How to Chalk Paint a Hatbox & Travel Tips
When I go on trips, I love to bring home a souvenir, but I like for it to be something I can use in my everyday. Souvenirs don’t have to be related to the area I visited, they just have to be fun and unique even if they are simply from somewhere like Free People. When I was in L.A., not too long ago, I popped into Santa Monica Place to visit Free People and Anthropologie. I walked out of Anthro with the obligatory Voluspa candle and I found myself carefully studying the wool hats on display at Free People. I never try hats on in the store, I just can’t bring myself to do it, until they have been treated for the possibility of insects.
How to Fully Immerse Yourself in a City
I had walked from Rodeo Drive to The Original Farmers Market and back again and I walked 7 miles from my hotel to Santa Monica Place. I took a lot of Ubers, but I love doing walking tours when I take trips, allowing myself to truly immerse into a place. Walking a city allows you to more easily stop when you see something interesting, without turning around and finding a parking spot. You just stop to see whatever it is and before you know it, 7 easy miles on a cool day, took 3.5 hours to walk. Walking tours allow you to be spontaneous, try foods that you might not notice, stop into boutiques and fulfill your dreams of wanderlust. You literally stop to smell the roses, because it’s possible, because shockingly, ditching the car gives you freedom.
Storing Hats
As I stood there in Free People wondering about this burgundy wool hat, I got a wild hair and popped it on my head. I spent the week walking all over L.A., no bug was going to stop me! I popped the hat on my head and immediately handed the checkout girl my credit card. Never would have I imagined that I would be fighting with the hat, trying to keep it from getting damaged. Finding a reasonably priced hatbox was difficult, until I went to the last day of an estate sale and found a damask patterned hatbox. The damask patterned hatbox was not my cup of tea, but it was $4 and I was tired of fighting with the $50 hat. As I have said before, I am not good at leaving things alone and if you’re reading this, I bet you’re the same way. The damask pattern haunted my dreams but as luck would have it, chalk paint calms my dreams. So let’s go learn how to chalk paint paperboard hatboxes!
How to Paint a Hatbox
Materials you’ll need:
- Hatbox
- Chalk paint (color of your choice I used Ivory from Waverly)
- Medium grit sandpaper (optional)
- Paint brushes
- Clean cloth for buffing
- Clear wax (I love Homestead House wax)
- Ribbon (optional)
Step 1: Prepare the Hatbox Clean the hatbox thoroughly to remove any dust, dirt, or grease. Use a clean cloth or sponge damp with water or if necessary. Make sure the box is completely dry before proceeding. Remove the ribbon / cord even if you are not replacing it.
Step 2: Sand the Surface (optional) If the hatbox has a glossy or smooth finish, you may want to lightly sand the surface to create a better grip for the chalk paint. Use medium-grit sandpaper and gently rub the surface in a circular motion. Wipe away any sanding residue with a clean cloth.
Step 3: Apply the Base Coat Using a medium-sized brush, apply a thin, even coat of chalk paint to the entire surface of the hatbox. Make sure to cover both the top and bottom of the box. Allow the first coat to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Depending on the paint and desired coverage, you may need to apply multiple coats. Repeat this step until you achieve the desired color and coverage, allowing each coat to dry in between. I did two coats of paint.
Step 4: Seal the Surface (optional) To protect the chalk paint and give it a smooth finish, apply a clear wax. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for the specific product you’re using. Apply the wax or sealer using a clean cloth or brush, and make sure to cover the entire surface evenly. Allow the wax or sealer to dry completely. I personally like to wear a nitrile glove and wipe the wax on with my gloved hand. It gives me more control and I can feel how much wax is on the surface. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, buff the wax to your desired level of shine.
Step 5: Once everything is dry, replace your ribbon or cord. If replacing the old ribbon, measure the replacement ribbon against the old ribbon. I didn’t have quite enough ribbon and rather than buy more, I used overhand knots to join smaller pieces together. I like a distinctive look, so pieced together ribbon works for me, but you may prefer a cleaner look.
Remember to let each coat of paint, sealer, or wax dry completely before proceeding to the next step. Follow any additional instructions provided by the manufacturer of the chalk paint or any other products you’re using. Enjoy your beautifully painted hatbox!
My hatbox is a little bit floppy so I took a little extra care and time while painting it.
Now that the hatbox is painted and fits in better with my surroundings, my dreams are a little bit smoother, like the water on Santa Monica Beach or the ice cream from Wanderlust Creamery or the banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery. Remember, paint, especially chalk paint fixes almost everything.
