First off, let me clarify that when I say “In the workshop”, what I really mean is “In the kitchen”.  It’s about 24 degrees here and pretty darn impossible for me to work in the garage. I brought this piece into the kitchen because I need to feel my fingers when I am working!

Second, because my current workshop location has limitations, the type of projects I can work on aremore limited.  This basically means I can’t use power tools and everything has to be done by hand.  So, no using a random orbit sander. ( Bummer.) No harsh chemicals like paint strippers.  No using Bondo. You get the idea.

With these limitations in mind, I had the great fortune to acquire this antique blanket chest/trunk.  It is cedar lined and although at first glance it didn’t seem to offer much in terms of style and grace – I just knew with a little elbow grease, paint and love- that she could be so charming. I fell in love with her because she has the CUTEST little wooden wheels. < sigh>

Anyway here is a before photo.  Please ignore any kitchen appliances in the background.

 

 

She was in great condition and only needed some minor prep work.  First, I cleaned her using Krud Kutter.  This stuff is fantastic for removing grime from furniture.  It cuts through grease and decades of dirt.  The trick is to spray it on and then to let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes.   After I cleaned the trunk, I did some wet sanding using 150 grit paper.  The wet sanding prevents dust from getting all over the kitchen.  It also roughs up the finish of the wood so that it  has “tooth” or a surface for the paint to stick to.  While I was cleaning and prepping the trunk, I also gave the wheels a little TLC and sprayed them with a lubricant.

Here is a photo of the trunk in progress after I did all the prep work.  Again, please ignore all kitchen appliances.

 

 

 

 

I decided to use Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint in the color Farmhouse White.  Here’s the thing with milk paint.  It truly has a mind of its own.  While I was hoping this paint would give the trunk a chippy finish, I knew there was no guarantee. It might.  It might not.  My philosophy is this: If I don’t try it then I won’t know.

The trunk required about 3 coats of paint. As the paint started to dry, I saw the tell-tale signs of chipping!  Alligator cracking as the paint dries.  Yes!  I got lucky.

 

 

Here are some “after” photos of the trunk.  It is possible that someone may use this as a coffee table so I decided to seal it with polycrlic. It provides a more durable finish than wax.  It also does not turn yellow over time like other durable sealants.

 

 

 

Look at these wheels!  So cute.

 

 

Thanks for stopping by the blog today.  I hope you found some inspiration to paint a piece of furniture. Let me know if you do! Tag me on Instagram or leave a comment on the blog.