Painted Striped Antique Trunk

Hi Infarrantly Creative friends! It’s Sarah from Sarah M. Dorsey Designs and I’m back to share a simple update to an old trunk that anyone can do. A few weeks ago, I found a beaten up antique trunk at a thrift store for only $7. Yes, $7! I love thrifting! Once cleaned up, it was a little better, but it still needed a wow! Inspired by the latest issue of HGTV magazine, I created a bright, modern take on an old trunk.

First, I cleaned it up. Mine had stickers on it so I used Goo Gone and Brillo pad. Then I wiped it down with a little white vinegar and water.

Now it’s ready for paint. My trunk had a plastic finish, so I used a Kilz Adhesion Bonding Primer since it’s formulated to stick to glossy surfaces.

I brushed over the entire trunk with the latches open, so the lid was cracked. This prevents the paint from closing it shut.

I was originally going to do a white and gray stripe, but I wanted something different – something bold. Inspired by my new favorite Lula & Georgia rug, I painted it with an orange and coral stripe.

First, I gave it a coat of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Barcelona Orange.

Once dry, I created stripes with 1.25″ painters tape. To make sure the lines were even, I used small pieces of painters tape between rows to offset the stripes. The latches were a little tricky, I just tore smaller pieces to get in the crevices.

After taping, I removed my guide lines, pressed the tape down firmly to prevent bleed through and brushed on a custom mix of Behr Cool Lava and ASCP Barcelona orange.

Once dry, for added protection, I brushed on a thin coat of clear polyurethane.

I LOVE how bright and happy it is not. Thrifting is great because at a low price point, you can afford to experiment make things your own – get creative and go bold!

Eames chair tutorial here, DIY painting here, DIY Gold Leaf print here

—

Looking for more ideas? Here’s a few.