Transform Your Bathroom: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Stunning Medicine Cabinet Makeover
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Are you tired of the basic mirror medicine cabinet in your bathroom? It’s time to transform it into a stylish focal point with some fun shelves. Let’s embark on a journey from basic to bomb as we give your medicine cabinet a chic makeover.
Step 1: Clearing the Slate & Removing the Old Cabinet
To begin, remove everything from your cabinet, and bid farewell to that face cream from five years ago. Embrace the change! Gather the necessary tools: a power drill, utility knife, flat bar, shop vac, and a sawzall knife. Using your power drill, unscrew the cabinet from the inside. Score and remove any caulk with the utility knife, then carefully pop the cabinet out with the flat bar. Consider listing it for free online to minimize waste.
Step 2: Cleaning and Prepping
Clean the cabinet’s interior with a sawzall knife and a shop vac. Decide on the appearance of the nook’s back – whether it’s tiled, shiplapped, wood-paneled, or freshly painted, it’s your chance to personalize.
Step 3: Building the Inset Frame
Measure the Height, Width, and Depth of your nook. Use 1×4 poplar, keeping in mind the actual measurements differ from nominal sizes. Cut and assemble the frame using wood glue and a brad nailer. I cut the bottom and top peices first, then for the two side pieces subtract 1.5” (.75 x 2) the thickness of the top and bottom boards for the side boards. Before assembling take inside and dry fit, make any necessary adjustments.
Step 4: Crafting and Attaching the Face Frame
Cut 1x2s at a 45-degree angle to create a polished face frame. Assemble it with wood glue and a brad nailer. Corner clamps could help assist in assembly. Attach it to the inset frame with wood glue, clamps, and a pin nailer. Apply wood filler to any seams, sand when wood filler is 70% dry.
Step 5: Making and Installing the Shelves
Measure the inside of the frame and cut 2 1x4s and 2 1x2s. Attach the 1x2s to the 1x4s with wood glue, clamps, and pin nails, giving a professional look. Use clamps and a tape measure to ensure the shelves are level. Use wood glue and brad nails from the outside of the inset frame. Repeat with the second shelf.
Step 6: Final Touches – Sanding, Staining & Sealing
Choose your stain (e.g., Early American), sand once more, wipe with a tack cloth, and wood condition the pieces. Apply the stain with a lint free rag and wipe off excess oil and drips. Apply three coats of matte polyurethane, sanding with a 220 grit between each coat. Let it dry, then you’re ready to install.
Step 7: Installing the Shelf Frame
Take the shelf frame inside and tap each corner gently with a rubber mallet until it’s fully in. Apply clear silicone caulk around the edges and the wall to secure it.
Congratulations, you’ve successfully transformed your medicine cabinet! It’s time to add your personal touch to the decor and enjoy your newly upgraded space.
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So go ahead, give your own vanity the love it deserves, and get ready to be blown away by the results. Happy DIYing!
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