How to Decoupage a Metal Filing Cabinet

Decoupage is a fun and easy crafting technique that involves adhering cutouts of paper, fabric, or other materials to a surface using glue or varnish. It’s a great way to give new life to old furniture or drab home decor pieces. Decoupaging a metal filing cabinet is an especially impactful project, transforming the industrial look into something artistic and unique. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to decoupage a metal filing cabinet.

Choose Your Materials

When decoupaging a metal surface like a filing cabinet, it’s important to use materials specifically designed for metal. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Metal decoupage medium – This is a specially formulated decoupage glue that adheres well to metal surfaces. Choose one like Mod Podge Dishwasher-Safe Metallic Finish.
• Decoupage paper – For metal surfaces, use lightweight paper no thicker than scrapbooking paper. Tissue paper or vintage book pages work wonderfully to create a translucent, layered look.
• Sealer – You’ll need a sealer like Mod Podge Clear Acrylic Sealer to protect your finished piece.
• Foam brush – To smoothly apply the decoupage medium and sealer.
• Craft knife – For intricate cuts in decoupage paper.
• Ruler – For cleanly cutting decoupage paper.
• Sandpaper – Lightly sand the filing cabinet before decoupaging for better adhesion.

Prep the Filing Cabinet

Proper prep is crucial when decoupaging metal. Here’s how to get your filing cabinet ready:

• Remove the drawers from the cabinet so you can access all surfaces.
• Thoroughly clean the cabinet inside and out with mild soap and water. Rinse and let dry completely.
• Lightly sand the exterior of the cabinet using fine 400 grit sandpaper. This roughens up the surface for better decoupage adhesion.
• Wipe away any sanding residue with a dry cloth. Now the filing cabinet is ready for decoupage!

Cut Out Your Decoupage Paper

• Plan your design and think about how you’d like the paper cutouts layered on the filing cabinet. Keep in mind any handles, hardware or open spaces.
• Use your ruler and craft knife to cut your decoupage paper into your desired shapes and sizes.
• Cut various shapes and sizes for more interest. Mix up patterns and paper colors too.
• Keep pieces smaller around hardware or handles for easier decoupage.
• Work on a cutting mat and change your blade frequently for best cuts.

Apply the Decoupage Medium

• Working with one paper piece at a time, brush a layer of decoupage medium onto the back using the foam brush.
• Smooth the paper piece onto your desired area of the filing cabinet, pressing out any air bubbles with your fingertips.
• Brush another layer of decoupage medium directly over the top of the paper, sealing in the edges.
• Continue cutting and adhering pieces of decoupage paper until you’ve covered the entire filing cabinet exterior as desired.
• If any decoupage medium seeps out onto other areas, quickly wipe it away with a damp cloth.

Seal the Decoupaged Filing Cabinet

Once your filing cabinet is covered in decoupaged paper, it needs to be sealed to protect the artwork.

• Allow your decoupaged filing cabinet to fully dry for at least 8 hours or overnight before sealing.
• Using the foam brush, apply a smooth layer of the sealer over the entire exterior surface area.
• Let the sealer dry completely, then add 1-2 additional coats for a glossy finish and to ensure full protection.
• Allow the final sealer coat to dry for 24 hours before handling and reassembling your revamped filing cabinet.
• Your decoupaged metal filing cabinet is ready to show off!

Tips for Decoupaging Metal Successfully

• Work in a well-ventilated area since decoupage medium and sealer have fumes.
• Apply the decoupage medium in thin, even coats to prevent bubbling.
• Carefully smooth paper and brush out wrinkles and air pockets as you work.
• Add extra medium over paper edges for a firmly adhered seal.
• Avoid over-brushing as too much medium under papers can cause them to slide.
• If sealer drips, gently wipe away wet sealer with a damp cloth.
• Work in sections when decoupaging larger pieces so all areas get medium while wet.

With the right materials and techniques, it’s surprisingly easy to decoupage metal filing cabinets, and the results are so striking. Give your old metal cabinet new decorative life with a decoupaged design in any style you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions About Decoupaging Metal Filing Cabinets

What type of decoupage paper works best on metal?

For metal surfaces, use lightweight translucent paper like tissue paper or vintage book pages. Heavier paper has a tendency to bubble or detach. Scrapbook paper up to 70lb works too. Avoid non-porous papers like photos or cardstock.

How do I avoid wrinkles when decoupaging metal?

Work slowly and carefully, smoothing out each paper piece as you adhere it. Use a credit card or flat edge to press out wrinkles and remove air bubbles. Adding medium in thin layers keeps it from getting too slippery.

Can I decoupage fabric or other materials to metal?

Yes, lightweight fabrics like napkins or handkerchiefs can be decoupaged to metal using a medium designed for fabric decoupage. Avoid heavier fabrics that may detach over time. Natural materials often don’t adhere well.

How do I decoupage metal filing cabinet drawers?

The process is the same! Remove the drawers to easily access all sides, sand lightly, and clean before decoupaging the drawer exteriors as desired with metal decoupage medium.

How do I decoupage tin cans or metal signs?

Clean and lightly sand the metal surface to rough it up before decoupaging as normal with lightweight paper and metal-safe decoupage medium. Apply in thin coats and seal when done.

Can I use a different sealer like polyurethane?

Sealers specifically formulated for decoupage, like acrylic sealers, are recommended to protect the artwork. Other sealers may react adversely with the decoupage medium. Test first in an inconspicuous spot.

Conclusion

Reviving old metal furniture with decoupage is highly rewarding. With the right specialty decoupage supplies and techniques for metal surfaces, it’s simple to apply beautiful paper designs to filing cabinets, drawers, tins, and more. The finished project not only looks stunning, but protects and preserves the metal underneath. Approach metal decoupage thoughtfully, taking care in the prep work and sealant steps, and your filing cabinet will become a personalized showpiece you’ll enjoy for years to come.