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How to update a basket (with decor transfers) and paint! Take that dated old, orangey basket and make it beautiful instead! Easy!

Hello beautiful friends! Happy Tuesday, it’s Trashy Treasure day! If you are new here, Trashy Treasure Tuesday falls on the second Tuesday of every month. Three of my friends and I get together and share our thrifty treasures.

Today I’m sharing how to update a basket with decor transfers. And paint! Lots of ways you can update an old basket. I will share some of my other basket makeovers further down at the bottom of the post.

How To Update A Basket

Here she is “before”…

Not sure what purpose that elastic served but it had to go. It was $10 which is more than I usually try to pay for an old basket but it was a nice, sturdy one in great shape!

But VERY orange. (like many of them are but this one was really dark orange)

STEP 1 – PRIMER

And considering it was so darkly stained, I decided to use Bin Shellac-based primer to stop that stain from bleeding through my paint.

Which oddly looked like an amazing whitewashed color (because of the orange underneath). haha!

I mean, isn’t that pretty??
I’m itching to do another whitewashed basket makeover now. lol

When I pulled out all those staples I was left with all these holes.

So I quickly filled them in with wood filler. Let it dry then sanded smooth.

STEP 2 – PAINT

The color I’m using is Plaster, the most beautiful soft, sweet yellow shade. Perfect for spring!

I used this angled paintbrush because it was able to get into all of those flat basket-weaved areas well.

I applied one coat to the whole thing with absolutely zero bleedthrough and full coverage.

The top piece got two coats for extra coverage of the wood though.

Now let’s update the basket with transfers to kick it up a notch!

STEP 3 – APPLY TRANSFERS

Once it was fully dry, I laid out a few transfers and decided on this one called Ruby Rose. It was one long one that fit (mostly) perfectly on the top of this basket.

You can use the included wood transfer stick or use our Transfer Tool.

Just rub to transfer, then peel back the clear sheet as you go.

If you are new to decor transfers, take a look at this comprehensive post I just wrote all about how to apply them here >>> How To Use Rub On Decor Transfers (Tips & More)

Usually, I like to let the transfers flow right down the sides like I did on this recent basket update. “How To Paint Wash A Basket”

I considered it on this one…

But I decided not to do it this time.

I had one other piece left over from this transfer and decided to use it here on the inside of the lid.

This little sweetie went right here.

In case you are wondering how I placed it with all those bumps of the basket weaving. Let me show you.

Just gently push the transfer where you want it to go. Simple!

STEP 4 – BUFF/BURNISH TRANSFERS

Once that was all done, I used our Polishing Pad to gently rub out any bubbles, make sure it was all smooth, etc.

STEP 5 – APPLY TOPCOAT TO PROTECT TRANSFERS

Lastly, I added the Tough Coat Topcoat to seal the transfers. I only applied them where the transfers were, not the entire basket. Fusion paint is self-sealing so it is not necessary. But I did want to protect those transfers.

The Updated Basket Reveal

It’s similar to the one I linked earlier but different paint color, etc.

I fell in love with that one but it found its way to a new owner with one of my giveaways.

I love adding a “surprise” on the inside when you open it.

But wait, that’s not all!! haha!

And one on the bottom too.

No flowy overlap this time though! I kind of like the clean look of it stopping right there though. Nice for a change.

The top.

What could you use a large basket like this for? Lots of things really.
You could pack it up and make a picnic lunch with it.

Use it for blankets.

Or extra throw pillows. (open so you can see that pretty lid)

What would YOU use it for??

Here are a few other basket makeovers:

• Old Basket Makeover (great gift idea!)
• Basket Makeover For Spring
• Summer Basket Wreath
• Basket Update For Spring
• Dry Brushing Basket
• Longaberger Basket Makeover
• How To Paint Wash A Basket

PIN it to save it!

Hop on over to visit my friends’ makeover next!

1. Salvaged Inspirations
2. Prodigal Pieces
3. Confessions of a Serial DIYer

I hope you have an amazing weekend! I am in one of my favorite places this week…Anna Maria Island! Yippee! See you when I get back! (if you want see some of this area, check out my past visits and posts here)

xoxo