Purchase flame-proof cast iron paint to restore your antique safe. Search for pictures of replica safes online, and print copies to use as references. Original safes were often black with gold design and lettering; choose colors that best match the original. Hand-scrape and wire-brush the safe to remove old paint, then cover it with corrosion-inhibiting primer and let it dry completely for a few hours. Cover with paint. Add your design with stencils or by hand.
Antique pie safes closely resemble clothing dressers. They blend into the surroundings for a reason; thieves may overlook them instead of realizing what they really are. Paint your antique safe to resemble an antique pie safe. Give it a coat of black or brown to match the rest of your furniture, then paint decorative handles to make it look as if it also has drawers and cabinet doors. If your antique safe is wood, drill handles into the wood to resemble actual drawer handles.
Many antique safes are extremely decorative and ornamental. Some are painted silver with gold accents, while others are black with silver or gold accents. Dress up a dull safe by painting it silver, then paint the legs, handles and corners gold. Use stencils to create ornate designs. Add metal ornaments, like gold corner pieces or fixtures, to the safe with glue.
Paint your safe to match other decor and furnishings. Paint it to blend in with the walls or paint a mural on the front and sides of the safe. If you can use the safe as a functional piece, such as a coffee table, paint it so it becomes a conversation piece; frame the top with a thin, decorative line around the outside perimeter, and paint flowers using stencils on the sides, for example. If the safe doubles as a coat closet or other type of storage locker, paint it to match other large furniture pieces, such as your bed, couch or table.