Learn more about an IKEA helmer hack to make it look old. You might also like this IKEA Besta cabinet hack.
The IKEA cabinet was also painted. Full tutorial at bottom of post.
IKEA Helmer Hack: Copper Patina Finish
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Supplies Needed
- Modern Masters Primer
- Modern Masters Bronze Paint
- Modern Masters Blue Patina
- Paint brush
- IKEA Helmer
- Screwdriver
- Sandpaper
- Gold spray paint
Prep Work
- Start by removing your hardware.
- Spray paint the hardware if desired. I spray-painted mine gold.
- Lightly sand your metal cabinet. The goal is not to remove paint; just to scuff the surface a bit.
Apply the Metal Primer
- Paint on the primer. I poured my paint into a disposable bowl to make life easier. (Ps. The primer smells like mint.)
- Apply a 2nd coat of primer after 30 minutes. It takes 12 hours to dry completely.
Paint the Bronze Paint
- After 12 hours, paint the 1st coat of bronze paint.
- Apply the 2nd coat after 30 minutes.
Apply the Patina
- While this coat is wet, apply the patina. You can spray it on or paint it on.
- The patina turns blue after a while.
- If you add too much patina, you can go back in and add more bronze paint.
- In some spots, I used a paper towel to remove spots where the drips were too uniform.
- Let dry and reinstall the hardware.
I think my IKEA helmer hack turned out really cool. It has a nice, aged look which I love.
It blends in pretty nicely, without being too in your face.
New Look for Helmer: Decoupage
A few years later, I ended up decoupaging over this paint job for a new look. Here’s how I did it.
- Cut the paper to size and use decoupage glue to attach the floral paper.
- Cut at the corners and fold the paper over the edge.
- Apply a coat of glue over the paper to seal it.
- When it dries, replace the hardware.
The outside was painted in Country Chic paint in Happy Hour.
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Emy is a vintage obsessed mama of 2 DIYer who loves sharing affordable solutions for common home problems. You don’t need a giant budget to create a lovely home. Read more…
Melissa says
This is so awesome! I’ve never seen that paint technique before but what a difference! I can’t wait to see your whole space come together!
Patti says
Wow. What a cool look. I haven’t seen this technique before either. A real show piece for the room.
cassie bustamante says
i love the new look! heading to ikea in a couple weeks and i am looking forward to it!
Linda says
Love the painted pieces. I also have not seen that paint technique before, very cool. I plan on working on my office at some point this year, and I can’t wait to see the end results for yours.
Gabby says
What a fun way to make something look so different! We have two of those filing cabinets in my kids’ rooms.
Beth says
This is seriously cool! I’ve never seen anything like it before and I really like it! Wonder if my employers would let me do this to my file cabinet at work….
Meg Green With Decor says
Wow what a cool technique – it looks great!
Wendy says
Wow! The transformation of that cabinet is amazing. I cannot wait to see the space done.
Tracy says
Wow!!! I am so impressed with the makeover!! I can’t wait go see the full reveal!
Kim says
I’ve never seen that treatment before – Great before and after! I love the direction your room is going in!
Meredith @ The Palette Muse says
Wow I would never have recognized this piece from the before pics. It turned out great! I love a good Ikea hack!
Erin- Lemons, Lavender, & Laundry says
Love all the newly painted items, and yay for curtains that are the right length!!! I hear ya on cleaning up one mess only to find another… life. You are making wonderful progress!
Maria - House by the Preserve says
Wow that cabinet looks SO good! Excited to see the room come together!
Lisa says
Wow, what a transformation! It looks awesome.