Letter Holder | Key Cabinet

This small letter holder key cabinet was a little more than I usually pay for small thrift store items. However, I knew it would be a simple flip and makeover.

Thrift Store Letter Holder | Key Cabinet

It's difficult to tell its size in the photo. The wooden letterbox is approximately ten inches tall.

The price for this thrift store key cabinet was $6. It was in decent condition, but of course, you know I will paint it.

Dismantle Letter Box

Because I wanted this to be an easy makeover, I dismantled it by removing all the hardware, including the magnetic catch, key hooks, hinges, and d ring hangers.

Apply Surface Prep (Deglosser)

Because you don't know where a thrift store item comes from, it must have a good cleaning. I like to use HTP Surface Prep. It cleans and deglosses in one step and doesn't need to be rinsed. I applied it with a brush and wiped it back with a cloth for this project. If your project is grimy, see my article below:

Easy Paint Project

Since I chose to remove all of the hardware, painting the key cabinet with a small brush was effortless. The most important thing to remember when painting an object is patience and light coats of paint. The first coat of paint won't be beautiful, but you're trying to get a base coat so the next coat of paint will adhere properly.

I finished the key cabinet with my regular 2.5 coats. That means two full coats and a third coat touching up where needed.

Add a Little Color to Your Project

Using an artist's brush, I added Amalfi to the insets on the front of the letter holder. I think it goes well with the heathered gray, don't you?

Not shown, I used the same color on a Scrabble tile holder for the inside of the cabinet.

Add a Chalkboard

The inside of the letter holder box had a plain flat panel, perfect for a chalkboard.

Can You Use Nail Polish as Paint?

Yes, you can use nail polish as paint. Have you seen my painted acorns?

Identify Keys Using Nail Polish

When you have a bunch of small keys, it isn't easy to know which is which. The solution? Make each key a unique color using nail polish.

Reassemble Mail Holder

After the mail holder was painted and dry, it was time to reassemble it. It's imperative to keep track of all your hardware while completing your project. I have misplaced pieces more than once.

I purposely saved the hinges for last. Keeping the box separate made installing the hooks and other hardware simple and quick.

Note the Scrabble tile holder. It was attached using wood glue.

Chalk Couture Chalk Paste and Transfer

Did you know I'm a Chalk Couture Designer? I love embellishing my projects whenever I can. In my opinion, it's so much easier than stenciling.

Mail Holder-Key Storage Cabinet

The small mail slots are perfect for small items such as photos, coupons, stamps, etc.

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Inside the Key Cabinet

Voila! Now I have a chalkboard and an organized key storage!

More Thrift Store Ideas From My Friends

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• Key Cabinet|Easy Makeover My Repurposed Life
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