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An old cabinet upcycled into a community library using paint, window film and labels.
The project
There is nothing better than taking an old piece of furniture and creating a new way to use it. That is what we have done with this fun cabinet upcycle into a community library.
I found this cabinet on one of my many Salvation Army thrift store trips and loved how unique it was. There are some great finds at the op shop that you can upcycle and make your own or use as is, and the best part about it is it’s easy on your wallet.
For this project, I headed to my local Bunnings to pick up some materials and got to work. As we have been renovating for some time I took advantage of items and paint that we already had.
The kids have had a load of fun helping me pick out some books to donate and start the library off and we can’t wait to help the kindy get it installed.
Steps
Step 1
Preparation
I was planning to paint this cabinet, so I sanded it to rough up the varnish to give the paint a surface to stick.
As the cabinet will most likely be kept outside I decided to coat the back and top with a waterproof membrane as there were some cracks in the wood. If you were using this cabinet internally, this wouldn’t be necessary.
Step 2
Waterproofing
To add a layer of protection to the glass, I embossed it using a frosted privacy film. I measured the glass panes and cut them down to size.
You need a solution to spray on the glass to wet the adhesive and smooth out the film. At first, I used water mixed with washing detergent to manipulate the frosting in place but I found this left a white residue under the window film.
I swapped out the soap mixture for water and this worked in the same way and didn’t leave any marks. Once it was dry, I used an external caulk around the edges of the glass and left it for 24 hours to dry.
Step 3
Prime and paint
I primed the cabinet using a tinted primer, then applied two coats of a Dulux black satin exterior paint.
Step 4
Add some personality
We are gifting this community library to our local kindergarten and I wanted to add a pop of colour. I applied peel-and-stick contact to the back of the cabinets. I measured each back panel and cut them to size. Application is a little tricky as it’s very sticky, and you want to avoid bubbles. I peeled the top of the wallpaper back and applied it using a scraper as you pull the back from the wallpaper
I cut some vinyl for the library signs using my Cricut Joy and added these as a finishing touch
We created this video to show the whole process.
Tools and materials
Materials used in the project:
- Bastion 15kg Rapid Set Membrane
- Embossed Frost Adhesive Window Film
- Watercolour Botanica Self Adhesive Film
- Selleys No More Gaps Exterior
- Dulux 1Step Prep Primer, Sealer & Undercoat
- Dulux 1L Enamel Paint Aquanamel Gloss Black
- Dulux 300g Metalshield Etch Primer Spraypak Light Grey
- Dulux 300g Metalshield Hammered Finish Spray Paint Bronze.
Tools used in the project:
Before and after
More inspiration for your furniture upcycling project
Workshop member Liesel bought some old furniture and after applying fresh paint was delighted with her upcycled bookcase.
Community member Jess built this recycled pallet kids market stall and painted it with Rust-Oleum milk paint.
Check out our Top 10 most popular indoor furniture projects for more ideas posted by our clever and creative Bunnings Workshop community members.
Afternoon @Renowayoflife
Another one that has come up beautifully! 
I really like how you have sealed it and then even caulked the glass panes!
Have you got a photo of it now to show how its standing up to the hordes of libary users ?
Dave
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