Colour change Upcycle a metal

Wall in Dulux Kowhai Park and British Paints Vital Rose paints. Flooring, for similar try Gerflor Senso Essential ‘Damier’ 2m wide vinyl sheet flooring in Black and White, $29.87/m, I/N: 0294785. Vase, Adairs, adairs.co.nz. Bowl, Kmart, kmart.co.nz. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Colour change

Put a softer spin on industrial style with this simple hack, giving a practical locker a pastel-pretty makeover

From a practical piece for the office or garage to a sweet centrepiece for a living space, this spectacular transformation demonstrates the magic of paint. To revamp this black metal cabinet, we simply replaced the castors with timber feet and finished it in a soft, chalky paint. The chalk-finish spray paint we used requires three or four lightly applied coats, which are touch dry in about 10 minutes, making this a satisfying paint project for a peaceful afternoon.

TOOLS & MATERIALS  Safety equipment  Measuring tape and pencil  Mitre saw or handsaw  Clean cloth  Masking tape  Drop cloth  Pinnacle Hardware 810mm x 520mm x 500mm single door mobile cabinet  1.2m length 70mm x 70mm pine*  Construction adhesive  Metal primer spray paint  Two cans of matte spray paint (we used Dulux ‘Duramax’ chalky finish paint in Pink Splendour)

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Your DIY toolkit

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1Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble the cabinet, installing the shelf but keeping the door separate. Leave off the anti-slip top liner and castors, which are replaced with timber feet. Tip: Keep the cardboard packaging to use as offcuts.

2On 70mm-square pine, measure four 100mm lengths and cut with a mitre saw or handsaw. Apply construction adhesive to the tops and position flush with the corners of the cabinet, wiping away excess adhesive with a damp cloth. Leave the cabinet upright to apply weight while the adhesive dries.

3Position cardboard offcuts inside the front of the cabinet to seal and prevent paint overspray. Mask around the back of the door and the lock on the front. Tip: Prepare for spray painting by working outside and covering the surrounds with a drop cloth.

4Clean the cabinet and door with a damp cloth and leave to dry. Apply primer to all visible surfaces of the door and cabinet, including the feet, and leave to dry. Tip: Shake the can for three minutes, then hold it 250mm from the surface to apply a light, even coat.

SAFETY TIP

When using spray paint, always wear a mask and gloves and work in a well-ventilated area protected from winds to prevent overspray

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1 Pinnacle Hardware 810mm x 520mm x 500mm single door mobile cabinet, $269, I/N: 0038060. 2 Hume 70mm x 70mm x 1.2m D4S premium untreated pine, $36.20, I/N: 0132687*. 3 Selleys ‘Ezi Press’ liquid nails, $12.20/130g, I/N: 1210584. 4 Paint Partner 2.6m x 3.6m plastic-backed canvas drop cloth, $19.98, I/N: 1660308. 5 Bahco 550mm 7TP1 handsaw, $16.49, I/N: 0445162. 6 Dulux ‘Duramax’ metal primer spray paint, $16.50/340g, I/N: 1400721. 7 Dulux ‘Duramax’ chalky finish spray paint in Pink Splendour, $19.90/340g, I/N: 0073684. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

5Apply the first coat of spray paint, moving the can in a back-and-forward motion over the surface. Leave it to dry for 10 minutes, then lightly apply a second coat, repeating the application until the surface is smooth and even. Tip: Move around the cabinet to apply the paint from different angles for a thorough finish.

6Remove the cardboard from inside the cabinet and tape from the door. Attach the door, adding the supplied washers and key. Tip: Dispose of spray-paint cans responsibly by ensuring they’re empty, removing the lids and placing in the recycling bin (check first with your local council’s waste policy). ◆