Rescuing a Little Australian History — Painting and Reloving an Antique Wood Toolbox

Sometimes it's all about timing — or luck.
But other times, I believe it's fate.
On the drive home from a meeting with our insurance agent,
(honestly...boring-as, right?)
My husband spotted an elderly gentleman swinging 
this amazingly tool caddy into a rubbish skip.
Knowing me well, 
he pointed it out and at my urging screeched
 into a U-turn and pulled up kerbside.
I hopped out and approached the gentlemen 
to ask if I could have that beautiful solid wood toolbox.

What ensued was like a comedy routine.
 He said, "I don't know why you'd want it...but take it if you like."

I told him I restore and refinish furniture 
and that I generally love old stuff. 
Again...he just stared at me blankly.  
I'm used to that. 
I've had that stare from family, friends and strangers most my life.

Eventually my enthusiasm either frightened or 
intrigued him into telling me he was a retired builder.
He'd been building houses for more than 50 years.
This toolbox was one of his first projects he built 
to hold his chisels and other tools.

"Don't you want to keep it?" I asked again.

"It's been collecting dust for years, it's yours if you want it," he said.
And back to that puzzled look...

BEFORE: A little bit of Adelaide history in this vintage toolbox

Yes, I get very excited about things like this!
Those old-school hammered nails, rough pieces of wood he likely
saved from a building site, 
the strips of metal securing the improvised handle...

I enjoyed the tool box in its rough state in the studio 
for some time until it was ready to embrace a new life.

We started with a bath! 
I usually don't clean things up unless they REALLY need it, 
but there was dust and dirt in every crevice.
So it got a quick hose down.

DURING: It's bath time for this handmade timber tool caddy

I was too impatient to let it dry.
I lugged it inside after it stopped dripping, and was still quite damp. 
The timber was thirsty — 
ideal for Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint! 
 I mixed up a custom colour using Boxwood, Artissimo and 
a bit of leftover French Enamel and Dried Lavender.
It made a delicious shade of blue-green 
like a deeper version of Kitchen Scale?

DURING: A custom mix of Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint

I was so excited by the gorgeous colour,
that in my enthusiasm I worked backward 
and painted the outside first. 

DURING: The MMS Milk Paint grabs hold of the thirsty wood easily

DURING: Antique tool caddy painted in a custom mixed Miss Mustard Seed colour

Being cautious as the outside was still wet, 
the inside was painted with one coat
 of a complementary custom colour mix using
 Miss Mustard Seed Yellow and Layla's Mint.

DURING: How gorgeous is this custom colour? Layla's Mint and MMS Yellow

The metal stripping was freshened
 with Lumiere Metallic Paint in Bronze. 

BEFORE: The original tin

AFTER: Reloved with Metallic Paint in Bronze

Whenever possible, leaving something original is a good idea.
 I always try to salvage the mood of the piece,
 but when I can restore a part of its original self...it's a win-win. 


I wet-sanded the original timber handle with Hemp Oil 
to clean it up, give it a little life back and to
restore, protect and seal the existing finish.

DURING: Left side shows the wet-sand in progress. Right side shows original condition

As a whimsical ode to its age and history, 
I added a favorite stencil,
Mr Nick's Shaving Equipment
using the Extra Large stencil brush and Lumiere Metallic Paint in Bronze.

Mr Nick's Shaving Equipment stencil, $29.95; Bronze Metallic Paint, $17.95; XL Stencil Brush, $12.95 shop online

Find the Mr. Nick's Shaving Equipment stencil online, $29.95

When using MMS Tough Coat Sealer you're supposed to 
wait 24-48 hours after painting, but again, impatience set in and 
I sealed the finish on this beauty as soon as the paint dried.  


I find you can get away with this when working 
with old thirsty surfaces. 
However, if I was after a pristine finish,
rather than a rough and rustic one,  wait the recommended time!

DURING: I love how sealing MMS Milk Paint brings it to life

Didn't this make an absolutely fabulous project? 
I like to think Mr. Retired Builder would be thrilled with the result.
 Likely still confused, but maybe proud to have his first
toolbox sitting in a home somewhere, 
being used, loved and respected for its history.

AFTER: Ready for its new life, renewed, restored & reloved!

It's all here...for the love...
Sada