Vintage Tool Box Makeover
Hi everyone! Some of you may remember this vintage tool box I picked up at a garage sale a while back. Using plywood, the builder crafted a unique, two-tiered box with numerous handy cubbies. I thought it needed a mini-makeover–some stain or paint or something to make it more attractive.
It took me a while to complete this project because I just couldn’t seem to make a decision–stain or paint? If stain, what color? If paint, what color? Black, cream, bold color? My first inclination was to paint it black and then antique it, but that’s what I always seem to do. I began to realize that I was afraid of color.
So I decided to go wild and paint it a bright shade of blue. I ended up mixing two colors of acrylic craft paint (about one ounce total) to get the color I wanted, and then I added a half teaspoon of corn starch to make it chalk paint.
I’m pretty pleased with the result. I applied only one coat, to allow the wood to show through in some spots.
Then I rubbed it down with a coat of Miniwax to bring out the color of the wood a little bit.
I think it will look great with small pots of flowers and herbs in the spring, but I’m sure some of you have other excellent ideas for it’s use.
Linking up this week with these great parties:
Hey What’s For Dinner?
It's beautiful, Diana! I love the color, and I'm delighted with the recipe for chalk paint. So clever. So inexpensive!
Love the color! Cornstarch? I've heard of plaster of Paris and calcium carbonate powder but cornstarch, always have that kicking around the house. Thanks for the tip!
I love the color! It will look so cute with bright flowers in it.
I love the color.
It looks wonderful, I can not wait to see how you display it.
Great makeover Diana and I love the color! Cornstarch is a new tip for me–thanks! Blessings, Cecilia
I've seen so many old weathered toolboxes with remnants of blue paint. Perhaps it's a traditional color, Diana. 🙂 This would make a great organizer in my sewing/craft room. I could also see it used as a spice rack, or to hold condiments at a picnic. It would be fun to place small vases, bottles or mason jars with fresh flowers in each little section. Oh, and in the fall it would look cute with mini pumpkins, bittersweet and other autumn treasures tucked in it. Christmas. . .pine cones, evergreen, red applies. Shall I go on? 😉
Love the color
You did a great job. I also was thinking it would be nice for an outdoor meal, with condiments, napkins, etc. Thanks for sharing at Vintage Bliss Tuesdays. Jo
I love that color. Great choice. It breathed new life into it.
Love this toolbox and the color is perfect for it!The idea of some flowers and clay pots in it would be very nice! I'd love if you would share this at the blog party, Celebrate It! We are all about celebrating the little everyday things of our wonderful life, along with the big things!
http://thefreshmancook.blogspot.com/2014/12/celebrate-it-blog-party-20.html
Oooh blue is my color and love it on your vintage tool box. Thank you for sharing at The Southern Special. I really appreciate you sharing with us each week.
Two things to love here – first it is a tool caddy and second it is blue! Fill it with Shiny Brites! Thanks for sharing it with Make It Monday.
Love that paint recipe! This turned out great & it has multiple uses!