When I was asked to makeover this trunk, I eagerly accepted the task. It’s something a little different. We had discussed a few options for the end result such as coffee table, casters on the bottom, etc, but she needs this specifically for storage so the inside had to be accessible.
Blue and Shiny… (*sigh*…I hate shiny)
CONTINUED... (click link below)
Union Trunk & Luggage Company had some tough stickers I tell ya.
The inside needs some work as well.
After the initial prep work I primed the entire trunk. I used Rustoleum grey primer making sure it was good to use on painted metal. I even liked the way it looked just primed.
My client wanted a old metal look for the trunk, so I decided on Tremclad’s Hammered Paints. I LOVED the look of this paint.
As I hadn’t used this hammered finish before I made sure to give it a try on a scrap piece of wood. I tried it on the wood without primer and again with the primer underneath to make sure I knew just how it would look.
When I was sure I knew just how to apply this finish I got to work on the secondary prep work
then started with the bronze color. In order to get the pitted/hammered metal look you need to apply a thicker coat. Just be careful on the vertical bits.
Ok.. back to the interior. These metal trunks are plywood construction covered by … something ? I think its some sort of very thick paper or very stiff fabric. Honestly.. I don’t know. Either way, it wasn’t coming off.
I thought about wallpapering the inside, but I was afraid in the long term that adhesive would dry up and start to peel off of “whateveritis” on this interior. The inside was also very lumpy due to the plywood underneath, so I decided to clean it all up with what else?… paint. Papering the inside bottom and lid with a vintage map paper added a decorative touch.
It’s so clean and fresh now, you could store just about anything in it.
It’s very hard to capture the hammered look of this paint, but you can see a bit of it here.
I think it cleaned up pretty nice. And now it's something you can actually put in a family room.
Thanks for reading
Don't hate me but I kinda liked the shiny blue! But I must say with the hammered finish and maps inside, totally awesome! Love your photo styling too. I'm sure your client will love it.
ReplyDeleteOh those trunks were the rage back in the 80's ~ I think my girlfriend got hers before she left for university. You sure know how to give something a facelift. I am tempted to load my old buffet onto the truck and take a road trip.... Hope you are having a great week-end Lisa!
ReplyDeleteWow Lisa! You did an amazing job! And the maps inside are just perfect too. Now I wouldn't be scared to put anything inside. ;)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous job, the 2 tone is perfect, I have never tried the hammered paint, but I have seen it and I will certainly give it a try!
ReplyDeleteCarol
This is great! I just got an old trunk like this that I want to fix up and repaint and I've been looking for some ideas and maybe a little how-to's! sweet :)
ReplyDeleteWay better, you did a great job. I have used that spray paint really does work. I like your combo.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous finish! Love the two toned effect. Honestly I would have overlooked that 'blue' trunk. I'm glad you didn't! What a winner!
ReplyDeleteDonna
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/
Beautiful job! I have an old trunk I picked up and have been afraid to do anything because the top has tears in it and I got so excited when you said it is very thick paper! So i still don't know how to repair this unless I cut it out and re-paper it? Anyway, loved your trunk!
ReplyDeleteLisa, that turned out great. Love the metal look.
ReplyDeleteWow! It looks fabulous. I have to admit I wasn't sure what you were going to do with the trunk. Cobalt blue is my favorite color, so I kind of liked the blue.
ReplyDeleteBut, you proved me wrong. I love the metal choice you made.
Brittany
That's a huge improvement! I'll have to check out the hammered paint. It looks like it gives a fairly realistic finish.
ReplyDeleteVery cool!
Great Job! I use the Hammered look for my metal patio furniture. It just gives it such a authentic look.
ReplyDeleteLove the detailing with the two-tone and the interior.
MJ
Lucky 7 Design
Hmmm, I couldn't handle that blue shiny either. I love this look! The two tone is especially nice and the interior is so pretty. You did a fabulous job with this!
ReplyDeletePat
Hmmm, I couldn't handle that blue shiny either. I love this look! The two tone is especially nice and the interior is so pretty. You did a fabulous job with this!
ReplyDeletePat
Gorgeous!! I also love the hammered look. Perfect 2-tone design. Lucky Duck clinet!
ReplyDeleteFabulous job!! I really love the two-tone hammered metals, and the vintage map inside - an added bonus, imo! You are amazing - and quite the inspiration!!
ReplyDeleteI have been so tempted but shy about tackling something like this... WOW! Thanks to you I might just go for it!
