How to Turn Plastic Doll Furniture into a Vintage Statement

Step-by-step makeover with a touch of charm

Plastic doll furniture can be a great starting point — it's affordable, easy to find, and comes in all shapes and sizes. But let’s be honest: most of it looks very plasticky. And when you’re building a cozy diorama or staging a moody photoshoot, that glossy plastic doesn’t always fit the mood.

The good news? You can transform it. With just a bit of paint, patience, and love for detail — even a simple molded piece can become a miniature treasure.

👇 Here's a real example from my studio.

Before:This is a plastic wardrobe made by a Russian brand called Ogonyok. After: Same piece, with just a few tweaks.

Don't worry if you don't have this exact wardrobe — the process works the same for any similar plastic furniture.

🎨 What You’ll Need:

• Surface cleaner or degreaser (isopropyl alcohol works)

• Spray paint (matte or satin finish)

• Metallic acrylic paint (gold, silver, bronze — your choice)

• Fine detail brush (size 0)

• Protective mask and gloves

• Open-air space or a well-ventilated room

• Stable base (I use an old stool or block)

Step-by-Step: How I Did It

1. Clean the Surface

Put on gloves and a mask — safety first. Use a degreaser or rubbing alcohol to thoroughly clean the entire surface, especially any embossed details. Let it dry completely.

2. Set It Up

Place the piece on a stable surface where you can reach all sides easily. I use a stool and secure the base with putty or clay so it doesn’t fall over during spraying (especially if working outdoors).

3. Spray Paint

Shake the spray can well. Spray lightly from about 12 inches (30 cm) away, using smooth, sweeping motions. Don’t try to cover everything in one go — 2–3 light coats with drying time in between will give you a much smoother finish.

Bonus tip: Go make yourself some tea between coats.

4. Paint the Details

Now the fun part. Take your fine brush and carefully trace the raised moldings with metallic acrylic paint. This gives dimension, elegance, and a touch of antique charm.

Take your time. A slow hand makes all the difference.

5. Optional Touches

Want to go further? Add some dry brushing, a patina, or even decoupage. It’s up to your scene and style.

✨ The Result

Same structure — completely different vibe. No more shiny plastic feel. Now it’s a vintage-inspired, soft and detailed piece that brings depth to your setup.

📩 Want More?

I'm putting together a free PDF guide with paint tips, favorite materials, and printable plans. Subscribe to my blog so you don’t miss it — just practical dollhouse goodness, no spam.