Steamer Trunks ... suggestions???

[thistlebloom]

This BriWax could be used on the old, cracked and split leather covering? I don't want to try and remove it, I don't think I'd have the patience or skill to get it down to the wood and make it look good. That's why I'm hoping to find a way to use them opened. I don't think the outside will ever be very pretty to look at.

The Briwax can go over wood, leather, everything. It's what a lot of restorers use. You would be amazed at what a good application of Briwax and some elbow grease can do. It made our old trunk come alive. I get it from Ace hardware, but you can also get it online. It seems expensive, but a little goes a long way. I use it on the old boiler pot (don't know the actual name) that we keep the firewood in by the stove. It gives it a rich sheen.

 

[ninnymary]

Thanks for the tip Thistle. I'll try to remember to get some Briwax. I'd like to clean up the steamer trunk we have at the cabin. A rich sheen would look great.

Mary

 

[baymule]

Great score on the old trunks. I redid one that belonged to my ex's grandmother. Termites had been at it, the covering was in shreds and the inside was awful. I killed the termites and patched the holes. I put Ospho rust treatment on the metal pieces. I stripped the trunk, inside and out, I covered the inside with a pretty contact paper. I painted the outside an almond color and painted the metal pieces black. it turned out beautiful. Then I gave it to my ex-MIL for her Christmas present, it had been her Mother's. It sits at the end of her bed, full of quilts.

 

[Carol Dee]

Super find We have two here. Both are pretty shabby, but family pieces so are kept. One at the end of the bed in guest room to hold blankets etc.... the other on the front porch (More or less out of the weather.) it is holding seasonal decorations. I love your BIL's Idea. I have seem them displayed with antique clothing and toiletries from the same era.

 

[ducks4you]

Not to hijack---GREAT advice on restoring on this thread!--but I have heard that there is a fairly new trend of antique stores that have a market for old, rusty, distressed antiques, and I know of one that deLIBERATELY leaves their wares out in the weather to make them so. Anybody else hear of this? I think it is a baaaaadddd trend. When restored, you can have some beautiful furniture, VERY well made and still useful. Distressing antiques reminds me old abandoned homes falling apart. Thoughts?

 

[Nyboy]

Been happening since being of time. There will always be people tiring to scam you antiques no different. If your going to spend a lot of money on a piece have someone that knows antiques look at it first. My friend deals in very high level antiques. All the time people want to sell something they paid a lot of money for, he will go look at piece and then have to tell the owners it is a fake.

 

[seedcorn]

From watching "American Pickers", old pieces that look new bring the real money. Its condition, condition, condition...... if it looks beat up, it is.

 

[ninnymary]

I personally don't like stuff that is rusty. Not even for the garden. You touch it and that rust gets all over your hands and clothes.

Mary