How to paint suitcases is one question I get asked often ever since I published this white suitcase nightstand. People want to know all the details, as if there is some deep dark secret that I could share.
Well let me tell you, there is nothing easier, no need to be afraid. But since I get the question so often I thought I’d better show you the process firsthand.
How to paint suitcases: the steps
- Find an old suitcase.
Don’t worry about imperfections, that goes with the territory. Remove – if possible -, stickers, tape and other ‘accessories’. Clean thoroughly. When looking for suitcases to paint I don’t worry about damage because that will be covered anyway, but I search for the ones with details: reinforced edges, label holders or wooden strips. The more original details the better because those add interest once painted.
- Decide what to do about the hinges and handle hardware.
You can choose to tape it off and keep it in its original state but I usually prefer to just paint over them. Much easier and it hides rust and grime.
- Prime.
When I did my first one, I used spray primer. That works fine. Since then I prefer a regular primer applied with a brush. It is easier to get into all the nooks and crannies that way. Use one of those cheapo throw away brushes though, because it is likely to get damaged. Don’t waste a quality brush on a project like this.
Any primer will work, don’t worry about that. Just give it a very light coat.
- Start painting it in color of choice.
I usually start by painting the bottom, let dry, turnover and paint the sides and lid. It adds an extra step but painting one of these is a quick job that doesn’t take a lot of time. You could do it between the soup and potatoes (sorry bit of Dutch humor here).
- Bonus tip!
Before you start to paint the top part put something tall inside the suitcase so the lid can rest on it. That way you can paint underneath the lid edge too and you don’t run the risk of painting the suitcase shut by accident.
- While it is drying wiggle the hinges and lid a bit so they stay mobile and the paint won’t crack. It is not a big issue if you forget this but it might lead to a bit of cracked paint later on. Don’t worry about that, striving for perfection when painting something really old like this is pointless anyway.
I think painting these old suitcases is just the easiest and most rewarding thing ever. They really come alive again. So don’t worry and just do it, there is no science to it.
Decorating with painted suitcases
Once you’ve got yourself a painted suitcase there is a ton of things you can do with it.
- Stack ‘m and use them as a sidetable
- Put them on a matching little table to give that the height you need
- Put them under the coffee table to stash magazines, books or blankets
- Place them high on a wardrobe to give you extra out-of-season storage space that looks good at the same time
- Organise your fabric or craft supples in them in your craft room
- …..
Check out my painted suitcases shine in my bohemian living room decor
Two similar painted small suitcases, a vintage one and a newish one, form a storage team in my new craft room
Really if you have been thinking about painting a suitcase, just do it, don’t worry to much and don’t be afraid. Mind you if that suitcase happens to be an heirloom of your uncle Vincent that he carried with him when he came over on the Mayflower: Step away! leave that piece of history alone. But if you happen to have a roadside find, a suitcase thrifted for a few bucks or that you dug up in your own attic, please go ahead have no fear and slap some paint on it. It is easy. It is worth it.
So the answer to “How to paint suitcases?”, is simply: Just do it, have no fear ! Get it done!
If you like these painting tips you might also like:
My working with milk paint review and tips and tricks
My review off Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
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aimee says
October 12, 2011 at 10:00 pmThankyou for sharing how you did it. iv always loved your painted suitcases they look fab xxx
Juanita D says
October 13, 2011 at 6:10 amLove your blog!! I am enjoying all of your projects. I too, am a procrastinator..and you have inspired me! Thank you for that!
Pink Princess says
October 13, 2011 at 7:53 amIk heb nog de koffer van mijn opi en omi waarmee ze altijd naar Canada gingen in de vroege jaren 60. Aan de ene kant denk ik: schilderen die hap…aan de andere kant…nee niet aankomen. Maar ja..NU staat ie gewoon ergens verstopt op zolder, gevuld met allerlei magazines (die ik dus ook niet meer lees duh). Dus misschien doe ik het wel van de winter, heb ik er meer plezier van, komt ie nog van pas enzo. Snappie♥
Liefs van Marian
Meredith from A Mother Seeking says
October 13, 2011 at 9:58 pmI am in love with the look. I just ordered old suitcases from ebay and can't wait to create this!!!! LOVE IT!
