Wood Trunk Painted With Benjamin Moore Paint Color Hale Navy
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I have my sister to thank for introducing me to the Benjamin Moore paint color. Her kitchen island is Hale Navy and the color looks awesome against the white kitchen cabinets. Navy is trending for walls and furniture too.
It seems like all I’ve painted lately has been trunks or cedar chests. I admit to having a thing for cedar chests. They look great painted and they have so many uses. Anyone else a fan?
This is the before. I actually thought the trunk was handmade by the Amish. There are a lot of Amish people who live in this area and they love to work with wood. When I started cleaning the trunk there was a label on the bottom……Made in Mexico.
The inside needed cleaning and screws tightened on the lid hinges.
The trunk looked very masculine to me and I went through my paint stash on the hunt for the perfect color. I had a can of Hale Navy I used on an earlier project and I thought it was perfect for the trunk. One coat of paint almost did the trick but I brushed on another light coat anyway.
The latch was a little crazy looking and I never figured out how to close it. I think there was a piece missing or the pieces were out of alignment. I just ditched the top piece. The decorative front piece was what first caught my eye.
I sanded the heck out of the chest once the paint was dry. The 80 grit sandpaper and my Ryobi sander did the job in no time.
When you sand paint it usually leaves a white haze or streaky areas.
You can take care of that problem with wax, either clear or colored. I used Howard’s Wax in Walnut to give an aged appearance to the trunk.
Shine the wax with a lint free cloth after about 30 minutes. Just be sure the wax is dry before shining it up.
I distressed the dark metal piece on the front too.
You guys saw the trunk before when I shared some inspiration pieces with you. I was leaning towards green and I wanted to put feet or legs on it. Most of you didn’t like the legs on the inspiration piece and after taking a second and third look I agreed with you. See, I do read your comments and listen to your opinions and suggestions.
Since there was trim around the bottom of the trunk the legs would have looked wonky anyway. Thanks for saving me from myself.
I also think the rich blue color was a good choice. How do you like the heavy distressing?
Time to see what the rest of the furniture fixer upper crew has today. Just click the links below the “before” makeovers photo…..
DIY Fire Truck Dresser – Girl In The Garage
Table Makeover/Applying Sealer With A Sponge – Confessions Of A Serial Diyer
Salt Wash Tables – Just The Woods
French Console Table Makeover – The Interior Frugalista
Salvaged Table Makeover – Salvaged Inspirations
Wood Trunk Makeover – Petticoat Junktion (you are here)
Remember I have the bedroom reveal tomorrow. You don’t want to miss it. Thanks for being here, Kathy
Author: Kathy Owen
Kathy Owen is the founder of the home decor blog Petticoat Junktion where she shares tutorials on painting furniture and upcycling thrifty finds into unique home décor. Her DIY projects have been featured on the Home Depot Blog, Plaid Crafts, Behr Designer Series, and in numerous magazines.
still available? love it!
Hi Anina! I’m so glad you found me. I love java too. I bet it will be beautiful.
We have the same trunk! I actually found you by doing a Google search with a photo of my trunk. I am in the same place with that crazy latch. I am going to stain mine java and paint the hardware black to go with my daughter’s living room woodwork and iron hardware. Love the navy, though !
I love how unique this chest is – the front metal piece is gorgeous and the navy suits it perfectly! Bravo Kathy. xo
Thank you Linda. I try to buy feet at the junk store. Usually expensive at the hardware stores but I do like the idea of bun feet.
Trunk came out really nice…as to feet/legs….if you want something to lift it up just a little…I am thinking bun feet…seen them at Lowe’s & Home Depot…that would make it look great ….really like the overall color, distressing and waxing…great job….
Thank you Leslie
Loved all the posts this week but your trunk was by far my favorite. Perfect color and distressing.
That’s a great idea Mary. I’ll find it and put it in the trunk.
Thank you Julie!
Thanks Naomi! I’m glad I listened to you guys.
Thank you!
Looks great! I love the blue. I love old trunks, the feet would have been too much! Love your ideas.
Glad you ditched the added legs idea, Kathy! I think the blue color you used is perfect. I really like it. Normally, I’m not terribly fond of heavy distressing but on this “old relic” it seems quite appropriate and looks fine.
Good job!
Love the color you used, and the distressing looks great!
I really like the blue color. If you are going to sell it, I would find that top broken latch piece and stick it inside as a go’s-with piece for any purist, you can’t go wrong doing that. Nice job.
What a huge improvement! I am loving that blue 🙂
It’s a cool trunk and a great size. The distressing on the left is a little too much for me, but I’m sure it will sell in no time.
I own this exact chest except it was a sofa table originally and it had a metal base. I purchased it new 20 years ago and it has been sitting in my basement for the last 5years but I think it’s time to bring it out and give it a new life with paint. Love what you did with yours.
love this color! I dont think Ive ever seen anything painted in this color and not look amazing! Love it Kathy
Very cool, Kathy! Great color and the perfect amount of distressing! XOXO
This looks great. I think you did the right thing ditching the top latch. It took away from the beauty of the bottom piece.
Hale yes to the hale navy! Whoever buys this solid wood trunk is getting a steal of a deal.
Love the color and the distressing!!!! Looks awesome:)
I love the new color. As for the distressing, for me it’s a little too much, especially on the left side. But other than that it’s a great finish!
Love it! Great job.
This blue is the bomb Kathy! Love the new look and what a steal of a deal for the lucky person who buys this gem! ? ?? looking forward to your bedroom reveal!