How to Paint a Vintage Trunk: Step by Step DIY

Classic furniture never goes out of style. Sometimes all it takes is a fresh finish and a few thoughtful updates to give a piece a whole new look. In this guest tutorial, LeeAnn from Creative Moments shares how she turned a dated Pier 1 trunk into a beautiful, Pottery Barn inspired statement piece using Dixie Belle Paint products. From choosing timeless colors to adding the perfect finishing touches, this project is full of inspiration for anyone looking to refresh a storage trunk, coffee table, or vintage furniture.

(The following is an excerpt from Creative Moments. Read the full article here.)

A client brought in this Pier One trunk/coffee table to be painted. They wanted the finished product to be in the style of Pottery Barn furniture. The result was just what they envisioned. Now this updated, custom painted trunk/coffee table is ready to go back home and give them years of service.

Step 1: Clean and remove hardware

All painted projects first start with a good cleaning. The interior and drawer was vacuumed out. Even if they look clean this is an important step. You can see what a wipe with spray version white lightning cleaner reveals. Spray, wipe and repeat. Once all surfaces including inside and underneath, go over with a clean cloth with clear water to be sure it is totally clean.

Removing the hardware makes it easier to paint a project however this piece had all but 3 hardware pieces permanently attached. It was a bit of a process but the side pulls and drawer pull were carefully removed.

I attempted to tape off the hardware to help make the paint process easier but this small area took almost 15 minutes to do. I decided to just freehand cut around them as I painted.

Step 2: Paint

The client chose the base color from all the paints on my shelf. She chose French Linen Chalk Mineral Paint from Dixie Belle Paint. I applied with my favorite 2″ mini synthetic brush. This brush makes cutting in easier and covers flat surfaces well too.

The first coat of french linen going on with the last dark wood area to go.

Getting in tight areas around the hardware I used an Artist Brush.

The first coat complete.

Between all coats I like to give the painted surfaces a light sponge sand to keep the areas smooth.

Originally the client wanted to keep the black hardware hence why I was taping and cutting around so carefully. However once I shared the photo below left with her and suggested perhaps dry brushing them to be less stark she agreed.

First coat of French Linen Chalk Mineral Paint applied to a vintage wooden storage trunk, creating a soft, neutral foundation while highlighting the original hardware.

This made the second coat so much faster with dry brushing the hardware lightly as I went.

Dry brushing the original black hardware after the second coat of French Linen Chalk Mineral Paint to highlight vintage details on a refinished storage trunk.

The second coat complete.

Second coat of French Linen Chalk Mineral Paint complete on a vintage wooden storage trunk, creating a smooth, timeless finish with the original hardware preserved.

The light sanding step after this coat included lightly distressing the edges. I personally like this look as it gives character to a rustic look as well as gives some forgiveness as edges usually wear over time anyway.

Lightly sanding and distressing a vintage wooden storage trunk after painting with French Linen Chalk Mineral Paint to create a naturally aged, timeworn finish.

Step 3: Apply Glaze and Distress

I started the Pottery Barn finish at one end. You can see the feet shows finish on left foot and painted only on right.

The process was to apply the brown Glaze with a big daddy brush. This brush applies it faster which is key to working with glaze. It sets up quickly so best to work fast in one area at a time and be sure to use long sweeping strokes. The brush also added a bit of striae this look needs.

Applying glaze over French Linen Chalk Mineral Paint to add depth, dimension, and an aged finish to a vintage wooden storage trunk.

The next step is to go over the glaze with a whisk broom to add even more definition.

Using a Dixie Belle Palm Pro Palm Brush to remove excess glaze and create a soft, natural wood grain effect on a vintage wooden storage trunk.

The backside complete.

Vintage wooden storage trunk after glazing with a soft weathered wood effect, highlighting the original hardware and timeless French Linen finish.

And the front side, but it needed to be darker in my opinion.

After drying overnight, I applied a second coat of glaze.

The second coat of glaze dried overnight. The next day I wanted more definition around the hardware so used a narrow chip brush to apply brown Best Dang Wax. I gave it about 20 minutes then buffed it all to blend.

Applying Brown Best Dang Wax to a glazed vintage wooden storage trunk to enhance depth, add warmth, and create a rich, aged finish.

Step 4: Update Hardware

The hardware was dry brushed when painted first coat but once back in place the rest of the steps had to be done to them as well.

Dry brushing the original black hardware and reattaching the center handle to complete the vintage wooden storage trunk refinished with Dixie Belle Paint.

Dry brushing the original trunk handle with Dixie Belle Paint to highlight the hardware and enhance the vintage character of the refinished storage trunk.

Once inside in my staging area lighting, the hardware needed darkening.

Completed vintage wooden storage trunk refinished with French Linen Chalk Mineral Paint, glaze, and Brown Best Dang Wax for a timeless weathered wood look with restored original hardware.

I added some black wax as shown below left, better right?

Comparison of original trunk hardware with additional Brown Best Dang Wax applied on the left to create a richer, more aged patina on the refinished vintage storage trunk.

I really like the end look and the client LOVED, mission accomplished.

Natural wood storage trunk with updated hardware and a bonsai tree on top, refinished with Dixie Belle Paint for a timeless, Pottery Barn inspired look.

A big thank you to LeeAnn from Creative Moments for sharing this stunning trunk makeover and showing how a little creativity can give an older piece a fresh new style. Projects like this remind us that well made furniture can be enjoyed for years with the right products and a little imagination.

If this makeover inspired you, grab your favorite Dixie Belle Paint products and give a forgotten piece a new purpose. We’d love to see what you create, so be sure to share your project with us on social media using #DixieBellePaint. For another great makeover by LeeAnn with Creative Moments, check out our blog, Modern Farmhouse Dining Set.

Color Inspiration, Furniture Makeovers, Guest Author, How To

Tagged in:

best dang wax, chalk mineral paint, chalk paint, dixie belle paint, diy furniture makeover, diy makeover, faux wood, furniture makeover, furniture wax, makeover, paint, pier one, pottery barn, stain, storage trunk

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