Antique Trunk With Metal Sheeting Cleaning

Trunk restoration is a combination of wood working metal craft and leather work so it helps to have some experience in all three fields.

Antique trunk with metal sheeting cleaning.

After years of use the antique metal may develop a characteristic patina. The hardest part of the entire project is in the preparation of the piece. Free shipping on many items browse your favorite brands. The statement i read said it the monitor trunk was named after the civil war iron clad battleship uss monitor because of the resemblance of the tops.

Removing the old material covering. How to clean rust off of antique metal trunks step 1. Set the antique trunk on a drop cloth or old blanket in a well ventilated area. Step 4 prop the trunk open and allow it to air dry completely.

Whether it s an heirloom or an antique store find an old trunk can be a wonder addition to your home for both storage and decoration. Remove surface dirt from the trunk with a microfiber cloth. See picture at left these trunks were primarily covered with metal but also canvas and leather and have the horrendous nickname of waterfall trunk. Restoring a vintage steamer trunk.

It is covered in a material that is torn in places. A metal patina is a change in color that takes place with exposure to oils. All of the edges are metal and there are metal straps and leather handles. Allow to dry for 48 hours.

Metal brass steel and iron were often used to make the latches corners and edges of a vintage style steamer trunk. To some extent imperfections are exactly what make antiques so endearing and desirable. The metal on an antique trunk is designed to protect the trunks corners. Clean metal antique trunks with a mixture of one part white vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle.

This is a guide about cleaning and restoring an old trunk. Give yourself plenty of room to. Gently clean paper lined trunk interiors by spraying the vinegar solution on your cleaning cloth and carefully wiping down the interior. I suggest de glossing the surface of the aluminum with 320 grit sandpaper and then wiping the sheet metal clean with a lint free cloth and mineral spirits.

But rust is another matter. Pay special attention to grooves and indentations so. Antique steamer trunk large clean vintage victorian flat top chest w key c1895. Allow to dry and then prime with rustoleum aluminum primer.