Friday, July 6, 2012
Vintage Shabby Chic Steamer Trunk
Not to be a big bragger but isn't this steamer trunk just gorgeous!!! I am so in love with this transformation! I wish I could show you before pics but well I forgot to take them, I know what a shocker right?!? I picked up this big fella at a local auction, I'm pretty sure it had sat abandoned in a musty basement for at least a decade. I'm sure there were intentions of restoring but I can see where someone would get intimidated. The metal was rusty and the fabric was torn and worn. Not to mention the paper lining was also crumbling and very fragile. In addition to that just the size of this bad boy, 35"x22"x19", is enough to scare off any creative plans. But this shabby lady has been looking for a project to spread my wings, so after much chin 
scratching and a request from an Esty customer for a distressed old white trunk I began. After a thorough scrubbing I re-hammered 
all the tacks and replaced some
missing tacks. I used Mod Podge to coat the fabric that cover the metal
portions of this style trunk. The fabric was very worn and even torn in
some spot and the Mod Podge worked well to seal the holes and tack the
fabric down. I have to pat myself 
on the back for this idea. It worked like a dream. I then applied a custom mixed Old White chalk paint to the
entire outside of this trunk. Now it was time to hand sand for
distressing. I love the way the rust tannins spot their way through the
white paint, its adds so much depth to the distressing. I brushed out
the interior and then vacuumed up the debris. I then made a mixture of
Mod Podge, turquoise chalk paint and water, using this mixture I pasted
down the loose and lifting original paper lining. I coated the entire
interior 
with this mixture to give the paper lining strength and to seal
it. I love the look and was so glad I thought to do it. If you're going to do this I really thinned down the Mod Podge paint mixture. There is an
detailed border on the inside of the lid that would have been a shame to
cover. Now the entire trunk was 
ready for a hand waxing with clear
paste wax. I waxed inside and outside. I then used a black paste wax
lightly applying to enhance the texture and antique. I am again
especially in love with the inside of this trunk the wrinkles and the
cracks in the paper really worked well with the black wax. The entire
piece was again waxed for a 3rd time with a clear paste wax ensuring a
silky smooth protective surface. The middle locking latch is not
functional due to the fact that this trunk didn't come with a key but
the side latches are in full working order. 
There are 3 functional
casters on the bottom of this trunk and one broken caster that I covered
with a small furniture slider that you can choose to remove if you
desire. I like to think that this is a well traveled trunk, that it rode
on trains across country or even crossed the ocean for an overseas
adventure. I'm sure it suited it's owner well back in its youth and can
again be a beloved item in someone's home. This steamer trunk would be
an excellent addition to any home decor use it for storage or as a
coffee table, at the end of you bed for an brilliant bench with storage.
No shabby chic home is complete with out an antique steamer trunk. This item has been sold! But it's still really lovely!!!
Enjoy
Tracy
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HOLA ME PARECE UN TRABAJO PRECIOSO ... ESTOY MIRANDO IDEAS Y ESTA ME PARECE PERFECTA ... GRACIAS
ReplyDeleteHOLA ME PARECE UN TRABAJO PRECIOSO ... ESTOY MIRANDO IDEAS Y ESTA ME PARECE PERFECTA ... GRACIAS
ReplyDeleteHOLA ME PARECE UN TRABAJO PRECIOSO ... ESTOY MIRANDO IDEAS Y ESTA ME PARECE PERFECTA ... GRACIAS
ReplyDeleteI need to finish a trunk I'm doing for my bedroom. I was going to redo the inside with new contact paper but after reading this I would like to try ur technique with the paint and modge pog. Is there any certain measurements gor this or can I just wing it?
ReplyDelete