Before & After: An Upcycled File Box

updated May 6, 2019
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(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

When I saw this little file box at a Salvation Army, it practically called to me from across the store. “Jason,” it called out to me, “please take me home and give me new life. I’m only five dollars!” How could I possibly pass it up?

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

The original gray finish on the file box had definitely seen better days. Even after a thorough scrubbing, the finish was marred with years of tape and dings and scrapes. Nothing a little spray paint won’t fix!

After removing the handle and label holder from the front of the drawer, I gave the entire box two coats of spray-on primer. And then it was time for color! I wanted a bright color and with the Rustoleum yellow spray paint I chose, I definitely got it! It took three coats of paint to get even coverage and I experienced a brief disaster when a big glob of painted started to run down the front of the drawer. In the end, though, I’m pleased that this little five dollar box looks like a million bucks.

Images: Jason Loper