Craigslist Flat File Refinishing Project

Information on shipping, storing and repairing your art, plus your reviews on products for art collecting, making, storing, etc..
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pathways
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Thu Sep 01, 2011 11:05 pm

That is some hot fudge. I just picked up this flat file for 50 bucks tonight, hope to do as good a job as you did on your refinishing. :clap:
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sixstringer
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Fri Sep 02, 2011 11:29 am

Nice! It's lots of work but worth it!
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sixstringer
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Fri Sep 02, 2011 11:33 am

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.
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karza
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Wed Sep 07, 2011 9:31 am

Excellent Job on the flat file six.
emac
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Wed Sep 07, 2011 10:36 am

This refinishing job turned out AMAZING. :clap: 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? :drool:

By the way, did you refinish the hardware in any way (handles, metal tags)?
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RottenAtom
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Wed Sep 07, 2011 10:50 am

Wow. Most Impressive :clap:
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tehhippy
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Wed Sep 07, 2011 11:28 am

Damn - might have to undertake this when I figure out how to get my donated flat file from CA to TX.
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casoriat
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Wed Sep 07, 2011 11:47 am

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?
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Baker
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Wed Sep 07, 2011 12:22 pm

casoriat wrote: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.
ironjaiden wrote: "'Weener in June' is completely sold out, thanks for the interest"
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sixstringer
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Wed Sep 07, 2011 12:24 pm

emac wrote:
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
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Wed Sep 07, 2011 12:57 pm

Baker wrote:
casoriat wrote: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?
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Cragars
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Wed Sep 07, 2011 6:46 pm

emac wrote:
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.
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daviddelgadoh
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Wed Sep 07, 2011 7:07 pm

I really like the orange. Well done!

...I really need to move into a bigger place.
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ericgarza1201
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Fri Sep 09, 2011 2:10 pm

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.
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sixstringer
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Fri Sep 09, 2011 2:22 pm

ericgarza1201 wrote: 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.
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