This sweet cupboard was found at a garage sale and just too cute to walk past and leave behind. I just loved the beadboard backing and had the perfect project in mind. So after promptly paying the man and getting Mr Raggedy Bits to help me lift it into the back of our car, off we toddled home to give this beat up old gal a new lease on life. Sharing how I saved this upcycled Farmhouse Cupboard using the Napkin Method.
Upcycled Farmhouse Cupboard using the Napkin Method
Supplies needed:
- Old cupboard
- 120 grit sandpaper and sander
- Paint Brush
- Paper Napkins – I found these serviettes at my local Woolworths but these ones from Amazon would work too.
- Chalk Paint Mix – I mixed my own but you could also use Miss Mustard Seeds Milk Paint – Farmhouse White or Sweet Pickins Milk Paint – Flour Sack
- Mod Podge or Sweet Pickins Top Coat
- Chicken Wire
- Wire Cutters
- Staple Gun
- Gloves
- Bling Door Knobs
Step 1 – Remove the glass from the door. To do this I used a paint scraper to leaver off the frame that was holding in the glass. Then carefully removed the glass. Remove all of the hardware.
Step 2 – Using your brush apply your paint of choice. In this case, it took me 3 coats to get a nice coverage. Once Dry distress to your liking using 120 grit sandpaper.
Applying the napkins
Step 3 – Separate the napkins into 3 keeping the top one with the pattern on it and discarding the rest. Apply the top coat to the top corner of the cupboard backing. Line up your napkin so that it lines up nicely with the corner and starting in the middle of the napkin press and smooth out the napkin, smoothing out any air bubbles. Repeat until you have completely finished the backing of the cupboard.
Step 4 – Once the area where you applied the napkins is completely dry, distress using your 120 grit sandpaper and sander to your liking. If you don’t feel comfortable using your electric sander for this technique use a 120 grit sanding block instead. Apply another coat of top coat and then let dry.
Step 5 – Pop your gloves on and cut a piece of chicken wire slightly larger than the area where the glass used to sit in the door. Stable gun into place making sure you keep the wire taught as you go.
Step 7 – Give the entire piece a wax and pop back on the new hardware and you’re done.
Happy Painting!
Don’t have time to make now? Be sure to PIN for later
16 comments
Thanks for linking up! I love the shabby cabinet, and you know I love chicken wire!
Thank you Carlene for your kind words! It is a real dream linking up with you! I adore everything you do! You are a huge inspiration to me from allllllll the way over here in Australia!! 🙂
Hi Sam! How lovely to find a fellow Aussie linking up at Inspire me Tuesday! This is a gorgeous project and I have an old TV cabinet that I'm looking to fancy up the same way. The serviettes as 'wallpaper' is genius! Love, Mimi xxx
Hi there Mimi! Thank you for popping by to take peek and saying G'day!! You'll have a blast working on your cabinet! Make sure you let me know how you go 🙂 xx
Cute cupboard Sam. I love the chicken wire.
Thank you so much, Denise!
Luv this fun idea Sam??
Thank you so much, Ann! It sure was fun!
OMW Sam, it’s beautiful. Love the whole look, from the color to the distressing to the beautiful napkins you used on the back. Stunning
Thank you so much, Michelle!! I can feel lots more projects going to happen using the same technique!
Oh Sam your cupboard turned out so pretty! Love the distressing, chicken wire, and the print of the napkin. Beautiful!
Thank you so much, Linda! It was fun to make over and just LOVE the napkin method!
This is so cute. Reminds me of grandma’s 50s house. I need to add this to my bucket list.
You will have so much fun trying out this technique, Kim! Let me know how you go! Thank you for stopping by!
oh my gosh that is adorable! The chicken wire goes so nicely with the napkin wallpaper! I never thought to use the napkin technique as wallpaper, that is awesome!
Thank you so much, Susan! I really enjoyed making this over!