DIY: Vintage Suitcase Makeover

Vintage Suitcase Painted

A few years ago I started collecting vintage suitcases, I have about four of them now. I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do with them, only that they were cute and could be used for a variety of things including home decor. So I finally pulled one of them out of the cellar. Yes, I have a cellar. And no, I didn't pull it out really, husband did because I am terrified of the cellar.

Anyway, I cleaned it as well as I could. It was in pretty bad shape. Then I put duct tape over the gold parts that I didn't want to paint. it was what was laying around, masking tape would probably work better. Cutting the tape into the right shapes was half the work. I used Krylon spray paint in Watermelon and started painting away. I was interrupted by my Stepdad, who used to be a professional painter, telling me I was doing it wrong so he took a break from mowing the lawn and came over to show me how it's really done. Apparently the way I was doing it was going to waste lots of paint.

 
He did it so well that it only needed the one coat of paint. We let it dry for the rest of the day and now I have a pretty pink vintage suitcase to use for whatever my heart desires. The suitcase cost me $1 at a yard sale and the paint was $3.75 at Wal-Mart. Bonus!
 
Vintage Suitcase Painted Pink

The finished product...Yay!

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14 Comments

  1. I want it!! It's GORGEOUS.... or should I say SHE'S GORGEOUS!!

    Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!

  2. Such a cool idea!! I have a collection of old suitcases and now you have my wheels spinning of what colors to paint them! Come link up to Centerpiece Wednesday on my blog and share your idea.
    Karin

  3. I love this suitcase, that pink melon color is to die for!!! Found you at Weekend Craft Soiree.

  4. That is so cute! What a great idea. I love taking old stuff that nobody wants anymore and giving it a makeover into something cute. I love the pink color you used, very very adorable. Thanks for sharing.

  5. Can you share the tips your father in law shared with you? I'd love to know the right way to spray paint.

  6. When I first saw the 'before', I thought "ugh, what can she possibly do with that!" Now that it is finished, I can't believe it was the same case! Amazing job Sarah, and it's also amazing that you had the forsight to see the potential in that ugly case!!

  7. I bought a couple of vintage suitcases as well. I did pay a little more than $1, but they were in great shape and required just some soap and water to clean up. I decided to fix them for my granddaughter's to take to Mimi's house for a visit.