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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    Replies
    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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    Replies
    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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    Replies
    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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    Replies
    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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    Replies
    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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    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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    Replies
    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

    ReplyDelete
    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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    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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    Replies
    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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