Stunning 5 Ways to Decorate a Styrofoam Cooler Beautifully

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Transforming a plain Styrofoam cooler into a decorative and functional piece is a budget-friendly project that can add a unique touch to your home or outdoor space. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the advanced hands-on steps and technical specifications to create a stunning, wood-like trunk from a simple Styrofoam cooler.

Preparation: Gather the Necessary Supplies

To begin your Styrofoam cooler decorating project, you’ll need the following supplies:

  • Small Styrofoam cooler (approximately 8.5 x 6 x 6 inches)
  • Sanding sponge
  • Hot glue
  • 1-inch hinges
  • Paintbrushes
  • Brown shipping paper
  • Scissors
  • Black paint
  • Burnt Umber and Chocolate Brown paints
  • Polyurethane spray
  • Mod Podge
  • Cinnamon

Sanding: Creating a Wood-like Appearance

How to Decorate a Styrofoam Cooler

  1. Use the sanding sponge to sand away the rings on the top of the Styrofoam cooler.
  2. Continue sanding the entire surface of the cooler, creating lines and grooves to give it a realistic wood-like texture.

Applying Paper Strips: Simulating Leather Straps

  1. Cut two strips from the brown shipping paper, each approximately 1-inch wide and long enough to wrap around the cooler.
  2. Apply Mod Podge to the cooler’s surface and carefully adhere the paper strips, creating the appearance of leather straps on a trunk.

Attaching Hinges: Adding Functionality

  1. Position the hinges on the cooler, ensuring they are evenly spaced and aligned.
  2. Apply hot glue to the hinge and the cooler’s surface, then firmly press the hinges into place.
  3. Allow the hot glue to fully dry and set before proceeding.

Painting: Achieving a Realistic Wood Finish

  1. Spray the entire cooler with a flat black spray paint, ensuring even coverage.
  2. Once the black paint is dry, use a paintbrush to apply Burnt Umber paint, covering the entire cooler.
  3. Add some black paint in strategic areas over the Burnt Umber to create a more realistic wood-like appearance.

Adding Finishing Touches: Enhancing the Rustic Look

  1. After the paint has completely dried, use the Chocolate Brown paint to add details to the paper strips, simulating the appearance of leather.
  2. While the Chocolate Brown paint is still wet, sprinkle cinnamon over the strips to create a unique, aged texture.

Sealing: Protecting the Finish

  1. Spray the entire cooler with a clear polyurethane sealant to protect the paint and finish.
  2. Allow the polyurethane to fully dry and cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

By following these advanced steps, you’ll transform a simple Styrofoam cooler into a decorative and functional trunk that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:

  • Storing and transporting items
  • Serving as a unique side table or coffee table
  • Displaying plants or other decorative items
  • Providing extra seating in your living space

Facts, Figures, and Data Points

  • Styrofoam is made up of 97% air, making it an excellent insulator and a cost-effective material for coolers.
  • Styrofoam coolers are widely available and can be purchased for just a few dollars, making them an affordable option for this DIY project.
  • Repurposed Styrofoam coolers can be used in various ways, such as creating a cheap air conditioner, a grocery holder, an outdoor cat house, a compost bin, or a planter for potted plants.
  • The small Styrofoam cooler from the Dollar Tree used in this project measures approximately 8.5 x 6 x 6 inches.
  • The hinges used in this project are 1-inch in size and were purchased from Walmart.
  • The brown shipping paper strips are each cut to be approximately 1-inch wide and long enough to wrap around the cooler.

References

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