It’s already another month! My mind reels at how quickly the days, the months, and even the season pass by. Since it’s already the second Tuesday of this month, it’s Trashy Treasures time! You’ll see my three blogger friend’s projects in a bit. Meanwhile, I was on a hunt for a random item at a local thrift store, I saw this antique tool chest outside and hoped it was available for moi.
It’s turns out it was just donated, and they hadn’t had time to stow it away yet. Well, I’ll be… just for me! After finding a few more goodies for my daughter, my son and I take this home so I can evaluate further.
THE GOOD, THE BAD
First, it is handmade but also so dirty. Additionally, I’m sure was used in a barn as it smells like hay. I found out hay and I don’t mix when I went on a hayride and ended up in the ER at 12 years old. ahem. Inside, you can see there are leather and metal straps to hold tools, as well as one remnant sectioned shelf.
However, it looks as though two or three more removable trays are missing.
As you can imagine, I just LOVE this kinda thing. I wish this chest could tell me all its stories. Unfortunately, the one side has damage I’m going to repair.
Before I do that, I need to clean it oodles. I wipe it down and get rid of all gunk in the crevices with an old toothbrush.
Then, I need to check for lead. I always have a lead test on hand just in case. Thankfully, I did because looky what I found.
{{whomp, whomp}} Red means lead and that’s okay. You can use a lead encapsulation sealant for primer. I’ll get to that in a bit, but first I need to repair.
First, I cut the damage off and then replace with scrap from my stash by hand-forming them to match.
Next, I stain the repairs with the reactive stain I used in this project.
Additionally, if you’ve been around long, then you know I use BIN primer by Zinsser for many years in these past posts. With that, I prime and let cure.
Honestly, I hate to have to prime this as I loved the patina, but I could tell the paint looked different and know I need to seal it because of the positive test.
NEXT STEPS
Now I have my work cut out for me to replicate that layered look. First, I paint a neutral base coat that has a wood tone much like I did on my faux wood garage door tutorial.
After that coat cures, I use a washed technique to apply a soft green followed by a blue blended in while the green is still wet. Finally, I apply a brown wax to give an aged appeal all over.
drumroll, please…
It’s still got a story to share, doesn’t stink, and certainly has function.
Now it can be safely used in the home for blankets, extra storage, and more.
Oh, and don’t forget that awesome sectioned tray I removed that is now a sweet shadow box.
Now my antique tool chest is a matched set ready for a new home. If you like to add this to your home story, you can find it and more in my online store.
SHARE
As always, my goal is to inspire you. Not only was the damage on this hot-mess-ish like, but also that lead paint can be scary. It’s your turn to leave me some comment love (the cherry on top!) and pin and share to inspire others as well.
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While you’re at it, check out these other revivals like this antique tool chest:
Hey Larissa,
Another one of your triumphs! Funnily enough I have an old blanket box that came from my Dad’s house and I’ve been wondering what to do with it. It’s been repainted (badly) several times in different tones of white, so it needs a good overhaul. It never occurred to me to check for lead paint, so thank you very much for pointing this out.
Sherin xx
How sweet of you to say, Sherin. Thank you! That is a treasure you have on your hands. Enjoy it to the full. 🙂
I LOVE this!! I had an old tool box that was bigger and had a flat top. It was the perfect coffee table all through my 20’s!!! You brought back great memories with this one!!! 😍 BEAUTIFUL!!
Looks adorable Larissa. Still rustic yet updated! Oh dear about the hay incident.😮