Use a soft cloth and just enough ammonia to get the cloth slightly damp, it's kind of harsh. If you aren't using wallpaper, you can oil the trunk well, mold and bugs can't stand dollar store baby oil, a very cheap cleanser that works on almost everything. Oiling the inside won't help you at all if you go to apply paper, it just won't stick.
Full Answer
How do you refinish a canvas trunk?
Canvas can often be stained and discolored. in some cases, the canvas finish and color can be restored Sanding is the primary function in preparing a trunk for refinishing. Wood, and metal surfaces both require good preparation before finish work can begin. We generally do 2-3 steps.
What is the best way to clean a trunk?
The first step to many trunks is to clean, and do a basic strip the interior of and paper, cloth, vinyl, canvas, or what ever material it has been covered, or re-covered with, in it's long life. Sometimes, removing the interior paper involves using only warm soapy water.
Can You refinish a leather covered trunk?
Leather covered trunk after leather removal and scraping / cleaning Canvas can often be stained and discolored. in some cases, the canvas finish and color can be restored Sanding is the primary function in preparing a trunk for refinishing. Wood, and metal surfaces both require good preparation before finish work can begin.
How do you remove a 100 year old tree trunk?
So take your time, be thorough in removing the exterior and interior coverings, dont't cut any corners or take shortcuts! Ensure you remove the 100 year old "glue" and scrub the trunk with bleach and water inside and out. Let the trunk completely dry before sanding all the surfaces - and do sand it.
How do you refinish an old trunk?
2:468:02DIY: Refinishing An Antique Trunk - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first step was tearing out all of the old canvas. And then after that we sanded down the insideMoreThe first step was tearing out all of the old canvas. And then after that we sanded down the inside of the trunk and applied a polyurethane to seal during this filming I was not wearing gloves.
How do you restore a rusty trunk?
Rub the rust in a circular motion with steel wool, remembering that steel and tin, which are harder, may require a wire brush, while brass, which is softer, might be quickly restored with steel wool. Still, a heavy buildup of rust on brass might require the wire brush.
How much are old trunks worth?
Antique Trunks Average Values In most cases, an old steamer trunk value would be about $100 to $200 but can go up to $750 if well refurbished.
How do you paint a metal trunk?
0:527:55DIY Trunk Makeover !! Quick and easy . - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo definitely go ahead and use oil paint asian paint oil paints can work just fine. So this is aMoreSo definitely go ahead and use oil paint asian paint oil paints can work just fine. So this is a magenta color.
How do you clean an old metal and wood trunk?
Vacuum the inside and outside of your antique trunk. Use a brush attachment to gently vacuum along the inner walls and corners of the trunk. ... Clean metal antique trunks with a mixture of one part white vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle. ... Prop the trunk open and allow it to air dry completely.
What can I do with an old trunk?
You've Got to See These Old Trunks That Are Totally Perfect as Something else ...1 Make a Comfy Bench with Pillows. ... 2 Create a Totally Unique Fridge. ... 3 Perfect for a Guest Bedroom. ... 4 Turn a Trunk into a Low Table. ... 5 Amazing Work of Art. ... 6 Old Trunks Make Great Beach Cottage Tables. ... 7 Make a Fun New Night Stand.More items...
How do I know if my trunk is antique?
1) To be considered antique, trunks must be at least 100 years and cannot have been restored. This greatly affects their value and should definitely be taken into consideration when you're looking to start or expand your collection.
What's the difference between a trunk and a chest?
According to several dictionaries, a "trunk" is a large case or box that can be used when travelling or for storage, whereas a "chest" is used only for storage.
How do you get the smell out of an old trunk?
If any odor remains, place a small bowl filled with white vinegar in the bottom of the trunk and close the lid. Vinegar is a natural odor absorber and neutralizer that will help rid the trunk of odor. Leave the bowl of vinegar inside the trunk overnight.
Which paint is best for trunk?
The proper product to use for tree trunk painting is water-based latex paint.
Can you paint an old trunk?
Clean and sand the trunk until it is free of any dust and has a smooth texture. Dip a paintbrush into the paint until it is barely covered. Wipe it off on a soft cloth to reduce the amount of paint on the bristles. Brush the paint onto the trunk with an light pressure, letting the trunk's original finish show through.
