Stripping Metal

I have been scouring Craigslist lately looking for a large vintage filing cabinet (substantial drawer pulls a necessity here). I was inspired by this image I saw on Simply Grove.


I'm sure the metal on this awesome little cabinet was a totally boring color before the owner stripped off the paint. I love the mix of finishes here. It's such an industrial look.

Maybe these off of Boston's cragslist could work? The seller is asking $70 for the pair. There could be some industrial awesomeness hiding under all that old black paint.



The idea of stripping paint from old metal reminds me of this project from Martha. Just a little paint thinner or stripping gel, a toothbrush and some elbow grease to turn old tea and biscuit tins into lovely office supply storage.

on

14 comments:

  1. Mrs. LimestoneMay 27, 2009 at 10:56 AM

    Oh, I love that first one!!

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  2. aliceMay 27, 2009 at 11:12 AM

    These look fantastic!
    I wonder if my new-ish file cabinet would look as good if stripped??? Maybe I'll add it to my projects list and find out!

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  3. bluehydrangeaMay 27, 2009 at 11:19 AM

    Love the metal cabinets, and stripping them would just make them better!

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  4. HeidiMay 27, 2009 at 12:55 PM

    remember our front door??? Stripped metal. I was going to repaint it but it looked so cool. Lots of complements!

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  5. Abbey Goes Design ScoutingMay 27, 2009 at 1:20 PM

    ohhh these are lovely!

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  6. Pigtown*DesignMay 27, 2009 at 1:55 PM

    i stripped a set of barristers bookcase shelves by power-sanding it. as soon as i finished, it started rusting again. it needed to have a clear coat on it.

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  7. LindsBMay 27, 2009 at 3:10 PM

    What a fun project- I love the look of the first one!

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  8. AnonymousMay 27, 2009 at 3:50 PM

    I love those cabinets. do you think they would rust if you didn't put some kind of protectant on them? That would be my only worry... but lately, I have loved the look of stainless steel and bare metal.

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  9. High-Heeled Foot in the doorMay 27, 2009 at 4:16 PM

    I love this idea and you just inspired me to try this out on an old metal desk the previous home owners left in the house. I already went to lowes and picked up paint stripper.

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  10. à la parisienneMay 27, 2009 at 11:22 PM

    I just found you via Paris Apartment! Congrats on being mentioned on her blog! Good luck with your interior design business!

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  11. mrs. everythingJune 17, 2009 at 4:26 PM

    I know you're moving but...would you be interested in my card catalog? I have no idea what I could do with it if I keep it. Shoot me an email and let me know!

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  12. {g}June 21, 2009 at 12:18 PM

    Love the look of stripped metal -- the little tea + biscuit tins are such a great idea. Once saw a set of stripped barristers bookcases in an antique shop and thought they looked amazing -- fun post :)

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  13. MuffinJuly 14, 2009 at 4:10 PM

    I, too, have been looking for large metal storage bins for my new office. Love these.

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  14. MuffinJuly 14, 2009 at 4:10 PM

    I, too, have been looking for large metal storage bins for my new office. Love these.

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I so appreciate hearing from you. Nice comments make my day! Thanks for keeping things light here, friends! :)