Decorative Painting to Restore an Old Sea Trunk

This decorative painting project starts with a weathered old sea trunk that someone way back when decided to use a pickling paint technique to update. The object was to bring back some of the character of the piece.



Before any stenciling could be done, the background had to be set. The strapping, corners, all the metal clasps and locks were painted black with spray paint. When the paint dried I taped over those areas with painter’s tape and then spray painted the remaining areas a light tan color.

When the light tan spray paint dried, a sponge was used to dab a thick layer of light brown acrylic paint into each square taped off (that’s right – leave the tape on the straps and corners for this step). While the paint was still very wet, a comb was used to run through it horizontally and then vertically. This created the appearance of a cloth covering like burlap, which was traditionally used to cover old sea trunks. You can find a tool specially made for this at your local craft supply store or a regular hair comb that is even will do the job.

Now, for the stencils! I used the stencils from Old Fashioned Luggage Labels & Travel Posters (see below for book details) and put one in each square. Of course this was not an easy task because there are 15 different Vintage Luggage Label Stencils but the effort was well worth it. Here is the finished project. This unique trunk can be used as an end table or even a coffee table. It looks great with these old suitcases and the bowler hat.

If you don’t already have one in your attic, these old sea trunks can be found in Thrift Stores, Flea Markets and even on the curbside on trash day. If you run across one, now you’ll know just what to do with it.

I hope you enjoyed this decorative painting project. And hey! Don’t forget that I (and everyone else) want to see what you have done with stencils. So, join in on the Stencils Blog or Contact Me to get your masterpiece showcased here. Won’t that be exciting! Well, I hope to hear from you soon.

Happy Stenciling,

Penny

In an effort to bring to you a complete solution for all of your stenciling needs, we now have a Stencils Catalog for you to browse a large variety of designs. I'm sure you'll find some inspiration for your next decorative painting project.

Below is a sample of the design books that we offer. The first book includes the stencils used as examples of decorative painting on this page. Each book will come to you as a down-loadable pdf file in your e-mail. Just check your e-mail after purchase for the link to connect to your file and print or save. It's that easy!

All designs can be adjusted to fit your project size. Instructions are included. Pages are 8.5” x 11”.

Paint some travel posters or decorate an old steamer trunk with these 15 designs. 5 are Hotel Advertisements, 5 are Transportation Ads and 5 are Destination Ads (like Paris and New York).

This purchase is of a PDF file with 102 pages.

Price: $9.95

The Fleur de lis is an essential design for any decorative painting plan. This collection includes 22 designs. Ten are easy single overlay. Six have 2 overlays and six have 3 overlays.

This purchase is of a PDF file which has 63 pages.

Price: $9.95

This collection includes 5 designs- Lion Head Door Knocker, Key Bow, Lock Plate and Mail Box Plaque (with two word options). These images should add a little fun and even some humor to the doors in your home while they introduce a touch of the past.

This purchase is of a PDF file with 25 pages.

Price: $9.95

This book contains 4 cute Red-Eyed Tree Frogs for your next decorative painting project. Bring a little of the rain forest to your home. There are 37 pages in this pdf file which includes the stencils of all 4 frogs (each has 5 overlays) and complete instructions.

This purchase is of a PDF file with 36 pages.

Price: $9.95

This collection includes 16 designs- Chinese Dragon, Bamboo, Oriental Figure with Coolie Hat, Ying Yang Koi, Bonsai Tree and 3 Cranes plus 10 Chinese Symbols (Eternity, Friendship, Happiness, Harmony, Long Life, Peace, Prosperity, Tranquility, Truth and Dragon.

This purchase is of a PDF file with 40 pages.

Price: $9.95

This collection includes 4 designs- a Wine Glass, a Chianti Bottle, a Wine Bottle and a Bunch of Grapes with Leaves.

This purchase is of a PDF file with 31 pages.

Price: $9.95

Aaaahhhh...the lazy days of summer at the beach. This collection includes 6 designs- a Fish, a Crab, a Seagull, a Conch Shell, a Scallop Shell and a Seahorse.

This purchase is of a PDF file with 32 pages.

Price: $9.95

Create your own private garden retreat. This collection includes 12 designs-fountain, bleeding heart, iris, bee, butterfly, foxglove, grasshopper, hummingbird, trumpet flower, morning glory, stone wall and stove path.

This purchase is of a PDF file with 51 pages.

Price: $9.95

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