How do you decorate a steel trunk?
1:454:50Makeover Of a Old Iron Trunk | DIY Home Decor Ideas - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSudden a lot Nani. Finally apply a layer of varnish. So that normal cup ain't when the long-lastingMoreSudden a lot Nani. Finally apply a layer of varnish. So that normal cup ain't when the long-lasting IRA. Go. So at the Camela decorate pan with acog on our cloth.
How do you clean an iron trunk?
0:0013:21How to Remove Rust from a rusty steamer trunk - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI found an old steamer trunk right here I found it in the trash. Someone was throwing it away I meanMoreI found an old steamer trunk right here I found it in the trash. Someone was throwing it away I mean it's rusty it's a little beat up but I love this kind of stuff I want to use it as a coffee table.
How do you remove rust from antique metal?
1 - Make a paste from 3:1 parts salt and lemon juice. 2 - Apply the salt-lemon paste with a paper towel. 3 - Scrub rust away with a scrub pad using firm pressure and small circular motions. 4 - ipe the rust and excess rust-removal paste away with a damp paper towel.
How do you clean an old army trunk?
Clean trunk thoroughly using ammonia and soap dissolved in warm water to remove grease and grime. Use a soft brush where necessary but do not keep the trunk wet longer than necessary. Rinse by wiping with water and vinegar and buff dry. Let dry overnight.
How do you clean rust?
0:581:586 Easy Ways to Remove Rust from Tools & Hardware | The Home DepotYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can dissolve rust by soaking the metal and white vinegar for a few hours before scrubbing it offMoreYou can dissolve rust by soaking the metal and white vinegar for a few hours before scrubbing it off or mix baking soda and water into a thick paste. And spread it over the metal.
How to apply lemon verbena to vintage trunk?
Using your dedicated brush apply the lemon verbena to the entire vintage trunk. Work the furniture salve into the wood as well as gently applying over the labels.
What are the problems with steamer trunk restoration?
There are always a few obstacles. In the case of this steamer chest here are the main issues: spider webs. mildew odor. labels falling off. Let’s address these issues.
How to get rid of steamer trunk odor?
The first step to rid this large steamer trunk of the stench is to air it out. I left the trunk in my storage unit for a couple of months with the lid open before bringing in to the shop. This helped but certainly did not do the job completely. My next step is to spray the vintage steamer trunk with OdoBan.
Why is a steamer trunk called a steamer trunk?
A steamer trunk actually got its name because it was designed to be used aboard a steamship, also known as a “steamer”. These sturdy wooden travel chests were popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s for those traveling long distances aboard these ships. Which is exactly where this particular antique trunk came from.
Article: Refinishing the Inside of an Old Trunk
I have removed the smelly paper from the inside of an old trunk. What is the best way to finish the inside of the trunk now? Paint, wall paper, fabric?
Sheets of Cedar
I would paint, but they make sheets of cedar that you can cut to fit and glue in. Cedar repels bugs and smells nice. I love old trunks, but they sure can get musty smelling.
Ammonia or Baby Oil
If you want to replace the paper authentically and have a good idea of the era the trunk was made, you may be able to find reproduction paper online. Victorian is the most common era for reproduction, but other eras are being reproduced as well.
Vinegar or Charcoal
To get the "old" smell out, try putting a small (open) jar or bowl of white vinegar inside the trunk and close the top. Leave it for a few days, and see if it isn't much better. If that doesn't work, charcoal in an open bowl might do it for you.
What is the first step to a trunk?
The first step to many trunks is to clean, and do a basic strip the interior of and paper, cloth, vinyl, canvas, or what ever material it has been covered, or re-covered with, in it's long life.
What is the purpose of sanding a trunk?
Sanding is the primary function in preparing a trunk for refinishing. Wood, and metal surfaces both require good preparation before finish work can begin. We generally do 2-3 steps. (1) Initial stripping of surface materials or coverings, (2)First sanding with aggressive type sand paper, (3) finish sanding with progressively finer grades of paper.
What to do after stripping paint?
After Paint stripper, washing metal with various solvents to remove excess paint. After several times paint stripping. and washing with solvent then wire brushing with multiple types of brushes. Stripping multiple layers of old paint from the metal is often a challenge.
