Vintage cedar chests are timeless pieces with so much character, and Donna from Do Dodson Designs shows us how one well-loved chest can be reimagined for today’s home. In this guest blog, she blends classic charm with fresh style, using paint, stain, and thoughtful detailing to give an old cedar chest a modern makeover without losing its history. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just love furniture transformations, this project proves even well‑worn pieces have plenty of potential.
(The following is an excerpt from Salvaged Inspirations. Read the full article here).
Vintage Cedar Chest Redo – Round Two!
Like many furniture painters, it’s not unusual to redo or update a piece we love.
The original cedar chest I purchased was in rough “BAD” shape, to say the least. Against my better judgment, I paid $40 for it and loaded it up. I cried 😢about it later. The first redo was nice, but, like many creatives, we embrace change.
I didn’t want to get rid of its vintage charm; I just wanted to make its vintage side pop while keeping it fresh and trendy. A little more modern.
SUPPLY LIST:
- Cactus SILK All-In-One Mineral Paint
- Synthetic Paint Brush
- Walnut No Pain Gel Stain (oil-based)
- Dainty Botanical A2 Rice Decoupage Paper
- Exacto Knife
- Clear Coat – Satin
- Black Best Dang Wax
One Color Paint Finish
So, this vintage cedar chest redo starts with a warm, green paint job. Green is such a classic, fresh color.
Using the SILK All-In-One Mineral Paint in the color Cactus (rich green), I painted over the original finish of the vintage cedar chest. This paint is perfect for those quick one-color paint jobs. And yes, you can paint over an existing finish as long as you know what was used previously and do proper prep/cleaning, and scuff-sanding.
Since I painted this chest with SILK a couple of years back, I knew it’d be cool to just paint over it.
SILK Mineral paint has a built-in self-leveling feature and covers with just two coats. It has a built-in primer and topcoat, making it a good paint for beginners. It’s seriously one of my favorite paints in the Dixie Belle Paint line.
And this color Cactus is to die for! 💚
The green instantly gives this chest depth and warmth, making it the perfect base color for this DIY project.
Light Wood Top: Letting the Wood Shine
Okay, the wood top on this cedar chest is awesome, so I didn’t want to paint it! Those cracks and imperfections actually give it a super vintage, timeless look, you know?
I went with a dark walnut gel stain, knowing it wouldn’t penetrate the wood because it already had a finish from the first go-round, but now I want to warm it up just a bit.
Did you know you can stain over an existing stained finish with No Pain Gel Stain? Sure can! As long as the finish is in good shape, just wipe it on.
With a soft cotton cloth, I applied a light coat of the walnut gel stain to the wood, then wiped away any excess with a clean, soft cloth.
It gave the cedar chest top a slightly darker look while also warming up the wood. I love how it made the grain in the wood stand out.
The contrast between the painted body and the warm wood top adds balance and keeps the chest from feeling too heavy or dark, I think.
Vintage Rice Decoupage Paper
The front of the chest is where all the detail is! I used vintage-style decoupage paper to make it a real focal point that looks like it’s been around the block… like it’s traveled through time.
The pattern is so soft, it adds a nice pop without being too much. It’s subtle, elegant, and full of charm, making the chest feel super unique. This detail really brings together the vintage and modern vibes!
I applied the rice decoupage paper using Dixie Belle’s Clear Coat Satin as the decoupage adhesive. It acts like a glue when used in this fashion and is recommended with this paper.
But before applying, I laid the paper over the area I was applying it to and traced a line with my fingernails. This area has many curves and sharp edges. I used the scissors to cut the curved and straight areas first. I also used an exacto knife in some hard-to-get-to areas.
Carefully apply a good coat of topcoat to the area where the paper will go.
If you want to use an exacto knife, you must cut it immediately after the paper is placed on top of the glue. Slide the paper into place and cut. This can get tricky because the paper is porous, the glue can weaken it, and cutting it could cause it to tear. But if it tears, depending on the pattern, you can always glue it back together. This applies only to placing the paper on irregular surfaces, such as the front of this cedar chest.
Now, if you’re applying the paper to your project and it has straight lines, cut the paper first and then apply it to your project. I didn’t have much choice here.
After the paper is in place, apply another layer of the topcoat (glue) over the paper. Because the paper is very thin and porous, you will get bubbles and wrinkles, and that’s just the nature of the beast. I used my fingertips to gently work them from the center of the design to the edges.
After the paper is completely dry, you can add details to the edges to soften them if you choose.
Furniture wax is great for adding shading to those inset areas, hiding any imperfections, and adding depth. Just dab it on with a small wax brush, blending it around the edges (darker in the corners) and into the paper so it fades away like a shadow. Best Dang Wax comes in several colors, so you can totally pick one that matches your project!
Old Soul, Mixed Style
This vintage cedar chest redo is the perfect example of mixing eras:
- Vintage charm from the original piece and decoupage paper
- Modern style from clean lines, black legs, and a fresh color palette
- Warm character from the natural wood top
While the inside of the cedar chest no longer has its sweet cedar aroma, it still looks beautiful.
My grandmother’s crocheted or knitted ( I don’t know, but I LOVE it) bedspread is among many cherished handmade quilts and other items stored inside. 🤍
If you’ve got an old cedar chest hanging around and not in use, consider this your cue! A little paint, some cool detailing, and a fresh look can make it your own. 💚
Updating my furniture more than once may seem a bit fickle to some, but to me, it’s about using what I have and making it new again. I embrace the change.
Donna’s cedar chest redo is a beautiful reminder that blending old and new can create something uniquely yours. From the warm painted finish to the vintage‑style decoupage and updated legs, this project highlights how simple materials and a bit of creativity can breathe new life into a cherished piece. If you’ve got a vintage find waiting in the wings, hopefully Donna’s makeover inspires you to take it on next!
