Planning the Trunk and Its Design
Step1
Determine how the storage trunk will be used. It could simply be decorative in nature or used to store anything from blankets to photographs.
Step2
Based on its intended purpose, decide on a type of trunk. Antique trunks can be found in thrift stores or by shopping garage sales. New trunks can be purchased in furniture stores, redecorating boutiques, craft stores and numerous other places. They come in all sizes, shapes and materials. Some are easier to redecorate than others.
Step3
Determine where in the home the storage trunk will be placed. That decision may have some bearing on how it will be redecorated.
Step4
Choose how the trunk will be decorated. Will it be made to look older by roughing up the edges and selected areas with sandpaper? Will it be recovered with fabric, photographs or pictorial paper? Will it be given a specialized finish, like a marble or granite look? Will it be hand-painted?
Step5
Lay out the items you need to complete your particular project. Lay down a tarp or paper and place the trunk on top of it. Put on the necessary safety gear.
Redecorating the Trunk
Step1
Make a trunk look older by using fine sandpaper to rough up the finish around the corners, the closure and even across the tops and sides. Be cautious not to sand too much on the first pass. It is possible to go back and take off more finish, but it will be difficult to replace what has already been removed.For an even more antique look, wipe some antique stain around the area that was sandpapered. Wipe off the excess stain immediately with a soft cloth.
Step2
To redecorate the trunk with fabric, use brown paper to make a pattern of the areas that will be covered. Once the pattern is perfected, use it to cut out the pieces of fabric. Using fabric glue, attach the fabric to the trunk, folding the raw edges under as you go. Smooth out any bumps or wrinkles before letting the trunk dry. Once it is dry, cover the fabric with Modge Podge or some similar protectorate. Trim the edges, if desired, with decorative braid or rope.
Step3
Redecorate the trunk with photos or other pictures by using the appropriate type of glue to attach each piece. Make a collage in your own style, overlapping and positioning the items as you desire. Be sure to smooth out all wrinkles or bumps. Once dry, add a clear lacquer or Modge Podge protectorate on top.
Step4
Redecorate the trunk with a specialized finish such as marble, granite or metallic leafing (gold, silver, bronze or copper). Such finishes come in kit format, with instructions that are easy to follow.
Step5
Your trunk can be hand-painted to match the room décor. You can either paint over the trunk’s existing finish or paint it a background color before adding a chosen design. Be sure to use the appropriate type of paint and finish off the design with a coat of clear lacquer.
Novice 
