How to Transform an Old TV Cart

Covering the cart in gold leaf will give it a gleaming finish. Follow these steps to recreate the look at home.

What you'll need:

• 2" natural bristle brush
• Gold leaf kits
• Gold leaf sealer
• Acrylic shelves, cut to fit
• 4 plastic wheels

Step 1:

Flip the cart over. Remove and discard the wheels. Gently pop out the shelves. Measure the length, width, and thickness of the shelves, and have acrylic ones cut to the same dimensions. (You can order custom-size acrylic from acrylite-shop.com.) Discard the old shelves. Use a rag to remove dirt and dust from the cart.

Step 2:

Apply sheets of gold leaf to the cart following the package directions. (You may need two or three kits to cover your cart.) With a natural bristle brush, gently smooth the gold leaf and remove excess flakes. Burnish the gold leaf by gently rubbing it with a clean, soft rag. 

Step 3:

To protect the gold leaf and prevent tarnishing, spray the entire cart with gold leaf sealer following the directions on the can. Let dry. Flip the cart over and attach the plastic wheels. Turn the cart right side up, and pop in the acrylic shelves. 

See the before-and-after here.