Shoe Shine Box Upcycle
By Phoebe Peach
Creative Projects with Mezzie and Frank
Once a well-loved shoe shine box, this little piece had been left to fade away in the shed, forgotten and weathered by time. The paint was peeling, the timber dry and lifeless, and the inside was thick with dust and cobwebs—evidence of many spiders who had made it their home over the years. It was clear this charming box was in desperate need of some care.
My mission was to breathe new life into it, restoring its beauty while preserving the rustic character that made it so special. The original red paint had faded so much it was impossible to know whether it had once been bold or muted. I chose to repaint it using ‘Barossa’, a rich red from our Chalk Effects range. To enhance the aged look and give the colour more depth, I finished it with Gilly’s Black Wax, which helped darken the tone slightly and add a beautifully worn, vintage feel.
Products used:
Mezzie + Frank Chalk Style Paint - BAROSSA
Gilly's Carnauba Polish (Clear)
Gilly's Black Wax
Gilly's Restoring Polish (Clear)
Gilly's Cabinet Maker's Wax (Clear)
Pictured: Shoe shine box before paint & wax.
Prep
Before I could begin painting I needed to give the shoe shine box a good clean. I used a vacuum to remove the cobwebs and a damp cloth to wipe down the inside and outside to remove any dust or grime.
Application
Mezzie + Frank Chalk Effects Paint 'Barossa'
Before opening the can ensure you give it a good shake!
Using a paint stirrer, I gave the tin a good mix to ensure the paint was smooth and consistent—perfect for an even application. With a brush, I painted the three timber sides of the shoe shine box. Two coats were all it took to achieve the coverage I wanted, allowing two hours of drying time between each coat.
Pictured: Applying Mezzie + Frank Chalk Effects Paint in the colour 'Barossa'.
Black Wax Application
The timber top showed signs of an old varnish, so I decided to leave it unpainted and give it a natural, waxed finish instead. I used Gilly’s Black Wax to nourish the wood and subtly deepen its tone, enhancing its rustic character. Applying the wax sparingly, I then buffed away the excess with a clean cloth, revealing a beautifully aged and textured finish.
Pictured: Applying Gilly's Black Wax to nourish and darken the raw timber.
Once the painted sides of the shoe shine box were completely dry, I applied Gilly’s Black Wax sparingly, then gently buffed off the excess with a clean cloth. The wax worked beautifully to deepen the rich red hue, transforming it into a warm, vintage-inspired shade with added depth and character.
Pictured: Applying Gilly's Black Wax over chalk paint for an antiquing effect.
Sealing - Carnauba Polish
Gilly's Carnauba Polish is a versatile finishing product that can be used on timber, metal, and chalk paint. For the final coat, I applied it to the entire exterior of the shoe shine box to seal and protect the finish. Using an old rag, I worked the polish in with light, circular motions, then buffed off any excess with a clean cloth to reveal a smooth, subtle sheen.
Pictured: Applying Gilly's Carnauba Polish as the final coat.
Pictured: Finished photos.
Interior door
On the inside of the shoe shine box I followed Gilly's 3-step-waxing process to nourish and restore the timber.
Step 1 - Nourish: Gilly's Restoring Polish is a nourishing polish that feeds the timber while providing a soft, natural sheen. I applied it with firm pressure, working along the grain to ensure even coverage, then buffed away any excess with a clean cloth to reveal a refreshed, polished finish.
Step 2 - Build: Gilly's Cabinet Maker's Wax is a firm, buildable wax designed to create a protective layer on timber while helping to fill in minor imperfections like hairline cracks and tiny holes. Using 0000 steel wool, I applied the wax with firm pressure, following the direction of the grain. I then buffed off any excess with a clean cloth, leaving a smooth, well-finished surface.
Step 3 - Finish: Gilly's Carnauba Polish is a fast-drying surface finish enriched with carnauba and beeswax. Soft and easy to apply, it hardens quickly and, once buffed, leaves a beautiful, hard, high-gloss sheen. I applied it using an old rag in gentle circular motions, then buffed away the excess with a clean cloth to reveal a smooth, lustrous finish.
