Plastic Cabinet Makeover | Console

You know I love a challenge, and this one definitely qualified. What started as an outdated plastic radio cabinet turned into a surprisingly stylish console with a whole new look. A little vision, some paint, and a few simple upgrades made this unusual piece feel right at home.

Have you ever seen a plastic cabinet makeover? I’m not sure when or why they made plastic radio consoles. Maybe someone in your family had one years and years ago?

Do you remember this haul from last month at the Hardin County Habitat Restore?

Visit the My Repurposed Life Amazon Store to shop my favorite items.

Plastic Cabinet Makeover Tutorial

Begin Cabinet Makeover with Primer

This plastic cabinet was part of my painting marathon using my DIY chalk paint in my HomeRight Finish Max.

Make Necessary Repairs

After priming, I decided to remove this lower shelf; it was too low to the bottom.

I patched, sanded, and patched again.

Then, I decided to leave this piece the original gray DIY chalk paint, but paint the inside white. I didn’t want to remove this shelf—I’ll figure something out.

Add Shelves

I’m thinking about adding shelves for this plastic cabinet makeover. The sides of this piece were probably speakers, as there were no doors.

I also made a little frame—a faux door for the sides.

The plastic cabinet makeover is coming right along, eh? Here, you can see that I painted each side white, and the cleats I installed to hold up the new shelves I made.

Install Chicken Wire to Plastic Cabinet Faux Doors

It’s time for some chicken wire! I attached it with my staple gun.

Because chicken wire drives me crazy, I decided to cut some pieces to help hold it in place.

I painted the newly cut pieces of luan and tested them to make sure they would work and allow me to insert the faux doors into the sides of the plastic cabinet.

Uh oh! I painted the frames and Luan pieces on a gloomy day. The next day, when I was putting it all together to do a dry fit, I immediately noticed I had used the WRONG shade of gray! Ugh! I had to take the little luan piece off, remove the chicken wire, and repaint all of those pieces.

Time To Wax the DIY Chalk Paint

While that paint was drying, I started waxing the DIY chalk paint. I used ASCP soft wax (clear) with my NEW best friend. Let me introduce you to the HomeRight AutoRight car buffer! I used this thick, soft applicator sponge to apply the wax.

This Buffer is now available on Amazon.com

 

The thick, soft applicator sponge is great for getting into the recessed areas!

After the wax set, I used this blue bonnet to polish it. It was quick and easy to use. This buffer is battery-powered, and the battery lasted the entire project. I also like to use a clean white applicator sponge to buff.

I store my waxing sponge in a plastic bag. I’ve used it on several projects besides this plastic cabinet makeover.

The console/cabinet is all finished, with shelves, but without the little faux chicken-wire doors.

Plastic Cabinet Makeover Complete

This image shows the cabinet with the little faux doors. They are easily removable if the new owner isn’t fond of chicken wire, but I think they are perfect for the plastic cabinet makeover!!!

This is how I dealt with the ugly shelf. I covered it with gray-and-white chevron fabric, using spray adhesive to attach it.

I think this piece can be very versatile and used in many ways.

It amazes me how a piece of plastic furniture can be transformed with paint, wax, and chicken wire!

I really love the color, do you? How would you use it?

This makeover is a great reminder that even the most unlikely furniture can have a second chance. With a few budget-friendly changes, this plastic cabinet went from forgotten and dated to useful and full of character. It just goes to show that potential can hide in the most unexpected places.

gail

I’ve also painted a Plastic Dresser Mirror

Another Plastic Mirror