Painted Plastic Storage Chests

by JOANN |

Item # 382014861P6

Intermediate Varies

Sterilite 3-drawer letter size storage chest
Spray paint formulated for plastics is preferred in desired colors/finishes according to chest design desired
4 wood turning pieces, miniature wheels, miniature furniture feet etc. for chest feet
3 wood turning pieces, large buttons, miniature drawer handles etc. for drawer handles
3 faux metal scrapbooking frames (for faux metal chest)
Low tack tape such as 3M blue Plastic tape (for geo chest)
E-6000 adhesive
Painter's tape
Roll paper or plastic wrap
Nail or awl (for chests with screw on feet and/or handles)
Hammer (for chests with screw on feet and/or handles)
Screwdriver (for chests with screw on feet and/or handles)
Drop cloth
Plastic stencil (for pink stencil chest)
Stencil paint, Plaid Design Creme is recommended (for stencil chest)
Stencil brush or sponge (for stencil chest)
Damp, soft cloth (for stencil chest)
Dry, soft cloth (for stencil chest)
Acrylic paint matched to drawer color (for stencil chest)
Glue (for non screw-on handles/feet)
Black marker
Semi-Gloss Spray Acrylic Sealer

Wipe chest with damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
If chest uses screw-on handles or feet, mark placement of handles on drawer and/or base of chest. Use nail/awl and hammer to pierce a hole through marks. Insert handle/foot to make sure hole is large enough prior to painting, then set aside.
Apply desired color to outer chest structure according to instructions on label, set aside and allow to dry completely.
Tape off drawer interiors using painters tape and roll paper/plastic wrap.
Apply desired color to drawers according to instructions on label, set aside and allow to dry completely.
If using a special effect paint, apply to all surfaces when base layer is dried completely.
Paint handles/feet as desired, set aside to dry completely. Allowing spray paint to dry overnight is recommended before applying handles/feet.
Spray finished piece with a clear coat sealer.
When drawers and outer structure are dry, screw in handles/feet. Hold handle/foot in place while tightening screw, but take care not to strip the screw. Non screw-in handles/feet can be glued.

After drawers are completely dried (recommend overnight drying), apply stencils as desired. Keep a damp, soft cloth nearby to wipe up mistakes before stencils dry. If desired, use a secondary color to apply to stencils for a weathered effect. Using a color that matches the drawers, apply with a dry, soft cloth with a gentle tapping motion. Use a very small amount of paint when applying. If desired, finish drawers with a matte or semi-gloss clear coat to seal in stencils.

Before painting outer chest structure, paint drawers. Using lightest color first, paint in the area desired. Color can overrun desired area slightly. Remove tape immediately. Allow paint to dry thoroughly. Six hours is recommended, but overnight is ideal.
Using low tack tape and paper/plastic wrap, mask off first color and spray on next darker color in desired area. Color can overrun desired area slightly. Remove tape immediately. Allow paint to dry thoroughly. Six hours is recommended, but overnight is ideal.
Continue this process until design is finished. Remove drawers and paint outer structure. Any overrun from drawer design will be covered by this paint.
Mask off front of drawers using paper/plastic wrap, and paint sides and back.

For faux metal shelves, use gray base paint and bronze metallic effect spray paint on all surfaces.

If tape is peeling up paint layers, stick the tape to a natural fiber cloth several times before applying to painted surface. This will lower the tack and prevent peeling.

Drill handle and foot holes prior to painting to lower the chances of chipping painted layers.

If gloss levels of paint colors do not match, use a clear finishing spray in desired sheen as a final painting step to bring all colors to the same gloss level.