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My Union Jack trunk has to be one of my most prized possessions, as a lot of work went into its creation, and from start to finish was a huge transformation.
I came across this old, beat up trunk at a place called waste-wise, where people can just drop off their old junk they do not want anymore. What drew me to it was how old it was (dated back at least 50 years) and how it was still in very good structural condition. It looked like it had taken a beating, but I am always drawn to a challenge.
So for $30, it was all mine. I took it home and immediately noticed how dirty it was. It had that mildew smell to it, so I put on the rubber gloves and gave it a good cleaning. I noticed when I was cleaning it (just with soap and water) that the paint was coming off. This was fine, as I had already planned to re-paint it.
Once it was all washed, I gave it two coats of white primer to get a good base going. I had to be really careful painting because of all the antique clasps and metal corners on the trunk, which I wanted to preserve. Rather than using tape, I opted to use a really small, fine art paintbrush to cover the delicate areas.
I went to my local paint store, and picked out the colors I wanted to use (for the Union Jack I chose navy blue, red and antique white). I knew I wouldn’t use a ton of paint, so I purchased some sample sizes, which were relatively cheap. I decided to use latex acrylic eggshell finish paint (like you would for your walls) because of how durable it is compared to craft paints.
I painted every side except for the front of the trunk with two coats of the navy blue paint. Even with tape, getting the flag to turn out was extremely difficult and took a lot of time! I used some painter’s tape first, to tape off the area of the flag where the antique white paint would go. After giving it two coats of paint, I filled in the background with the navy blue paint.
I gave it a day or two to properly dry, because I then had to tape over the white part to get the red part of the union jack done. After two coats of red, I waited another day to take the tape off. When I did take the tape off some of my lines were a tiny bit uneven (the paint bled through a little), so I just went over it with a really fine paintbrush by hand to even it all out.
I was so pleased with the results, especially given that this was one of my very first DIY projects. If I can do this, so can you. All it takes is time, creativity and a lot of patience!
Sarah is currently studying Anthropology at McMaster University. She enjoys up-cycling, creating customized furniture, decorative furniture painting and any do-it-yourself projects, big or small. She is passionate about creative sustainability, by breathing new life into items destined for the land-fill.
Elizabeth Lampman is a coffee-fuelled Mom of 2 girls and lives in Hamilton, Ontario. She enjoys travelling, developing easy recipes, crafting, taking on diy projects, travelling and saving money!
The trunk you did turned out great. My brother used to buy old junk trunks to and fix them up really nice. This is a good idea . It can be used for storage, a coffee table , lots of ways . I always say one mans junk is another mans treasure. I like DIY projects .
I love this trunk, it looks just like one I used to have when I moved to Denmark (but without the Union Jack). You have made a great job of it, it looks fabulous.
Amazing work! I have an old trunk lying around in my house that I was going to throw out very soon. However, after seeing this post there’s no way that’s happening! Can’t wait to try this out, I hope it turns out as nice as yours did! Thanks for the inspiration!
I love your Union Jack Trunk! I have a thing for the Union Jack and I’ve never seen it used this way before! Thanks for sharing and thanks for the creative inspiration!
My daughter would LOVE this!! Makes me wish I had a trunk or a table in her room to do it on! Though.. I am kinda thinking of doing it to the top of her desk now – with a lot of sealant on the top of it
This is great I love the union jack already and I have a cedar trunk that could use some updating ,its not vintage I bought it at auction for almost nothing because it was home made. The inside is great but the outside is dinged up. great idea !
I love this! This isn’t your first — I remember I loved your new-and-improved IKEA dresser. 🙂
Great idea! I have a few trunks that I would love to do this to.
It looks nice, you did a fab job.
It looks like new. You’re very creative.
Great idea!!
I love this trunk, you did an amazing job!!
I have to say that came out extremely well! My daughter would love it!
It turned out beautifully! My family is British so I am loving the Union Jack on the front of the trunk!!
That looks awesome! 😀
The trunk you did turned out great. My brother used to buy old junk trunks to and fix them up really nice. This is a good idea . It can be used for storage, a coffee table , lots of ways . I always say one mans junk is another mans treasure. I like DIY projects .
this is just too cute! Great job!
Wow,it turned out great.I am in the process of changing mine with trucks/cars on it for my boys toy box
I absolutely adore this! You did an amazing job! I have an old trunk that could use a makeover, YOU have inspired me! Thank you!
I love this trunk, it looks just like one I used to have when I moved to Denmark (but without the Union Jack). You have made a great job of it, it looks fabulous.
this trunk looks amazing!
You did a great job, I would have been nervous about making the lines straight, you can do sports teams also, great idea, thanks
Wow! Great job on the trunk! It turned out great! Perfect for storing blankets and pillows!
I know a few Brits who would love to have this! And I’d like it do. It might make me seem like a world-traveler ;).
Its a great idea to take something and make it unique. I will have to look for something like this to turn into a toy chest.
It looks amazing – like it was bought that way 🙂
This is awesome, Elizabeth! My daughter loves union jack decor right now, so she’ll flip over this! 🙂
This is awesome! I am obsessed with all things UK, and this fits the bill perfectly! Thanks for sharing at Fridays Unfolded!
Alison
Nancherrow
Amazing work! I have an old trunk lying around in my house that I was going to throw out very soon. However, after seeing this post there’s no way that’s happening! Can’t wait to try this out, I hope it turns out as nice as yours did! Thanks for the inspiration!
This is awesome! You did a fabulous job and thank you for sharing how!
LOTS OF PREP WORK, BUT IT LOOKS AMAZING
I love your Union Jack Trunk! I have a thing for the Union Jack and I’ve never seen it used this way before! Thanks for sharing and thanks for the creative inspiration!
My daughter would LOVE this!! Makes me wish I had a trunk or a table in her room to do it on! Though.. I am kinda thinking of doing it to the top of her desk now – with a lot of sealant on the top of it
M
You did a really great job. Not just for the bedroom, it could have a variety of uses
Ok I love love love the Union Jack Trunk. I hope one day I can do it myself or perhaps put in an offer for yours?? 🙂
i *love* this craft. i’ve always wanted a tickle trunk.
I loooove this trunk! What a great idea!!
What a great idea !
Awesome job I would have had such a mess
Looks wonderful- great idea!
That is pretty awesome. You are a genius! I’d pay big money for that if I saw it in a store!
This is great I love the union jack already and I have a cedar trunk that could use some updating ,its not vintage I bought it at auction for almost nothing because it was home made. The inside is great but the outside is dinged up. great idea !