Posted 12 years ago
trunkingfo…
(13 items)
After being rescued from the dumpster at the transfer station. The handle endcaps are cast. The metal on top seems to be painted or different from the metal on the body. I believe the body may have been crystalized as there is the hint of yellow in the hidden places. I was able to remove and perhaps save, the lithograph from the lid. I wonder what I should do to restore it. It is a bit, just a bit challenging. Thanks for the advice and info.
This trunk will come out beautifully once restored. Later on in the day if i get a chance I can you you a few tips -- look at some other trunks on this site and read the comments -- there are some step by step advice.
The canvas should come off rather easily -- use an exacto knife to cut along the ribs and seems. Warm water on a cloth on the canvas will help loosen it and then warm water with a cloth will help get the residual glue off with a scraper. Try some gun oil on the metal to get the rust off -- or repaint it a flat black or satin. you can sand and re-stain the wood ribs. Hope this helps a little.
thanks for the input. I will get to work and post when it is done.
I wonder if you can see the bit of gold color around the lock. The photo was the best I could do. It is the evidence I have for the hypothesis that it was once crystalized. I have read elsewhere in this site that at least one person is not aware of the crystalization coming off. Anyone know about this? Thanks again.
I am having a hard time seeing what you mean by the picture -- It looked to me as if the trunk was canvas with metal trim. Is the trunk completely covered in tin, or is it half black tin on edges and canvas on top and center pieces?
Completely metal, I guess tin. No canvas on this one. I have used the dremmel on the body metal but it does not look as I would wish. There is no scrolling. The metal on the top may be painted, was not apparently crystalized and there is no rust and the dremmel does not seem to remove whatever is on it. The black trim is what I commonly see. It is all a mystery to me. I am thinking to just clean it up, tend the wood and wait until I have some inspiration beyond that. Thanks again.
Also Trunkman, I got your step by step from a post 7 months ago. Helps me a lot.
You are welcome -- I really do not know much about restoring the tin, which very well could have been crystalized originally. It is a nice 1890's era trunk and I wish you well in bringing it back.