Ever stumbled upon a roadside find that had the potential to be something beautiful? Our friend recently discovered a solid wooden trunk headed for the trash, and we decided to save it. Armed with Fusion Stain and Finishing Oil Walnut. we took on the challenge of turning this trash into a treasure. Here’s how we did it!

The Before:

Tools You’ll Need:

• TSP Alternative
• Fusion™ Mineral Paint in Raw Silk
• Staalmeester Small Angled Brush/Flat Brush + Roller
• Walnut Stain and Finishing Oil (SFO)
• Orbital Sander with 120 grit sandpaper

Step 1: Clean with TSP Alternative

First things first, we cleaned the trunk thoroughly using TSP Alternative. This step is crucial to remove any grime or dirt that could interfere with the paint and stain application. Our cleaner is a bio-degradable, concentrated non-rinse formula, so a little goes a long way.

Step 2: Sanding the Trunk

We started by sanding down the top of the trunk to raw wood. Since this was a roadside find, there were plenty of scratches and imperfections. We used an orbital sander with 120 grit sandpaper for a nice, even sand. Despite our best efforts, some groove marks remained, but that added to the trunk’s character.

For the sides, we also sanded down parts to even out scratches as best as possible. Remember, paint doesn’t hide texture, so it’s essential to smooth out the surface.

Step 3: Painting with Fusion™ Mineral Paint in Raw Silk

Next, we painted the bottom of the trunk using Fusion™ Mineral Paint in Raw Silk. This colour gives a soft, elegant finish. For detailed edges and corners, we used a Staalmeester small angled brush, while larger areas were tackled with a roller. We applied three thin coats for a flawless finish.

Step 4: Staining with Walnut SFO

The final step was to stain the top of the trunk with Fusion™ Walnut Stain and Finishing Oil. We used a low-quality brush to spread the SFO evenly and let it sit for about 15 minutes.

Then, we wiped off any excess with a cloth. The dents and marks on the trunk took the stain differently, enhancing the rustic, weathered look we love.

Fusion Stain and Finishing Oil Walnut.

And there you have it! This once-forgotten trunk is now a stunning piece of furniture, ready to be used and loved. The combination of Raw Silk paint and Walnut SFO created a beautiful contrast, making this project a resounding success. It will provide great storage and was an inexpensive project!

Tips for Your Own Furniture Makeover

• Choose Quality Products: Using high-quality paint and stain ensures a long-lasting finish.
• Take Your Time with Prep: Proper cleaning and sanding make a huge difference in the final look.
• Experiment with Techniques: Don’t be afraid to try new methods. The imperfections often add character.

FAQs for SFO

Q: Can I use Fusion™ Mineral Paint on any type of wood? A: Absolutely! Fusion™ Mineral Paint works well on a variety of wood surfaces, but always ensure the wood is clean and prepped for best results.

Q: How long does the stain need to dry? A: After wiping off the excess, let the stain and finishing oil cure for about 24 hours before using the piece.

Q: Do I need to apply a top coat over the paint? A: Fusion™ Mineral Paint has a built-in top coat, but for high-traffic areas, an additional top coat can provide extra durability.

Transform Trash To Treasure Fusion Mineral Paint

Transforming a discarded piece of furniture can be incredibly rewarding. With the right tools and products, like Fusion™ Mineral Paint and Stain and Finishing Oil, you can turn any roadside find into a cherished piece for your home. Ready to start your own project? Grab your supplies and get creative!

See this Ikea project using Walnut SFO and a Cathedral Taupe paint wash.

See All 10 shades of Fusion™ Mineral Paint Stain and Finishing Oil here!