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Saturday, March 17, 2018

How to Paint a Vintage Suitcase

 
 

 
 
The title of this post sounds like I HAVE GONE CRAZY !
 
Usually  I am not the one who runs around painting everything.
 
One of my favorite things about VINTAGE is the old, worn and cracking patina.
 
I love the earth tones and warm colors of the past. I have quite a few pieces
 
of  vintage luggage, but there is always room for more. I can justify a purchase because
 
they can be SO useful for hiding I mean organizing.
 
I was helping a friend with a garage sale and she was throwing away a TRAIN CASE.
 
              She had been storing makeup...old make up...Avon makeup for YEARS in this case.  
 
You can probably imagine the smell.
 
 
 
 I was surprised that the smell did not linger. But sorry, in my opinion it was
an UGLY color. Since she was going to toss it I thought I could give chalk painting a try.
 

 
 I cut off the leather straps with scissors on removed the tray.

I gave it a good cleaning with Simple Green and a Magic Eraser.
You can use your favorite cleaner as long as you chose one that doesn't need rinsing.
I have found that leaving a Dryer Sheet inside helps with the musty smell.



I used Parisian Grey chalk paint and started on the inside first and let dry.
 It covered beautifully, with one coat.
I covered everything including the hardware.
A light sanding for a smooth finish, and used clear wax with a soft lint free
cloth to seal. It will feel like soft leather.


I was really happy  how it turned out.
I hope you will be able to find a  piece of luggage that will fit your color scheme, but if not give some paint a try. Suitcases are a great way to add some height and dimension to your home décor.
I love use the suitcases for display at my Craft Boutiques.



At my house they are up high....


....AND down low


I have an area under the counter were I used suitcase for extra storage.


Some are decoupaged with vintage looking wrapping paper scraps


One had some spots of wear and tear so I made color photo copies
of vintage map covers and travel stickers and used MOD PODGE
to  put them on the outside of the case.



I decided for now to leave it on top of a bedroom cabinet.






Later I add a rub on transfer to the existing label.




It is a little harder to find cases that are affordable, but maybe I

inspired you to fix one up that you my have otherwise have past over.

Happy Hunting! xo Lisa S













 
 

29 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Annie, Thank you so much ! I'm so glad you stopped by. xoLisaS

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  2. Great tip on using a dryer sheet to help with the smell. More than once I've re-shelved jewelry boxes at the thrift store simply because I didn't like the interior smell. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thank you Audra, I once had a smelly suitcase and I left an opened bar of IRISH SPRING SOAP inside for a long time ! Thanks again for visiting, xoLisaS

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  3. What a difference paint makes! Such a great transformation.

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    1. Linda, Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked it.
      Stop by and visit again, xoLisaS

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  4. How fun watching the transformation. Like the results alot. But, I do like green. LOL

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  5. Vintage suitcases are my guilty pleasure, I can never leave one reasonably priced behind. I've seen painted ones before and need to try it myself. Thank you for sharing your project at Snickerdoodle. I am featuring your painted suitcase at the party this week.

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    1. Sharon, I hear you....I have never said no to a vintage case. I am so honored to be featured!!
      I love to party at Snickerdoodle, thank you for hosting. xoLisaS

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  6. I use vintage suitcases for storage too ;) I was given two that need to be refreshed--love how yours turned out! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!

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    1. We have a lot in common! Thank you for hosting !! xoLisaS

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  7. I love the idea of painting a vintage suitcase. Pinned.

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  8. I adore to decorate with old suitcases, they offer great stylish vintage storage to every room. Love the update it freshens it up nicely!

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    1. Thanks so much Brenda! I appreciate the kind words!
      I'm so glad you stopped by ! xoLisaS

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    2. Thanks for sharing it at #FridaysFurnitureFix, love having youe !

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  9. I have three pieces that could use some DIY. Does it have to be chalk paint? Found you on Inspire Me Monday Link Party.

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    1. So glad you found me!
      I would say yes to using chalk paint. You will get better coverage and it will not scratch off with use.
      It will be matte but a coat of wax will give it a nice sheen. It will look classy and not like a craft project gone wrong -no offence and that pint size jar has been used on many projects. I think I got it at Walmart. Thanks for stopping by! xoLisaS

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  10. I remember those old train cases! Wish I still had mine now! It is perfect for bedroom decor. Stopping by from Welcome Spring party.

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    1. Hi Shirley, It's so nice to meet you. Thank you for an awesome party. I hope you can find another case it was fun to paint. Thanks for the visit! xoLisaS

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  11. What a great upcycle! Thanks for sharing at The Blogger's Pit Stop! Roseann from This Autoimmune Life

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    Replies
    1. Roseann, Thank you so much for visiting! I loved sharing at Pit Stop! It's nice to meet you. xoLisaS

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  12. I love the ones with the vintage travel stickers, too! Thank you for linking up your blog posts at the #HomeMattersParty this week.

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    1. Nicole, Thank you for hosting, it was fun to share at #HomeMattersParty. Please stop by again. xoLisasS

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  13. What a great piece! Looks so pretty white. Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday! Hope to see ya next week!
    Kim

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    1. Kim, It might look white in the picture but I used Parisian Grey. I really appreciate you stopping by to visit. I love your , thanks for hosting ! Merry Monday is the best.xoLisaS

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  14. It turned out great, you did a beautiful job! Thanks for joining Dishing It & Digging It Link Party. Love seeing your stuff, even if life has me hopping and I can't always say thanks :-)

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    Replies
    1. Christine, Thank you so much for visiting. I appreciate the kind words. Thank you for hosting. I hope you have a wonderful week. xoLisaS

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