Do you need to remove nails from a trunk?
Nail removal is necessary for most trunks. In order to remove, refinish, or replace parts, nails have to be removed. There are several steps to nail removal which does the least amount of damage to the Trunk. Replacing Handles is a common requirement.
Can you buy sheet metal for trunks?
Many trunks have damage to their exterior sheet metal, or tin. You can buy sheet metal and replace it. We try to salvage trunks and use the salvage tin since it is aged, , and match es the rest of the trunks a little closer.
Can you replace leather handles?
Replacing Handles is a common requirement. Handle covers, and handles must be removed, and new leather handles , are replaced with the refinished handle covers. Replacing nails properly involves a special technique utilizing specialized tools. 'Turning the Nail' properly is a requirement in replacing nails.
Can you paint an antique chest?
Painting the exterior of an antique trunk , chest, or woodenware box, is not what we generally like to do. However, sometimes the project requires this. In the case of wood, or canvas which has been previously painted, it will often require painstaking time and effort, not to mention possible major sanding, to get to the bare wood. This can mean changing the original lines of the wood. In these cases, we have to decide if the potential selling price of the trunk justifies the extensive time and effort. For us, it generally does not. For you, if your trunk is sentimental, it might be. Just be careful not to do more damage than good. In the case of wood painting, we choose to do multiple layers of high quality paint. We start with a primer coat, and add layers as needed with sanding in between. The finish is not' Furniture company grade' but it is very nice, and keeping with a trunk of it's age. In the case of metal, we generally spray all the metal we can with a high quality metal rust inhibitor type paint. Now some people say spraying is not good, but my car, appliances, metal furniture, etc, have sprayed finishes, and they are done that way since it results in a better finish . We hand paint the majority of the decorative metal elements as they are intricate, and need small precise work.
How to clean a 100 year old tree trunk?
Ensure you remove the 100 year old "glue" and scrub the trunk with bleach and water inside and out. Let the trunk completely dry before sanding all the surfaces - and do sand it. Keep safe, be cautionary, and be certain to wear protective gear as noted below.
How to restore antique chests?
The beginning of any Antique Furniture Restoration consists of removing all canvas and paper coverings and leather straps and handles. Washing the exposed wood in a special non-toxic solution to kill and remove dust, mold and mildew, then lightly sand both wood and hardware. Replace any broken hardware if necessary, replace all of the leather and make any other repairs utilizing the same types of tools, nails, tacks, and craftsmanship used when the chest was first made. The next step is to restore and seal the wood using special non-toxic restorative oils and varnishes in a slow, repetitive manner to bring out the beautiful luster and patina that only 100 year old wood can achieve. The last step is to bring back to the original color the metal hardware, fixtures, and any sheathing.
What is the biodegradable material used in antique chests?
Over time (as in 100 years or more!) biodegradable materials such as canvas, leather, paper, wood, horse glue , and other organic construction materials begin to break down and deteriorate. In fact, much of the glue used in these antique chests was made from horses and was unprocessed!
What is the smell of a 130 year old antique trunk?
As typical, this 130+ year old antique trunk had a stale and musty odor from more than a century of collecting dust, mold, and mildew. Along with the deterioration of the outside canvas, leather and the inside paper lining. Keep in mind that the glue used to hold the canvas and paper was horse glue which was literally made from horses!
When was the pirate trunk restored?
The photo at left illustrates a completed antique trunk restoration of a traditional Dome Top or Hump Back Pirate Chest (or Pirate Treasure Chest) dated July 1, 1873! As you can see the body is made of either pine planks with decorative yet functional metal hardware. The wooden straps holding the pine wood body together are made of Oak.
What is the tray insert on a chest made of?
The image to the left illustrates a BEFORE photo of the chest showing the outside, inside, and the original tray insert which was made from a thin wood fiber or compressed sawdust type of material with a paper covering. Note the water or liquid stains on the inside of the chest, who knows what, where and how that happend.
Does Pirate's Lair have trunk restoration tools?
For this reason The Pirate's Lair does not offer trunk restoration tools or parts as it cannot and does not want to be held legally or morally responsible for any potential health hazards or risks to people which may be incurred from restoring these antique trunks.
