fittings give away the true age of the cabinet and make it unattractive. Well-chosen fittings will highlight all the advantages of the new design.

Restrained and laconic details will suit modern minimalism. The Provence style requires carved old handles. The classics love curves and carvings. Replacing fittings is not difficult. This requires only a screwdriver. Do not forget about the old loosened hinges, they should also be replaced.

Decor with glass

Many people think about how to make a modern one out of an old cabinet. The most elegant way would be to decorate the cabinet with mirrors. To do this, you must carefully measure the dimensions and order the mirrors in a specialized workshop. The mirror surface is attached with liquid nails to a horizontal surface. To do this, you need to remove the doors from the cabinet.

Such a solution will ideally hide all defects in the furniture, as well as visually expand the space.

Now, knowing what you can do from an old cabinet with your own hands, you can give it a new life, you can surprise everyone with unique design solutions. At the same time, use the minimum cost of money and time.

Video: alteration and repainting of an old cabinet

Photo of 50 variants of cabinet designs after restoration