Have an old chest that you simply can;t throw away for it’s been in the family for ages? Why not give it a face lift with some photos or maps you may have lying around from your previous vacation. Or better yet, why not get hold of a couple of maps, brochures or anything else made of paper that can be stuck and varnished over to give your old wooden chest a new look. Choose your theme and collate your materials, laying them out on the floor so you can be sure you can cover the whole chest. Use wood glue to stick your photos and other materials, weighing them down if possible to ensure a tight fit.
Once you have covered everything, leave it to dry so you can finish it with either clear lacquer or varnish to add an extra layer of protection, preventing them from smudging or getting wet. You can even use more expensive polyurethane which has a bit of a yellowish tinge that gives it the illusion of age. There are also several textures to choose from such as satin, flat or gloss finish which you can play around with to get the effect you wish to attain. Let the whole thing dry, based on the type of finish you select and what do you get? A good old chest with a new life and character to match. A tip, this can be used on any old stuff such as vases, bottles and more, it’s green and affordable for most thrifty people!