9 steps to restore an antique trunk
One of the most sought after work in the restoration of furniture is how to restore an old trunk.The trunks have a special charm.Any room can be decorated.It's practical to store things in it.
We will show you how to restore an old trunk out of this process on a trunk that does not have serious damage.If you want a more professional service and better results, you can always send us a free application, and we will contact you with the best furniture restorers.
We need to be very careful when restoring an old trunk.It is a relic that we need to protect and conserve.We will learn how to restore an old trunk.
Sometimes the layer of dirt hides problems, so clean our trunk with love and patience.You can clean it with a damp cloth.Warm water with a little soap is what we recommend.The idea is to check the oxidation state of the metal and see if the wood is free of woodworm.
The cover and leather accessories should be removed.Most of it is fastened by tacks, screws and nails have their tips bent.A sharp chisel will help us remove them.
If you pull the nails, you can break the wood and leave holes that will require more work.The best way to remove the screws and nails is to look for the tips inside the box.Use the pliers to get the tips straight.You don't have to worry about breaking the wood if you pull the nails from the outside.
The nails can be used again if they are in good shape.They will need to be replaced.The metal frame and hinges can be removed in the same way, but it may be better to leave them on.
The best way to polish the oxide layer is to use a wire brush with a drill.Different wire brushes have different sanding force.To give an older look, you should make a smooth sanding.
The wire brush can enter all corners and cracks.Since you don't want to polish the metal, you just have to remove the outer layer of rust and it will be visible.
We will leave the wood with no impurities.The first thing to do is to remove the canvas lining, which is an easier step, and in most cases, it will only be enough to get rid of the wood.We can find ourselves with paper.They used a paste of flour and water in the original construction.Some stains can still be removed.Use a damp sponge.
You can use a knife or scissors to remove the cloth.Cut the fabric as close to the metal as possible.You can hide the rest of the fabric by using the scraper and knife to cut it.The corners would benefit from a screwdriver or chisel.
Since we have disassembled and eliminated the superficial work, we go to the most delicate and deep work and start sanding the wood.
The best way to start is to use a graduated sanding to eliminate some of the most visible damage and then gradually reduce the grain until the piece is smooth and smooth.If it is badly damaged, you can use 150 for the edge of the paper.
Sand until you reach the next layer of the paper.Don't sand the tacks that hold the paper.
Before sanding the interior should be washed with bleach and water to remove any mold.You will not cover it with paper or cloth if you sand it well.
We measure the inside of the trunk to make templates for the walls and base.If you don't have a stapler, you can use the templates lined with the chosen fabric.We fix the panels with nails.
We have to make a decision after reaching this step.We can either give it the same look or it can be a different color.It is a personal decision.
We recommend covering the edge of the paper with a soft brush.There is no need to paint the inside of the trunk and the rough wood look makes a nice contrast.
You can apply several layers inside and outside the trunk once it has dried.The polishing protects the metal against oxidation and reconditions the paper.
It is time to rebuild an old piece of furniture that was given to you by someone who passed through time.How do you feel about restoring a piece and its emotional and economic value?
The old trunks are required to be recovered since they have a very special charm and allow us to store things inside it.
The first thing that must be done is to carefully remove all traces of the previous upholstery, trying to leave it in optimal cleaning conditions, sand and clean with a damp cloth.Pick the material you want to use, paper or fabric.
It trims the surfaces of the trunk.They are Glued with a special rubber for furniture and given a more neat finish by placing tape that matches the inner edge of the old wooden trunk.
When making a restoration of an old trunk, it's important to have all the materials you need at hand.The restoration process is pleasant.You have the option to sell it once it is restored.