~ Meredith From A Mother Seeking Come find me on my blog, A Mother Seeking…
Heaven's Walk says
October 14, 2011 at 1:16 amGreat tutorial and beautiful job! What a great transformation! I cheated…..just spray painted my suitcases! lol!
xoxo laurie
The Vintage Farmhouse says
October 14, 2011 at 1:54 pmthank you for the tutorial. They are lovely in white! ♥
LoeLaLoep (Heidi) says
October 17, 2011 at 12:19 amOh, helemaal te gek! Wat leuk dat ik je site gevonden heb – ik ben ook helemaal dol van dit soort dingen 🙂 Ik volg je nu via de mail.
Kom ook 'ns op mijn site langs, als je zin hebt!
Heidi
PS: je schiet prachtige foto's!
Steve says
October 21, 2012 at 7:46 amWOW! It seems like you were talking to me personally because I’ve been wrestling with the idea of painting a suitcase and now after reading your article I realize what am I scare of since I only paid a couple of bucks for it.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Leana says
June 8, 2014 at 9:42 amLove old suitcases – bought 3 from second hand store over a decade ago – but they are looking really tatty now, going to paint them this weekend and use as side table in my baby nursery
Kelly Clayton says
November 5, 2014 at 2:02 pmFeeling very inspired after just receiving a vintage suitcase off my grandma! However, what paint is best to use? I guess emulsion isn’t the answer!!
Marianne@Songbird says
November 5, 2014 at 3:53 pmI have used regular latex paint I used on my furniture too. I think priming the suitcase is most important and then any paint will do. Just go for it and have fun.
tj says
February 23, 2015 at 2:35 amLove it love I’m in process of buying a trunk and it’s lovely but it’s green and I want it different colour so thks
Marianne@Songbird says
February 23, 2015 at 11:17 amI love trunks, so congratulations on your score. Have fun painting it.
KimBerly Vee says
March 8, 2015 at 7:02 amThank you SO much for sharing your technique! One Question for you: what do you do with the insides of the suitcases? Lots of times they are very musty smellling, or the lining is stained, or torn??
Marianne@Songbird says
March 9, 2015 at 10:14 pmDepends for what I want to use them for. Usually I try to clean it real well and use/ try every trick in the book to remove the odor. Google it there are lots of ways to do that.
Janice Hobbs says
August 2, 2015 at 6:15 amNice job on the paint and giving it that Shabby Chic look. Did you use chalk paint or regular paint after the primer. I have a beat up old leather suitcase that I’m trying to put some life into and I’m looking for some ideas.
Hally says
August 6, 2015 at 9:20 amForgive me if this is posted somewhere or if it’s been asked already, but can you still open and use the suitcases even after you’ve painted them? I’ve been wanting to do this for so long!
Marianne@Songbird says
August 6, 2015 at 12:45 pmSure you can, as long as you take care not to paint the closures (not an english word but can’t think of the proper one at the moment) too heavily.
kim says
September 7, 2015 at 8:23 pmHello, I want to make one of these suite cases for my daughter. Is there better choice of paint and primmer you use? I am worried about peeling and or sticking .
Thank you
Marianne@Songbird says
September 8, 2015 at 3:59 pmNo, I don’t think so. Just make sure you use a primer that is suitable for all surfaces (not just wood) and than take it from there. I use a really good primer and than just any old paint that is the right color.
Amy says
June 16, 2017 at 1:55 amWhat brand primer do you use?
Tamara says
September 17, 2015 at 7:58 pmThanks for the tips Marianne! Have a great day..
Tamara
ali says
February 23, 2016 at 6:27 pmThanks so much for this!!
Its given me the confidence to go with my gut and just paint the damn thing!!!:):)
I have signed up for more of your inspirational ideas:)
Amy says
June 16, 2017 at 1:58 amWhat brand primer do you us?
Linda Grills says
October 15, 2017 at 8:48 pmFound an old suitcase on the road side . Been wanting to try something different to do with it. Thanks for your direction!
Gwen says
May 16, 2018 at 1:05 amI’m so glad I saved this post. I have non heirloom old suitcases that hold Christmas decor. I’m not really using shabby chic design but I have a room where white suitcases would still look nice stacked. (Even if they are in the closet!) I WILL do it. I was hesitant. Thank you again for the timely post.