I am grateful that you included a detailed step-by-step for what you did on the inside of the trunk. I'm in the process of restoring a family immigrant trunk and you gave me some good ideas.
I understand that some like to truly restore these trunks to the original condition. But I feel when it's belongs to your family, you should put your stamp on it. Have fun with your restoration! And thank you for the great comment!
Just finished doing a similar restoration on the outside of a steamer trunk my daughter bought at Goodwill. It was painted grey-blue and tge wooden slats were grey. Ugly as sin if you asked me but probably the reason it was only priced at $35. The paint job was done inside and out. We removed all the paint, took several days since we only worked for a couple hours a day when we actually worked on it. The dremel was a very helpful tool, used it in the same way. I also purchased buckles to replace the missing and broken ones. Plus I replaced the leather handle straps. We're getting ready to start the inside. Hence, the reason I've watched your video. Really wish ours still had the decorative paper. Thank for the video and the great ideas. BTW the black looks great.
The leather straps must make it look so original! Like it went back in time. These trunks definitely take time, it's not a quick weekend project. But it's worth it. I love the sound of what you are doing with this trunk! Good luck with the inside! And thank you for sharing your trunk adventure with me!
I have two trunks. One from my mother and one from my purchase when I first moved to my dorm 53 years ago. Your video has certainly inspired me to redo them and pass them down to my children.
You must! Trunks have so much history to them, all the travels, places they've been! Such a great piece to pass on down the generations. And then never 'go out of style' - they are always cool! Have fun refinishing yours!
Thank you!!! I'm not a professional restorer at all - but this was really fun to watch the transformation from 'almost thrown out' to a blanket heirloom trunk! Each step I finished brought out a different beauty in this old piece.
That's beautiful work (and I do mean work, having restored 60+ steamer trunks myself). I've never used CLR or Mod Podge, but will on the next one - good tips. The only thing I might suggest would have been black square-shaped handles to complement the black tin exterior. Regardless, great job on the trunk and a direct, to-the-point video without useless jabber endured elsewhere on UA-cam.
This is a huge compliment!! Thank you so much! I completely agree with you on the handles. I want to restore a trunk for myself and I will look for more suitable handles, for sure. (You could really tell the handles are from a different era) Again, thank you!
I was looking to FINALLY restore my family heirloom truck and found YOU!!! Ours looks exactly like this one except maybe 4inchs smaller (ours only has three treads across the top and a different inside picture). It looks like this one is missing the drawer inside. Nonetheless, you have shown me what to do! CLR AND MODGE PODGE!!!
This is awesome! I love that yours is a family heirloom - it makes it that much more special. I know professional restorers have fancy supplies, but I had great results with everyday items. Have fun restoring your trunk, it really is a fun project! And the trunk has held up well so far.
I absolutely love your comment! This is exactly what I hope my videos would do: inspire. I know it's not the best trunk makeover, but it inspired you and that makes me so happy!
I never ever put paint on the wood of my trunks. It makes me cringe so bad to see that but for people who aren't trying to preserve the historical state of the item I can see why they would choose to do it. As for the musty smell, if you give the interior wood a good, thorough washing then leave it to sit out in the sun with the lid open you will get rid of the musk. For this being a repurpose and not a restoration I have to say you did a good job.
I totally get it - I think the natural wood looks best, but this was outside on a porch for years, so I wanted to give it a fresh look (and smell!) Thanks for the tip on getting rid of the musky smell! I'm keeping that in my tool kit. I would like to try restoring a trunk for myself and doing the restoration true to the original. Thanks for your comment!
@@HomeCulture no problem. The first trunk I tried to restore I made a lot of mistakes on but after many years of studying the pros I learned a lot. I am actually restoring a trunk right now that I think you would love. It's not in too bad of shape considering it was left in a barn for a few decades! I have two others in que, one being almost identical to the one you repurposed in your video!
@@rachels2066 I found a trunk that still has the fabric lining inside. It’s awful and smelly but has a few tears. Any recommendations in how to clean it and sealing it? Someone had started to glue fabric to the exterior. I removed it and found black and green paint. Looks like an old army trunk. I was thinking I would remove the paint and hopefully find nice wood to stain. Any other suggestions.
