🏖️ Coastal-Chic Hope Chest
Complete Lime-Wash Transformation
Once a dark, water-stained cedar trunk, this heirloom is now a breezy statement piece that brightens our client's seaside living room.
The Original Condition
Water Damage
Patchy, sun-bleached lid with drink rings and scorch marks
Heavy Dark Stain
Heavy mahogany stain obscuring carved flutes and scalloped skirt
Tarnished Hardware
Tarnished brass strap-hinges and campaign handles hidden under grime
Our 5-Step Revival
Strip & Neutralise
Eco-friendly strippingSoy-based remover and gentle scraping lifted the century-old finish without raising the grain.
Deep Clean & Sand
Progressive grain preparationProgressive sanding (100 → 220 grit) on flat panels; hand-sanding inside the vertical flutes to reveal crisp profiles.
Cerusing / Lime-Wash
Specialized cerusingCustom grey-white wax infused into open grain, then lightly buffed back to create that weathered, sun-kissed look while letting knots peek through.
Hardware Restoration
Brass revivalBrass hinges, escutcheon and campaign pulls soaked in a mild citric bath, then hand-polished and sealed with micro-crystalline wax for a satin glow—not a mirror shine.
Protective Finish
Matte protectionTwo coats of dead-flat water-based varnish lock in the wash, repel spills, and keep the chalky matte aesthetic intact.
The Result
Coastal Harmony
Soft driftwood tones complement coastal décor yet still show the chest's ribbon-grain character.
Jewelry-Like Hardware
Refreshed brass details pop against the pale body, turning functional hardware into jewellery.
Authentic Aging
Subtle distressed highlights along mouldings and paw feet give the piece authentic age without looking 'shabby.'
Perfect Function
Lid now closes smoothly, and interior cedar smell was revived with a light re-oil—perfect for linen storage.
"It looks like it came straight from a designer showroom on the Cape!"— Client review
Specialized Techniques
Cerusing/Lime-Wash
Specialized technique using grey-white wax infused into open grain for weathered coastal look
Soy-Based Stripping
Eco-friendly century-old finish removal without damaging delicate cedar grain
Progressive Hand-Sanding
Detailed work inside vertical flutes and carved elements to reveal crisp profiles
Citric Brass Revival
Mild citric bath followed by hand-polishing for satin glow, not mirror shine
Dead-Flat Protection
Water-based varnish that locks in lime-wash while maintaining chalky aesthetic
Cedar Revival
Interior cedar scent restoration with light re-oiling for aromatic linen storage
Coastal-Chic Style Elements
Design Philosophy
- Weathered, sun-kissed aesthetic that looks naturally aged
- Soft driftwood tones that complement seaside living
- Brass hardware treated as decorative jewelry
- Chalky matte finish that repels coastal humidity
- Authentic distressing without 'shabby' appearance
- Functional beauty perfect for linen storage
Perfect For:
Want a Coastal-Chic Transformation?
Transform your furniture with our specialized lime-wash and cerusing techniques. Perfect for creating that weathered, sun-kissed coastal aesthetic.