Upcycled Vintage Train Case

Turn that vintage case from "mehh" to "wow that's super cute! where did you get it?!"

Posted by Ashley G.

About

I found this vintage Samsonite train case at a Goodwill outlet store (even cheaper than regular Goodwills!). It cost me a whole $.99 but normally they would cost between $4-$5 from what I've hear others say. You can also find them at thrift stores like the Salvation Army which according to people that have gotten them their, they were about $8. The time for this project really varies depending on the design you choose to paint. It's fairly simple, just time consuming when you add in dry time. I bought all supplies for the project at walmart.
Primer/base coat- $3.50
acrylic paint (pink)- $1
acrylic paint (black)- $1
Spray gloss sealant- $3.50
Crystals- $12
Masking tape- $2
Total: $23 (estimate)
It seems expensive but most of the supplies can be used on the next one, except for the crystals :) Hope you like this!

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You Will Need (7 things)

  • 1 can of Spray Paint in color of choice
  • 1 Acrylic Paint (Any Color)for the leopard spots
  • 1 Black Acrylic Paint for outsides of spots
  • 1 can of spray on Mod Podge Acrylic Sealer or generic brand
  • 2 Paint Brushes to do spots
  • 4 pkgs of self adhesive Rhinestone(s) strips
  • 1 roll of Masking Tape to cover trim

Steps (5 steps, 180 minutes)

  1. 1

    I used masking tape to cover all the trim and anything you don't want painted (handle, metal parts). Take care in taping off the trim so that it's nice and neat (you'll be glad you took the extra time!)

  2. 2

    after covering anything you don't want painted, use a flat spray paint- i used a primer that was gray since they were out of flat gray spray paint. This dries fairly quickly (10 minutes or less)

  3. 3

    Now it's time to start working on your design. I chose leopard print in baby pink acrylic paint. Just a flat one, not the gloss.

  4. 4

    Next you will want to apply a clear glossy sealant BEFORE removing taped off areas. You may want to do 2 coats. In the craft section they have Mod Podge in spray form, but in the spray paint section in walmart you can get a clear non yellowing glossy sealer for about $2 less...that's what I used and it was fine. Now you can remove your tape after the clear coat dries

  5. 5

    next I used some crystals that come in strips, i got them from the scrapbooking section in walmart for $3 per pack- this took me 4 packages. once you're done adding any finishing touches you want, your case is now as cute as can be and totally unique to you! We'll tackle the inside next- although this one is is good shape- i painted the border of the mirror inside matching baby pink.