Bathroom cabinet glow up on a budget

Bathroom cabinet glow up on a budget

Blog by Alice Jakubiak

DIY ALICE – Instagram  & Pinterest 

Armed with a shoestring budget, eco-friendly metal- packaged paint and a knack for sniffing out bargains, I enjoy crafting luxurious looking interiors, turning drab to fab on a budget that won’t break the bank and this bathroom makeover is no exception. 

Having single-handedly transformed my home, with fabulous makeovers on a budget, including gutting rooms and rebuilding them, I would say I am an avid DIYer and interior decorator.  

For this bathroom glow up and with the existing cupboards holding strong, I figured, why not invest in painting them? I let my creative juices take me away on an adventure by adding personal touches such as upgrading the handles & adding beautiful wooden stencilling to really make it pop. I topped the look off by painting the walls in a similar colour match. 

I chose eco-friendly metal-packaged paint for this project because it’s recyclable, cost-effective and, supports the circular economy. By recycling just one metal can, you can save enough energy to run a lightbulb for 20 hours!  

So remember that once you finish with your metal containers, you can easily pop them in your recycling household bin or recycling centre (ensuring the containers are clean and empty). This is a simple yet impactful way to contribute to environmental sustainability. By doing this you save energy and raw materials needed for producing new cans. Metal can be recycled time and time again, it has limitless potential; in as little as two months it can be recycled and returned to shop shelves in another form, avoiding landfill. By taking these steps you’ll be making a positive contribution to the environment paving the way for a brighter future. 

YOU WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS  

Annie Sloan – clear wax  

Rust-oleum – chalky furniture paint (colour of your choice

Mini short pile roller (not foam) and tray 

Paintbrush 

Lint-free cloth 

Sugar soap and cleaning cloth 

Sandpaper – fine grit   

Dust sheet  

STEP 1 – Preparation  

To embark on the quest for flawlessly painted doors, your first mission is to remove the doors from their hinges and lay them flat. Fear not, for freeing the doors is as simple as unscrewing a couple of bolts – they’ll practically leap into your arms! Remember to remove handles and hinges too. 

By painting on a level surface, you dodge those pesky paint runs that can ruin your hard work, saving you from the hassle of sanding and starting over. 

STEP 2 – Cleaning 

Arm yourself with your sugar soap and a cloth for some cleaning prep that’ll have those doors ready for the next stage.   

STEP 3 – Sanding (if required 

Now that your doors have had their beauty sleep and are fully dry, it’s time to give them a little spa treatment with fine sandpaper. Think of it as exfoliating for your doors, creating a perfect rough finish for the paint to adhere to. 

Once you’ve worked your magic with the sanding, wipe away any lingering dust with a cloth. Your doors will be feeling refreshed and ready for the first stage of their makeover! 

STEP 4 – Painting 

Remember, less is more, no paint overload here! Dip your paintbrush into the chalky paint and then carefully navigate all those nooks and crannies on the door. Keep your strokes steady and in one direction for a flawless finish. 

Now, onto the smooth sailing, those flat surfaces.  

Grab your mini short pile roller and tray and ensure the roller head is fully coated, then roll away in the same direction as before. Cover that door front like a pro! Remember not to use too much paint, you can always add a second coat (if need be) once it dries. 

Now, the waiting game begins, patience is a virtue, I personally like to wait two hours before diving into round two! 

STEP 5 – Waxing 

Now that your painted masterpiece has dried, it’s time to seal the deal with wax! Grab a lint-free cloth and get ready to work your magic. Work in sections, applying a thin coat of wax and gently wipe it down. Wait 48 hours for it to fully cure. After that feel free to add a second coat for maximum durability. 

TIP: A lint free cloth is your best friend here, it’s like the superhero of cleaning cloths, leaving no trace of fluff behind! 

Now stand back and admire your masterpiece!  

If you still have some paint left over, you can pop the lid back on and easily store your metal-packaged paint can. Metal paint cans are highly durable and keep the paint fresh, ready to use for your next DIY project. 

If you use up all of your paint, remember to recycle the cans. Making environmentally friendly conscious choices can boost your mood and instil a sense of purpose. It’s gratifying to contribute to a healthier planet.  

If you’ve had a blast diving into this budget friendly DIY adventure and you’re hungry for more, why not swing by my Instagram? Instagram is my DIY diary, chronicling my triumphs and mishaps. I’ve got a treasure trove of crafty delights and bargain DIY projects waiting just for you! Drop by and say hello:  

https://www.instagram.com/diy_alice_adventures

Pinterest 

With love, DIY ALICE  

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