Craigslist Flat File Refinishing Project

[pathways]

That is some hot shit. I just picked up this flat file for 50 bucks tonight, hope to do as good a job as you did on your refinishing.

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[sixstringer]

Nice! It's lots of work but worth it!

[sixstringer]

Also, if I was going to do it again I would seriously consider using a non-spray can of Rustoleum and a ultra-smooth roller. It was a bitch trying to get the spray finish to not look streaky on the cabinet.

[karza]

Excellent Job on the flat file six.

[emac]

This refinishing job turned out AMAZING. I will be saving this thread and using the idea to refinish my CL flat file in the future. Seeing how sweet your color scheme turned out, I'm thinking of doing the same dark metallic grey on the cabinet with bright contrasting drawers -- say, in white or red?

By the way, did you refinish the hardware in any way (handles, metal tags)?

[RottenAtom]

Wow. Most Impressive

[tehhippy]

Damn - might have to undertake this when I figure out how to get my donated flat file from CA to TX.

[casoriat]

curious... when you store prints in a flat file, do you lay the prints on top of each other, or do you place something in between them so they do not touch?

[Baker]

curious... when you store prints in a flat file, do you lay the prints on top of each other, or do you place something in between them so they do not touch?

Always put something between them. Glassine is what most people use.

[sixstringer]

By the way, did you refinish the hardware in any way (handles, metal tags)?

The hardware was in good shape so I just cleaned it a bit. You can use Rustoleum to refinish them though. I'm pretty sure they have a shiny chrome paint.

[emac]

curious... when you store prints in a flat file, do you lay the prints on top of each other, or do you place something in between them so they do not touch?

Always put something between them. Glassine is what most people use.

Probably the wrong thread for this, but since you brought it up: I bought glassine from Jerry's Artorama this past weekend, but it only came in 24x36 sheets. Where do you guys with flat files find larger sheets, or do you just use something else for your larger prints?

[Cragars]

Probably the wrong thread for this, but since you brought it up: I bought glassine from Jerry's Artorama this past weekend, but it only came in 24x36 sheets. Where do you guys with flat files find larger sheets, or do you just use something else for your larger prints?

framedestination.com, I think that's the addy, sells 40x30 mylar clear sleeves with self adhesive flaps. I've used a ton with foamcore with good results.

[daviddelgadoh]

I really like the orange. Well done!

...I really need to move into a bigger place.

[ericgarza1201]

Wow, great job and thanks so much for the step-by-step process/pictures of the project, six!

I finally moved into a new place and was able to get my flat file. It's a beast 42"x54" like yours. It's in good shape... drawers are perfect, but looking to refinish it and get it looking as sharp as yours. Will be bookmarking this thread to follow your process to a tee.

A few questions:
-about how long did this project take you from start to finish? I'd like to make a weekend out of it.
-how much $$$ (approx.) did the materials/paint/etc; come out to?
-would you recommend sanding it down by hand or renting an electric sander from Home Depot/Lowe's? Something this big seems like it'd be a pain to sand by hand.

Thanks again! Can't wait to clean mine up.

[sixstringer]

1.about how long did this project take you from start to finish? I'd like to make a weekend out of it.
2.how much $$$ (approx.) did the materials/paint/etc; come out to?
3.would you recommend sanding it down by hand or renting an electric sander from Home Depot/Lowe's? Something this big seems like it'd be a pain to sand by hand.

Thanks!

1. Took about 2 weeks because of the dry time + I did the drawers separately due to space constraints. I also added a clear coat to everything w/Rustoluem crystal clear enamel. You could knock it out in 2 weekends.
2. $100. I think I used 3 cans primer, 8 cans of color for the cabinets, 2 cans of color for drawers, and 4 cans of clear.
3. I used an orbital sander

If I was going to do it again I would try using a roller instead of spray for the cabinets....just to see if I could get better & more even coverage that way.