From Dusty to Dazzling: Trunk Transformation

I refurbished an old trunk that I had received from my gran. She had it for years and was thinking of chucking it out. I took it on as a DIY project. It's not a stunning statement piece

Step 1: Cleaning the Surface
I started by wiping down the entire trunk using a damp cloth to remove years of dust, dirt, and grime. I paid special attention to the corners and metal edges where buildup tends to hide.

Step 2: Preparing the Hardware
The metal hinges, handles, and lock were rusty and squeaky, so I sprayed them with WD-40. This helped loosen the rust, remove squeaks, and instantly gave the metal parts a cleaner, revived look. I used a small brush and cloth to polish off any residue.

Step 3: Sanding the Wood
Once the hardware was in good shape, I sanded the wooden surfaces using medium-grit sandpaper first, followed by fine-grit sandpaper. This helped remove old varnish, smooth out scratches, and reveal the natural beauty of the wood grain.

Step 4: Cleaning After Sanding
After sanding, I wiped the entire trunk with a slightly damp cloth to remove all the dust particles, ensuring a smooth surface for finishing.

Step 5: Reviving the Metal Details
I applied another light coat of WD-40 to the metal details to give them a clean, slightly polished look and prevent future rusting.

Step 6: Applying Varnish
Once everything was dry, I applied a wood varnish using a clean brush. This added shine, highlighted the natural wood tones, and provided long-term protection. I let the first coat dry and then added a second for a richer finish.

Step 7: Final Touches
After the varnish dried completely, I did a final polish with a soft cloth. The hinges were tested again (no squeaks), and the trunk was ready to shine.

The old, worn-out trunk was transformed into a stunning, vintage piece with warm wood tones, gleaming metal details and a renewed charm ready to be used as a statement décor piece or functional storage chest. So chuffed!