After years of use the antique metal may develop a characteristic patina.
Antique trunk with metal sheeting cleaning.
Metal brass steel and iron were often used to make the latches corners and edges of a vintage style steamer trunk.
Step 1 set the antique trunk on a drop cloth or old blanket in a well ventilated area.
Especially on the metal areas since the product does not absorb into the metal.
Allow to dry and then prime with rustoleum aluminum primer.
Once the wise owl verbena is applied to the entire steamer trunk make sure to go back and buff any excess salve with an old t shirt.
If there is such a thing in the trunk refinishing business most trunks have some metal exposed somewhere thin black metal around corners heavy steel corners latches hasps and shoulders brass locks and nails and pressed or flat tin which was used to cover the pine boards beneath and add a decorative touch.
Several types of sheet metal for steamer trunk fabrication and repair shop trunks trunk parts metal for trunks sheet metals and.
Antique steamer trunk large clean vintage victorian flat top chest w key c1895.
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.
A metal patina is a change in color that takes place with exposure to oils.
First is trying to clean up just with soap and water then wire brushing.
But here s a fun fact.
Not trying to do restoration just stop the rust.
Clean metal antique trunks with a mixture of one part white vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle.
Other non aluminum primers may not adhere well to the aluminum.
Cleaning up an old trunk.
Decorative pressed metal for covering antique trunks 15.
So if you re facing rust on the metal or brass sections of an antique trunk roll up your sleeves and take your time to restore the piece to its original state of splendor.
Restoring a vintage steamer trunk.
Sheet aluminum sold by the running foot 10.
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Black corner metal for steamer trunk repair or new construction 15 your choice.
Step 4 prop the trunk open and allow it to air dry completely.
Gently clean paper lined trunk interiors by spraying the vinegar solution on your cleaning cloth and carefully wiping down the interior.
The hardest part of the entire project is in the preparation of the piece.
Allow to dry for 48 hours.
Trunk restoration is a combination of wood working metal craft and leather work so it helps to have some experience in all three fields.