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    Home » Furniture Makeover » Plastic Cabinet Makeover | Console

    Plastic Cabinet Makeover | Console

    Published by Gail | Published June 1, 2021 | Updated July 12, 2022
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    You won't believe this awesome plastic cabinet makeover. Maybe you call it a console? It's one of those plastic pieces made to look like wood. #MyRepurposedLife #repurposed #furniture #makeover #plastic #cabinet #painted #furniture via @repurposedlife

    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?

    *this post contains affiliate links, read more here*

    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 I should remove this lower shelf, it was really too low to the bottom.

    I patched, sanded and patched again.

    Then, I decided I was going 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 for this plastic cabinet makeover, I need to add shelves. The sides of this piece were probably speakers, as there were no doors.

    I also made a little frame—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 you can see the cleats that 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 the chicken wire in place.

    I painted the newly cut pieces of luan and tested 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 allowing the wax to set up, I used this blue bonnet to polish the wax. It was quick, and easy to use. This buffer is battery operated, and the battery lasted through this whole 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.

    plastic console makeover

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

    Plastic Cabinet Makeover Complete

    With the little faux doors. The 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 the fabric.

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

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

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

    gail

    I've also painted a Plastic Dresser Mirror

    Another Plastic Mirror

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    Reader Interactions

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    1. Eliz~

      June 02, 2021 at 4:36 am

      WOW! Who would have thought? you could paint plastic! My Grandmother left me her plastic curio/cabinet in the 70's. She also had plastic wall hangings. I'd love to paint the curio/cabinet! It wasn't till 2016 I realized after all these years they were plastic they look so real! I'm going to paint it now! Thank You!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        June 15, 2021 at 9:42 am

        Wow!
        I'm so, so happy you found my painted plastic project so useful! Good luck and have fun. I think it's awesome you still have your grandmother's plastic decor!

        gail

    2. Janette

      June 02, 2021 at 4:03 am

      Amazing transformation, never heard of a plastic cabinet to my knowledge, it is a gorgeous piece.

      Reply
    3. Dottie Sutter

      July 15, 2016 at 7:51 am

      Hi it looks amazing! I have a vanity in my bathroom that is not wood but plastic, I dont know what it would be called. I wanted to paint it but was told I couldn't. Can I?

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        July 15, 2016 at 9:25 am

        If you don't like it "as is" what do you have to lose? 🙂

        I would use chalk paint or my chalky paint primer, doing several light coats, then several light coats of semi-gloss to protect it. It will take about 30 days for ANY painted project to fully cure. Until that point, it may easily scratch off. After that, I think it will be fine.

        gail

    4. Steve pfleuger

      June 26, 2015 at 10:08 am

      Hi piece looks great !!! I just bought same finish max sprayer and read to do some chairs and I was wondering if u could share your homemade chalk paint recipe for me ?? Ty steve

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        June 26, 2015 at 10:50 am

        Here's the link Steve
        https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/2013/08/diy-chalky-paint-recipe-makes-a-great-primer.html

        Have fun!

    5. Carol Stratford

      April 27, 2015 at 6:34 pm

      Beautiful makeover! I'm fascinated by your ability to see the potential in your projects. Plastic console, I wouldn't have looked twice. Now I think I'm going to challenge myself more when shopping.

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        April 28, 2015 at 9:29 am

        Carol
        It takes time to realize the beauty that is in these old pieces. Generally the prices are low enough that it's worth the chance I take.

        I hope you see things as they can be.

        gail

    6. Mayim

      November 14, 2013 at 6:55 am

      How do you access the shelves behind the chicken wire if they aren't real doors? They'd be great places to display a treasure or two but I don't see how you get to that area since there's a divider in the front section.

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.net

        November 14, 2013 at 8:23 am

        Mayim

        The chicken wire pieces are basically inserts. You would put your treasures on the shelves, then put the inserts in place, and voila! you're good to go! Of course it wouldn't make sense to put something on the shelves that you want ot get to every day. 😉

        I hope that makes sense.

        gail

    7. JoAnn @ SweetPepperRose

      October 14, 2013 at 11:56 am

      My jaw is literally dropping... PLASTIC? never heard of that before... and it looks like real wood - fabulous make over! And Love the chicken wire addition!

      Reply
    8. Pam

      October 07, 2013 at 12:26 pm

      Wow...looks great. Nice to see that you are able to move around to really start working on things again. Missed your projects.

      Reply
    9. Shirley

      October 05, 2013 at 1:06 am

      Did you sand this before you painted? By the I love I too love this project.

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.net

        October 05, 2013 at 9:36 am

        Shirley,

        I sanded the top slightly because the finish was rough... then I washed it with the hose and left it in the sun to dry.

        Thanks for your comment!
        gail

    10. Pat

      October 04, 2013 at 6:41 pm

      I love the shape of this table.
      I've seen this as a credenza type cabinet... sans stereo. I have looked for one to redo...but never find one. This one would make a pretty neat buffet... with appetizers or something.
      You did a great job... I like the color and you know I love the chicken wire!
      I bet the buffer helped ease up on the shoulder a bit?
      Patricia

      Reply
    11. Linda @ Hello I Live Here

      October 04, 2013 at 8:21 am

      Awesome transformation - I am sure it will be very useful in an entry way or a dining area for extra storage or even as a TV cabinet. Love what you did!

