Do-it-yourself restoration of an old cabinet

Over time, any items wear out, lose their attractive appearance. The restoration of an old wardrobe is one of the most important issues that worries everyone who is engaged in repairs in an apartment. Some people prefer to just throw away their old furniture, but some are looking for ways to rebuild.

You can purchase new and modern furniture that will fit perfectly into the updated room design. This can be much easier. If the old furniture was made of high quality and durable material, do not throw it away. It may still come in handy. Such furniture can sparkle with new colors if you use the right methods for this.

You should be patient and take a little time to update the cabinet. It will take on a brighter appearance. Using various decorative elements and solutions, you can add unusual colors.

There are many ways to restore old furniture that you might not know about. For example, you can use paint, painting, decorative film, or other techniques that simulate different materials and effects. Each of the methods is quite simple to implement at home. It is enough to watch a few master classes, take advantage of the recommendations of experts.

Modern technologies, various materials and numerous finishing methods will help to create unique and original furniture with minimal effort. An ornament or a stylish drawing will perfectly fit into almost any design, it will be a good addition. Everyone can try themselves as a home designer. To do this, it is enough to familiarize yourself with all possible methods of decorative finishing of an outdated product.

Advantages and disadvantages of restoring an old Soviet cabinet

New furniture always looks stylish, fashionable and luxurious, but sometimes you don't want to part with an already familiar product. The question arises of how to restore an old cabinet at home. To do this, you will have to take time, be patient and have all the necessary materials. Old furniture is always more reliable than modern furniture.

Among other advantages of the solution for the restoration of furniture, the following should be highlighted:

• Style. Many people prefer to replace old furniture with new ones, as it does not fit into the modern style. Far from it. Using various available tools and materials, you can turn an old wardrobe into a stylish product that will perfectly complement the overall stylization and idea. The Soviet cabinet is in no way inferior to the novelty.If it is made of high-quality solid wood, then it will last for more than a dozen years.
• Fashion. Antiques have become popular in recent years. Many collectors are willing to give a lot of money to become the owner of such items. In a matter of hours with your own hands, you can significantly transform old objects, give them a new life. To do this, it is enough to show a little creativity - the old will acquire new colors, become a real work of art.
• Exclusive. All models sold in stores are mass-produced, therefore, they are similar to each other. Of course, you can make custom-made furniture, but this will cost much more than restoring the finished product. The product can be not only restored, but also given an unusual appearance. After special styling, it will turn out to achieve an unexpected result. You can make the wardrobe the way you like it. It will be an exclusive model, one of a kind.
• Cheapness. Buying a new cabinet can cost a lot. Upgrading an old product is much cheaper. You will be able to save a lot of money during repairs by spending it on more useful purposes.

Note! Restoration is also a fun way to spend your free time. If you learn how to make exclusive products, you can earn extra money on this.

Necessary materials and tools for work

The choice of tools and materials to complete the task directly depends on which method will be used for the restoration. If this is the first time, it is recommended to opt for simpler options. For example, you can paint a wardrobe or use the simplest decoupage technique.

These techniques are easy to practice, even for children. You can even turn this task into a family competition or hobby. To start the recovery procedure, you should think over some interesting idea in advance. The best solution is to decorate furniture in the same style as the room is decorated. Then there will be no problems with the choice of shades or decorative elements.

To start the restoration of the cabinet, you need to take care of the preliminary surface preparation. It is important to remove all visible damage and scratches. It is necessary to check the integrity of the fittings, all fastening elements, if necessary, replace them.

You should carefully examine the internal surfaces, check the shelves for chips and damage. Such defects are eliminated in advance. New mechanisms can be purchased at specialized stores. Using nails and a hammer, it is easy to fix these problems.

Also, the following materials and tools will be required for repairs:

• Screwdrivers or screwdriver. This is necessary to replace fittings and fasteners.
• Sandpaper or sander. These tools will eliminate irregularities on the surface, remove all visible dents and damage.
• Putty knife. Used for applying plaster to level the surface.
• Self-tapping screws for replacing fittings.
• Glue.
• Roller for renewing the coating.

Depending on the chosen restoration technique, additional materials and tools may also be required. For example, decoupage technique will require napkins, a special synthetic brush and acrylic varnish. For the restoration procedure, masking tape, brushes, and a primer for surface treatment will not be superfluous.

Note! To restore a product, you need to decide on an idea.

How to restore an old cabinet with your own hands

There are many different methods for restoring old furniture at home. The following are the most common and easy-to-implement methods.

Make staining

One of the simplest methods. It can be used to update the old color or make a completely new one if desired. In order for the material to take the paint well, it is necessary to use special coloring compositions.

Restoration can be done as follows:

1. Before starting the main work, it is necessary to level the surface with a primer.
2. Next, the surface is sanded.
3. The paint is applied in several layers to maintain a bright shade.
4. After drying, a special protective layer is applied to avoid rapid fading of the paint.

Note! For work, use special brushes for uniform application of the coloring composition.

Craquelure

Method for artificial aging of the surface. To achieve the desired effect, you need to use a special varnish, which cracks after drying. The old age is preserved for a long time.

The process looks like this:

1. Remove old coating, prepare surface.
2. Apply a special varnish.
3. Then apply a crack-forming coating.
4. When the surface is dry, apply a top coat to consolidate the result.

Note! No need to apply varnish to the entire surface. It is enough to create an aging effect around the edges.

Decoupage

An interesting and simple method of creating a pattern on the surface of the cabinet. To do this, you can use napkins with any pattern. For registration, it is enough to follow these steps:

1. Cut a picture out of a napkin. The entire product can be used.
2. Divide into multiple layers.
3. Glue the image to the surface of the cabinet.
4. Cover with varnish when the glue dries a little.

You can make the drawing more voluminous. Such decor will be an unusual and simple solution for self-realization.

Tapestry

You can use fabric to add new colors to your closet décor. This technique has the following advantage - it allows you to create a unique image without preliminary surface treatment. This decoration looks especially effective in the bedroom.

The job is easy. It is enough to apply the required amount of fabric and secure to the surface with liquid nails or glue. Best suited for the restoration of natural wood products.

Stained glass film

The easiest and most economical way to decorate. Sold in rolls. It will not be difficult to stick such a decoration. The service life of such a coating differs depending on the quality. You can change the film at any time.

Plaster

Decorative plaster is a good way to give new life to an old wardrobe. This will require stencils and plaster. The first component creates bumps and then flattens the surface.To complete the work, you will need sandpaper, masking tape, plaster, stencils, varnish.

First, the surface is processed. A layer of old paint is removed, the coating is leveled. Stencil plaster is applied. Time is given to dry. After that, varnish is applied to protect against damage and moisture.

Wardrobe restoration workshops

Update the appearance of the cabinet according to the strength of everyone. To do this, it is enough to use the recommendations listed above. The work will not take much time, it will become exciting and enjoyable entertainment for the whole family. This is a great cost savings on buying factory model cabinets.

Video: giving new life to an old wardrobe

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