Nightstands: milk and chalk paint

You can read in my blog I often use milk and chalk paint for many of my projects. As for the pantry kitchen table for my bedroom, I have used both on the same piece. I just love milk paint! I love the texture and the antique style it provides on any piece of furniture. 

My toys trunk

When I mentioned how many trunks we have at home I was not joking: the one for the books, the one I lined, the luggage one… I have plenty of them and they are all in use.

Waxing a trunk

BEFORE

Antique steamer trunks have always been around at home.  They are generally travel trunk luggages like the one I have lined last month; click here if you missed it. Since my wood floor project is done I checked out every single piece of furniture and realized a new look and attention are needed.  About 10 years ago it has been lined inside with a Provence fabric and with linen fabric on the outside as the existing material was too dark and damaged.  I decided to take everything off: fabric, original cover and cleaned all of it. There were two  travelling labels applied on top of each other! One of them is the luggage registration number (nº423) and on the other one the Paris-Lyon-Marseille route is barely legible. I took them off and left them in water until they got detached. They are now back on the trunk and look gorgeous! This has been an extreme makeover and huge work: woodworn prevention, woodfiller all over, stripped, sanded and cleaned. I used heat gun to apply clear wax all over the wood.  This wonderful antique piece is now in good health and back to its place in the lounge. 

AFTER

How to line an old trunk

My old trunk is now lined and finished. It has been a huuuuge work but totally worth it and I am happy with the result as it has kept its antique look! After removing canvas and glue I sanded, cleaned and sealed with primor. I have used an natural rough linen and a vintage mattress ticking on edges (beige/white strippes). I also reused the lateral strap after cleaning and painting it (Aubusson blue ASCP). Silicone and pins have been used to hold fabrics. Last, I cleaned the metal trim with vinegar, painted white and waxed. I used black shoeshine in order to hide ugly marks on it and waxed afterwards. It is now in the entrance hall and currently being used as shoe and bag storage.

 AFTER

My old trunk

Using asphalt and a Tiffany blue paint, I could give a wonderful makeover and use it as a great decorative piece combined with the reclaimed door for the entrance hall. 

BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER