Antique Trunk With Metal Sheeting Cleaning

Remove surface dirt from the trunk with a microfiber cloth.

Antique trunk with metal sheeting cleaning.

Rust is something you ll want to remove because it undercuts the beauty of a piece. How to clean rust off of antique metal trunks step 1. Free shipping on many items browse your favorite brands. 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.

After years of use the antique metal may develop a characteristic patina. This is a guide about cleaning and restoring an old trunk. All of the edges are metal and there are metal straps and leather handles. 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.

Trunk restoration is a combination of wood working metal craft and leather work so it helps to have some experience in all three fields. Other non aluminum primers may not adhere well to the aluminum. Set the antique trunk on a drop cloth or old blanket in a well ventilated area. To some extent imperfections are exactly what make antiques so endearing and desirable.

Allow to dry and then prime with rustoleum aluminum primer. Jul 24 2016 like most antique lovers you can largely overlook a piece s minor flaws to appreciate its obvious beauty. Restoring a vintage steamer trunk. A metal patina is a change in color that takes place with exposure to oils.

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. The hardest part of the entire project is in the preparation of the piece. Step 4 prop the trunk open and allow it to air dry completely.

See picture at left these trunks were primarily covered with metal but also canvas and leather and have the horrendous nickname of waterfall trunk. Metal brass steel and iron were often used to make the latches corners and edges of a vintage style steamer trunk. 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. Gently clean paper lined trunk interiors by spraying the vinegar solution on your cleaning cloth and carefully wiping down the interior.

But rust is another matter. Removing the old material covering. Allow to dry for 48 hours. Pay special attention to grooves and indentations so.