Vintage Card Catalog Cabinet

Upcycling old discarded furniture is not only rewarding it helps the environment! See how a little hard work and Mojito Milk Paint transforms this Vintage Card Catalog Cabinet

Supplies needed to upcycle a vintage piece

TSP Alternative cleaner + Blue Shop Towels
Shop Vacuum
180 Grit Scuff Sand Paper
Fusion Milk Paint Mojito
Staalmeester flat Brush
Hemp Oil
Black Spray Paint
Measuring Cups for Water/Paint
Blender or Whisk for Mixing
Zinsser BIN Shellac

Hardware:

Hairpin Legs
Card Catalog Label Holders

Painting a vintage card catalog

This vintage cabinet was a curbside find. It was extremely dirty but overall in great shape. It was solid, distressed wood and just needed a good cleaning.

First, we vacuumed the piece thoroughly since it was covered in dust and webs. Then the original hardware was removed and set it aside for cleaning.

We wanted to elevate the cabinet with hairpin legs so the original block feet were removed using a power drill.

Next came a deep cleaning using Fusion TSP Alternative and water. We saturated the piece and used shop towels to wipe away the dirt and residue. This took multiple cleanings!

Mixing Milk Paint by Fusion

Using a 1:1 ratio of milk paint to room temperature water. First let the water dissolve the pigments, then stirred using either a handheld blender or a whisk. Just a minute or so until all the pigments and powder are mixed well.

We used a Staalmeester Flat Brush to apply the first coat. The wood was porous so it needed multiple coats. Overall this piece took 3 coats of milk paint for good coverage.

Using a 180 grit scuff pad to sand and distress the piece. We went for a heavily distressed look, so applied, even and moderate pressure to the piece and paid specific attention to the areas we wanted to highlight.

When the dust was removed, Fusion Hemp Oil was applied over top of the milk paint. Apply liberally let sit for 15 minutes and used a shop towel to wipe up the excess.

After letting the milk paint dry overnight, we attached the hairpin legs using screws (provided hardware).

Vintage Card Catalog Milk Paint upcycle

Finding these vintage pieces in thrift stores or even on the roadside can turn someone’s trash into your treasure! With a little love and some Milk Paint by Fusion and you have yourself a wonderful family heirloom.