Do you have an old trunk somewhere up in your attic, gathering dust because years ago some imbecile flipped the lid up hard and bent the hinges outwards? All you need to repair it is some braided high-test fishing line (the heavier stuff) and a staple gun.
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I have just purchased this lovely old trunk. I really don't know that much about it, but want to get it cleaned up. Can anybody help me please?
I do want to do the inside too, but it's the outside I'm more concerned about. I think it's wicker underneath, not sure
I collect these, Jane, and love them for not only room accents but also functionality (one for Christmas decorations, one for gift wrap and bags, one for board games ... you get my drift). They've come from various places and sources, one from an uncle who thought it pretty cool to add a coat of paint. It doesn't look bad, but I prefer the authenticity of those which were merely cleaned up. They are genuine antiques and by restoring you may be diminishing the value. So ... my advice? Clean it up as best you can, find out more about its origin and enjoy it as a conversation starter in your home.
If you do anything to it, you will destroy it's value as an antique. Just use a soft cloth and elbow grease...no cleaning products.
Hi, sorry I think you have the wrong idea of what I meant 'restoring'. I want to keep the originality there as much as possible. I just want to know the best products to give it a little life again as it's pretty filthy.
I've found out a little more, Of wicker with heavy black tar cloth covering and leather and brass fittings. So what should I use to bring the cloth and leather up? Any ideas?;-)
Keep your old trunk as it is as much as you can tolerate. I would only dust it. Look for ways to lightly "clean" old wood or whatever material you think it is made from. I believe you can find your answer on Pinterest.com. If you do a lot of cleaning, you will devalue it. You sorta have to learn to like the dirt, I think. lol
Hi. I may be late to the party, but I thought I'd add my two cents(4 years late). There is a spray cleaner by Indigo Wild called Zum Clean Counter Cleaner. It is an all natural cleaner made with essential oils. I have used this cleaner to remove the dirt & grime from oil & acrylic paintings with great success. It is gentle & the essential oils help clean canvas & leather without drying it out. I have even used it on my leather purses & boots. I pretty much use it to clean everything, including my floors. If you haven't found what you were looking for to clean up the surfaces of your trunk, this may be what you need.
I have a trunk with bubble corner hardware on every corner. Every bubble is dented, but solidly still attached. Should I just clean them up or replace with new hardware.
It's a canvas trunk that's in pretty good shape, but has a broken lock and handles.I would compare prices of damaged trunks versus trunks in better condition, and the cost to get it in good condition. That will make the decision whether or not to repair clearer.
If it is a trunk with huge sentimental value and you are planning to use and love it, then I would fix it up. If you are thinking of fixing to resell, it would take a lot of research to find the true market value for sales and then figure out if a repair would increase or decrease the value. That is a whole other can of worms.
Post back with more info!!
I would replace the lock and handles.As for the corners just clean them up.It will give it a little character.
I found a old wardrobe trunk and would like to restore it. Unfortunately it is missing the drawers. Does any one know the best places to find replacement drawers?
You could try thrift stores. If it is old, it may not be manufactured anymore. You could also try to find someone to make a drawer.
How do I repair an old trunk? I want to try to save the canvas in between the slots.
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