ReplyDeletesolongfarm.blogspot.com
I love what you did with this trunk! I think we have one of these in my attict! Going to look for it soon. Can't wait to try this. Thanks for sharing at Crafty Catwalk!
ReplyDeletewho would think that that blue, shiny trunk could turn into that ....very nice .... always loved that hammered paint .... used it on kitchen cabinet handles....alida :)
ReplyDeleteHow funny that I clicked on your picture in a blog hop. I already follow you and again you still amaze me.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful transformation! You did such a great job! Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeletegorgeous transformation! love your work!! you have tons of posts that would be great at my new weekly party "from trash to treasure" I'd love it if you joined in!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful transformation! Great job:)
ReplyDeleteawesome job dresses the room up well come visit me at http://shopannies.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI think I have just a little junk in the trunk lol!
ReplyDeleteSo beutiful. I want this in my home.
Would love to see you link up at my new party that will run through Sunday!
http://bacontimewiththehungryhypo.blogspot.com/2011/06/party-mindie-style-link-up-1.html
So many I have passed up. I thought nothing could fix them. I was wrong.
ReplyDeleteWOW! Lisa
What an amazing transformation! Love it! Mary
ReplyDeleteThis was the perfect thing to run across on Chic on a Shoestring tonight! I just picked up a really beat up metal trunk at a thrift store today for $5!! It needs a LOT of love and I'm glad that I can just prime and paint over the scratched up ugly red exterior! I love the old map inside yours too! Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa - Such a great transformation - the trunk looks sooo good! You could see just what it needed!!
ReplyDeleteLovely tips! The trunk looks gorgeous! Have a delightful day, Kellie xx
ReplyDeleteThis looks great. And I love the map on the inside - perfect touch!
ReplyDeleteJust disovered your blog and now I'm pouring over it!
Just found the same trunk at value village! It needs some work but is in decent shape. Did yours come with a key? Mine is locked and I can't seem to get it open. Wondering if there is a trick to it that i'm missing.
ReplyDeleteHi There
DeleteNo it didn't come with any key at all. Not even sure it was able to lock. A butter-knife is my quick fix for all thing stuck...lol Good luck with it.
I just picked up one of these and was wondering if I'd be able to paint the metal -- can't wait to get at it! Just wondering how much you sanded/what type of sandpaper used to prep before priming?
ReplyDeletesorry, just realized I didn't leave my email address -- you can reach me at nielson.krista@gmail.com -- thanks!:)
DeleteI have an old trunk that I want to fix up, and expected to spend a large chunk of time finding ideas I could use. I type "refurbish metal trunk" in Google, yours is the second link I open, and it's perfect! It's the exact horrid blue trunk with "paper" lined interior that I have (granted, in better shape), and now I know exactly what to do. Thanks so much!!
ReplyDeleteHi i just purchased the same trunk but didn't realize till i got home the it has a serious rust problem on the bottom. any tips of clearing away the rust?
ReplyDeleteHello. Here are a few tips to remove rust. once it is removed use a good primer and a couple of coats of paint. It should all be good after that
Delete.
http://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Rust-from-Metal
Personally I have used the baking soda method. Make a paste out of baking soda and water and use a scrubbing pad to scrub away the rust.
Hopefully the rust isn't too bad that you'll need a sander or grinder! Good luck!
How long did you wait between priming and painting the hammered metal spray paint??
ReplyDeleteAllow just the amount of time that your primer needs to dry. Primers usually need a couple of hours to dry. Read the instructions on your particular primer and make sure it is thoroughly dry.
DeleteIm so happy I came across this!! We have the exact same trunk and my parents are giving it to me to collect things in for my future apartment and such. But my room is chocolate brown and deep magenta with white furniture. Needless to say, it doesnt exactly go with the room haha so I was hoping to paint it white to match my furniture. Im glad to know that it is 100% possible!!
ReplyDeleteLove your tutorial, I have the same trunk in my garage I was going to fix. Quick question, did you paint a second colour or just keep it primer colour then painted the trim? Also did you need to clean up any gouges/scrapes, if so, how did you do it?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Stacey
Hi Stacey. The entire trunk was primed, then two different spray paints were used. One for the body of the trunk and one for the trim. There were really no dents or gouges to fix. Lots of old stickers to take off and lots of cleaning. My suggestion is not to fix the gouges or scrapes. These trunks are vintage looking and the scrapes and marks add to the charm. Just paint over them and leave it looking aged.
Delete