how do you refurbish an old steamer trunk

Steamer Trunk Refinishing How to

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How to clean or restore old steamer trunks?

How to Clean or Restore Old Steamer Trunks. 1 Step 1. Use a putty knife to remove old paper from the inside of a steamer trunk. 2 Step 2. 3 Step 3. 4 Step 4. 5 Step 5. More items

Is it time to buy a new steamer trunk?

Luckily, there are many ways around the price tag. With a little elbow grease you can have one of these steamer trunks back to it’s former glory in about a day. Like a house, you don’t want to buy a trunk with “bad bones”. If the wood is decaying, with obvious mold or water damage, it’s time to move on.

How do I clean the inside of a tree trunk?

I put vinegar water in a spray bottle and lightly sprayed the interior of the trunk. (the vinegar will also help get any lingering odors out of the trunk.) You want to be careful to not saturated the wood.

How do you disassemble an old trunk?

One of the trickiest parts of the project is disassembling the trunk. The first place to start is to remove the lid and leather hardware. Most of it should be held together by tacks and nails that punch through the wood and have their points bent down on the inside to hold them in place. This is where the sharp chisel comes into play.

Are old steamer trunks worth anything?

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 refurbish an antique 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 clean a 100 year old 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.

How do you restore a leather steamer trunk?

0:061:44How to Restore a Leather Travel Trunk - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe just use sponges. And we we will use a little bit of fine wire wool. We recommend using a veryMoreWe just use sponges. And we we will use a little bit of fine wire wool. We recommend using a very fine wire wool which is a double zero or a triple zero grade.

What can you do with a steamer trunk?

Protect the top of a leather or very old wooden trunk with a sheet of glass or a metal tray to avoid water rings and provide stability to glassware or decorative objects. The generous space inside of a coffee table-sized steamer trunk works to store clothes or bedding and pillows for occasional couch surfers.

How do you get the musty smell out of a steamer 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.

How do you get the smell out of an old trunk?

Here's a method I use to lighten up old trunk odor:Vacuum the interior carefully and then set it outside in direct sunlight for a day.Wad up newspapers and fill the interior with them. ... Next, spread out fresh newspapers. ... Repeat these steps until the smell has lessened.More items...•

How do you refinish a wood trunk?

Lightly sand the stained wood surfaces with steel wool. Remove all of the sanding debris and apply another coat of stain. If you put primer on the trunk, apply paint directly on top of the primer; sanding is not necessary. Refinish the trunk with as many coats as you need to reach your desired finish.

Why are they called steamer trunks?

Cabin trunks, which are sometimes called "true" steamer trunks, were the equivalent of today's carry-on luggage. They were low-profiled and small enough to fit under the berths of trains or in the cabin of a steamer, hence their name.

How do you clean old black leather?

Using warm soapy water made with a gentle cleanser like baby shampoo, Dove (unscented), or soap flakes, rub the leather with a soft cloth to produce a lather in any area you want to clean. Wipe away excess lather with a clean cloth.

What are old trunks made of?

They were usually made of pine and covered in decorative material or leather. Some of the more recognizable styles of trunks include the Jenny Lind, Saratoga, steamer, barrel-top (also known as "Camelback Trunks"), and full dresser trunks.

How do you remove rivets from an old trunk?

Nails or rivets holding these are usually countersunk with the head below the metal catch. Ease a screwdriver under the catch and tap gently around the catch until it is raised and you can pull out the nails with a pliers or cut them off with a nippers. To replace, close the trunk.

What can I do with an old trunk?

If you find a beautiful vintage trunk you can even use it a purely decorative piece. It doesn't have to be repurposed as a bedside table, coffee table, nightstand or anything else. Just use it as a place to display a few decorations and place on the hallway or somewhere where everyone can see it and admire it.

How do I clean the metal on my antique 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.

What are old trunks made of?

They were usually made of pine and covered in decorative material or leather. Some of the more recognizable styles of trunks include the Jenny Lind, Saratoga, steamer, barrel-top (also known as "Camelback Trunks"), and full dresser trunks.

How do you get paint off an old trunk?

Apply a coat of paint stripper to the outside surface of the trunk. Allow the paint stripper to sit on the trunk for approximately 10 to 20 minutes. Read the manufacturer's instructions for wait time for your particular kind of stripper. Scrape the paint or finish from the surface with a putty knife.

What tools do I need to remove canvas?

Tools:#N#Utility knife - for removing old canvas cover. (have lots of extra blades since the years worth of dirt in the material act like sandpaper)#N#Metal Scraper - scraping off old paper, tucking edges of old material under seams#N#Drill and Wire Wheel - For removing rust from metal parts#N#Nail puller and hammer - removing old hardware#N#Sharp Chisel - to straighten the points on the old nails and tacks before pulling#N#Pliers - for straightening nails and tacks#N#Sander - optional but it helps#N#Dust Mask and Glasses - Safety first#N#**Saw - if you need to build a new tray otherwise it's not necessary#N#Supplies:#N#60, 150, 220, 300 and grit sandpaper - lots of that to be done#N#7-8oz leather@ 1 1/4" leather belts - For straps, leather patches and leather handles#N#2X Belt Buckles, rivets, Fiebings leather dye - hardware for leatherwork.#N#Wood Stain/Finish - I used Minwax Polyshades which blends both stain and polyurethane but you can do them separately if you want.#N#Masking Tape - to mask of edges for staining#N#Beeswax Polish - to protect the metal from rusting again

Do I need to stain the inside of a tree trunk?

There's no need to sta in the inside of the trunk and in fact, the raw wood look made a nice contrast. Once the stain/finish had dried overnight, I then used the beeswax polish and applied three coats on both the outside and inside of the trunk, wiping off the excess between coats.

What can you reline steamer trunks with?

Steamer trunks can be relined with cedar or plain paper.

How to remove glue from steamer trunk?

Use a putty knife to remove old paper from the inside of a steamer trunk. Scrape old paper from the inside of the steamer trunk with a putty knife and remove excess glue, using a spray bottle with water and vinegar mixture.

How long does it take for a steamer to dry?

Use a soft cloth with a water and mild bleach solution to remove any mildew or mold. Let the steamer dry in the sun if possible for four or five hours.

What to use to protect tin from rusting?

Use a gloss or satin black paint on the tin after sanding, and finish with a clear coat of shellac or polyurethane to help prevent rusting.

How to remove rust from tin?

Remove rust from tin surfaces with a wire wheel, used on an electric drill or sandpaper, and then buff with steel wool. Do the same with locks and corner pieces.

Do steamers need to be cleaned?

Steamers usually need some cleaning or restoration. By cleaning the inside of old paper or canvas and tender washing, sanding and varnishing, a steamer trunk can look like it's never been used. Advertisement.

How to get rid of steamer trunk odor?from justthewoods.com

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.

What are the problems with steamer trunk restoration?from justthewoods.com

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 apply lemon verbena to vintage trunk?from justthewoods.com

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 tools do I need to remove canvas?from instructables.com

Tools:#N#Utility knife - for removing old canvas cover. (have lots of extra blades since the years worth of dirt in the material act like sandpaper)#N#Metal Scraper - scraping off old paper, tucking edges of old material under seams#N#Drill and Wire Wheel - For removing rust from metal parts#N#Nail puller and hammer - removing old hardware#N#Sharp Chisel - to straighten the points on the old nails and tacks before pulling#N#Pliers - for straightening nails and tacks#N#Sander - optional but it helps#N#Dust Mask and Glasses - Safety first#N#**Saw - if you need to build a new tray otherwise it's not necessary#N#Supplies:#N#60, 150, 220, 300 and grit sandpaper - lots of that to be done#N#7-8oz leather@ 1 1/4" leather belts - For straps, leather patches and leather handles#N#2X Belt Buckles, rivets, Fiebings leather dye - hardware for leatherwork.#N#Wood Stain/Finish - I used Minwax Polyshades which blends both stain and polyurethane but you can do them separately if you want.#N#Masking Tape - to mask of edges for staining#N#Beeswax Polish - to protect the metal from rusting again

Why is a steamer trunk called a steamer trunk?from justthewoods.com

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.

When did trunks start?from restorationsupplies.com

Although trunks have been around for thousands of years in China and elsewhere, the most common styles seen and referred to today date from the late 18th century to the early 20th century. At that point they started to be replaced by the cheaper and lighter suitcase.

Do I need to stain the inside of a tree trunk?from instructables.com

There's no need to sta in the inside of the trunk and in fact, the raw wood look made a nice contrast. Once the stain/finish had dried overnight, I then used the beeswax polish and applied three coats on both the outside and inside of the trunk, wiping off the excess between coats.

How to clean woodwork from grime?

remove all dust and grime with a damp towel. This will prevent further damage to the wood and also reveal what you are working with

How to remove rust from metal?

remove rust from the metal by using steel wool. Use garden gloves, as this cause cause steel splinters! Using a old rag and gloves (please, please use gloves) – rub linseed oil on the wood. Since flax and linseed are one in the same, you can expect your wood to have a strong, woody scent.

Can you buy a trunk with bad bones?

Like a house, you don’t want to buy a trunk with “bad bones”. If the wood is decaying, with obvious mold or water damage, it’s time to move on. If your trunk is over a 100 years old, most will need a screw or too to secure a loose edge. However, it shouldn’t be falling apart.

Can you add a vintage steamer trunk?

The addition of a vintage steamer trunk can add a pop of classic to any space. The problem, it seems, is getting your hands on one in an acceptable condition within an affordable price range. There is a limited selection of authentic trunks that have been well maintained. A beloved heirloom from grandma gathering dust in the basement, not many still have the robust aesthetic of their youth. In this post I’m teaching you all the tips and tricks of my experience with restoring a vintage steamer trunk!

How to clean a steamer trunk?

If there is any dust, you need to wipe them off with dry clothes first. Step Two: The inside of the trunk should be covered in wallpaper. What you have to do is scrape off all the paper using a putty knife.

Why do people have steamer trunks?

The steamer trunks used to be so famous in ancient times. People who love to go traveling would have a steamer trunk to keep all the valuable belongings safe. Here we are going to tell you ways on how to clean an old steamer trunk. The steamer trunks are very heavy and thick. They are made in a way to keep things inside safe.

How to remove mold from a tree trunk?

To remove the mold, you can use bleach and water solution. Be careful not to use too much bleach as it could ruin the wood or steel. After using the mixture, you can let the trunk dry in the sun for a few hours. Step Four: There are probably going to be some damaged nails and pliers on them.

How to make steel shine?

To make the steel part shine, you can use a polyurethane coat to prevent it from rusting further. And again, if something is damaged beyond repair, make sure to replace them. Step Seven: You can now add the wallpaper inside the back. Buy a similar pattern. You may find them easily in an antique craft store.

When cleaning a trunk, do you restore it?

When you are cleaning, you may be restoring the trunk as well. That is why you would want to use everything that will stay similar. Otherwise, the whole trunk will become something new and loose its antique feeling. And there will be no meaning left by collecting them.

Can you replace a steamer trunk?

If the steamer trunk is way too old and has some wooden parts damaged beyond repair, you can replace them. Though this might be a lot of work, it will save the trunk from further damage. Step Six : As for the steel, you can use some sandpaper and then buff them properly with steel wood.

What sealer do I use on a wood trunk?

For the inside of the trunk I brushed on a coat of waterlox sealer in satin which penetrates the wood and seals it. I chose to leave it natural looking because the wood inside had so much character.

How do I clean a bad boy tree?

The first thing I did was sand this whole bad boy down from top to bottom with a fine grit sponge and clean it really well with steel wool and warm vinegar water. (Be careful not to soak the wood slats on the exterior. The wood might warp). I had to change the water quite a few times as the trunk had collected quite a bit of dirt and grime over the years.

How long should I let my car trunk sit out?

I let the trunk sit opened up and out in the sun for one day to dry out. The sun also helps get rid of any funky smells that might be left over too.