      Reply
    12. Syndie Patout

      October 03, 2013 at 10:41 pm

      You sure turned that Ugly Duckling into a Swan!!! It looks fabulous and I love the color & the chicken wire.

      Reply
    13. Stephanie@cre8tive

      October 03, 2013 at 3:36 pm

      Oh I like the idea of that buffer! I bet it gives you a better finish as well than hand applied. There you go painting the hardware the same color as the cabinet lol Get the rub n buff back out 🙂

      Reply
    14. LinJ47

      October 03, 2013 at 3:21 pm

      FANTASTIC!! I LOVE THE GRAY! YOUR SHELVES ARE TERRIFIC, THE CHEVRON CLOTH COVER SHELF IS AN UNEXPECTED AND EYE CATCHING FEATURE! YOU ARE A GENIUS!! LOVE YOUR CREATIVITY!!

      Reply
    15. jackie lanning

      October 03, 2013 at 3:21 pm

      I love what you did with the cabinet, but I love how you used to AutoRight Polisher even more....I will HAVE to have one of these...buffing and waxing has been killing me lately. You always have such great ideas!

      Reply
    16. Karen Marie Kedzuch

      October 03, 2013 at 2:24 pm

      Where would you buy the AutoRight Buffer? I love the transformation with your talent you made that cabinet useful in a current room.

      Reply
    17. debbie

      October 03, 2013 at 1:03 pm

      wow,, i l ove this Gail.. GREAT job, as always. I have the perfect place in my kitchen that I would sit our kitchen tv on and use the bottom part for extra storage in there. Love it!
      http://www.countryborn-n-bred.blogspot.com

      Reply
    18. Judy Parkey

      October 03, 2013 at 12:55 pm

      Love it! Love the tutorial as well.

      Reply
    19. Mindi

      October 03, 2013 at 11:00 am

      This looks so good!! I am loving the color and the chicken wire (that stinks you had to re do that part, ugh is right!) You are amazing Gail! The chevron shelf is super cute too! I am glad the buffer can help your shoulder, I hope it quits hurting!

      Reply
    20. Kim

      October 03, 2013 at 10:31 am

      Looks amazing…

      Reply
    21. Cher @ Designs by Studio C

      October 03, 2013 at 10:15 am

      Love it! I have a smaller plastic console that looks like it could be a laundry hamper. I paid $2.00 for it at the ReStore, the paid another $1.00 for a piece of shelving that will make the perfect top. I really like the plastic-y furniture - it looks neat and is easy to paint!

      Cher

      Reply
    22. Margaret

      October 03, 2013 at 9:51 am

      Another great project! I agree that this could be used in so many different ways. I think near an entryway would be great - catch keys, hold gloves, etc. I do have a suggestion though... I think I would either replace the door hardware or paint it another color. It seems to get sort of lost - unless of course, that's what you had in mind anyway! Have a blessed day!

      Reply
    23. Donna in SC

      October 03, 2013 at 9:24 am

      Another favorite! Love how you treated the side areas and the lighter color on the inside! Great re-purpose as always.

      Reply
    24. A

      October 03, 2013 at 9:16 am

      Lovely job!! What product did you use to patch, & how do you do it? Thanks:)

      Reply
    25. Laura

      October 03, 2013 at 9:16 am

      It turned out amazing! Chalk paint is my new best friend, loving it 🙂 Nice tip on the auto buffer also, may have to try that one 🙂

      Reply
    26. Marla Murasko

      October 03, 2013 at 9:10 am

      Love it. Great job the piece looks amazing.

      Reply
    27. girlfromwva

      October 03, 2013 at 9:09 am

      That looks wonderful; love the color!! I would probably use it as a bar, either coffee or wine.

      Reply
    28. Kathleen

      October 03, 2013 at 9:01 am

      Wow! Amazing job. I love it.

      Reply
    29. Julie @ follow your heart woodworking

      October 03, 2013 at 8:55 am

      Great little cabinet... hard to believe it was so plain before.

      Reply
    30. Korrie@RedHenHome

      October 03, 2013 at 8:45 am

      I can't believe you used the buffer on this! You're going to start a whole new trend for Home Right, without a doubt. The piece looks great!

      Reply
    31. Susan

      October 03, 2013 at 8:42 am

      Love this! Gorgeous. Great color.

      Reply
    32. Terri

      October 03, 2013 at 8:31 am

      Beautiful job on this little piece....love it! That little buffer looks like it worked perfect for this kind of a job!

      Reply
    33. cassie

      October 03, 2013 at 8:16 am

      wow- what a difference! it looks amazing!

      Reply
    34. Holly

      October 03, 2013 at 7:38 am

      It turned out great! I can see it used under a flat screen to store components. Love the car buffer! I have those attachments on one of my orbital sanders...I should try it out. Great idea!

      Reply
    35. Susan

      October 03, 2013 at 6:44 am

      Wow Gail, you sure made this gorgeous! I would never guess it was plastic... I so love gray!
      Susan

      Reply
    36. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.

      October 03, 2013 at 6:19 am

      What a beautiful transformation! I love the addition of the chicken wire and the way you finished it. Those sharp edges bug me too. And what a fun new toy you have there. I hope it saves some wear and tear on your shoulder!

      Reply
    37. Doris Henson

      October 03, 2013 at 5:05 am

      WOW!

      Reply

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

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