@@lfuentes4098 unfortunately fabric on antique trunks is best removed because it tends to rot or have mold deep in the fibers. Plus the adhesive used back then was a flour mixture which is why you will often see it coming away from the wood and have a horrible smell to it. In the situation you have I would remove the fabric and lightly sand the interior wood then seal it. As for the exterior, definitely get that paint off and find a stain you like then seal the exterior as well. Don't forget to wash the interior and leave it in the sun to get the smell out completely!
@@binanocht6110 thanks for the recommendations! I will try washing with borax first. I was afraid of wetting the inside after realizing it was fabric glued with flour. Do you also think I should remove the interior fabric? If it’s stays on after washing I might leave it and seal it with a clear sealer. I think the smell is just old musty dampness. Currently, I just have old files in it. But I made the mistake of storing clothing once. Not a good choice. 😂 I would love to get it cleaned up and use as a coffee table and store blankets or something.
I just watched your video. That's an amazing transformation. I am now inspired to refinish mine. I bought it in 1978 at a garage sale for $25 in Toronto. There is a stamp underneath it, dated about 1763, Iowa. It's almost identical to yours. I still have the leather handles, although obviously warn. I was given a Dremel about 2 months ago so it will come in handy rubbing down the metal pieces. The tin on mine appears to be black, so after some cleaning I will paint it black as you suggested. Thanks so much for your tips and for the inspiration. Great video.
1763! That's amazing - what a piece of history! Thank you for the great comment, it sounds like your trunk is in great hands! Have fun with the transformation - I really enjoyed this project, I'm sure you will too!
I need help restoring one. My fiancé brought it home it’s from 1800s and still has the last train tag from 1915 on the bottom. I’m so scared to restore it but it’s in rough shape
I got a similar trunk to yours for free yesterday! I've wanted one forever. One of my neighbors was giving it away. He's had it for years and never got around to refinishing it. It was his grandmother's trunk so i have asked hi. If he has anymore history on it. Can't wait to hear back from him! It still has the leather straps on each side, but they are both broken in the middle. There is still a seal on the inside of the top from the manufacturer. I just started doing research on how to fix it, or if i even should. I'd hate to ruin an antique that could possibly be worth something.
That's awesome! Yours sounds like it's in much better condition than the one I worked on. I found replacement replica pieces online if you want to keep the trunk looking original. There were several different sites with great options. I do want to find one to restore for myself 😊
Transforming this trunk was really fun and rewarding! I kept imaging the journeys it took and what would have packed inside. Trunks seem so much more glamorous than suitcases! Thank you for the comment and all the best with your trunk!
Those drawer pulls were not designed to carry the weight of that trunk. If it's going to be static, I guess there fine as decoration. Great work cleaning up the metal embellishments!
Gosh, those pulls are painful to hold on to! You are so right! And yes, thankfully it doesn't need to move anywhere. Just keeps the blankets tidy. Thank you so much!
I have the same one with broken handles too :) Thanks for the idea. I like the black paint too. I’m excited to restore what I can restore and upgrade some to my liking. ❤
The black paint is my favourite part of the project. It's a really fun project to work on. Have fun with your trunk and have fun making it yours, the way you want it!!
@@HomeCulture feeling good about it now that I watched you do it. Oh girl thank you!!!! It’s what I love and inspiring others to be confident with beauty 🤍🤍🤍
Love this tutorial! Do you recommend sealing the whole trunk even painted parts and not just the stained parts with a product like poly? If not what do you recommend?
Absolutely Beautiful!! I gave my dad's trunk from when he came from Croatia in 1947. It's been transfered a few times to different home and kept in garage, so it's pretty nasty but I can't wait to use some of your tips to get started. Thank you for sharing ❤
Thank you Mary! And that's was story of this this trunk, moved around and then used for practical storage until it got nasty! Now looks like it's always been inside a house, well taken care of 😁. Have fun transforming your dad's trunk!
The exterior of that trunk is gorgeous, but I was hoping you would go with the mod podge to seal the interior so that it could maintain its natural wood look. However, the trunk turned out great. By the way you can order those handles in leather. There are several suppliers available online who specialize in restoring these old steamer trunks.
You are a genius! Mod Podge the interior!!!! That's a stellar idea! If it was my trunk, I 100% think leather handles is the way to go. I'm still hoping to get my handles on another trunk that I get to keep this time!
Oh my goodness - thank you so much!!! I might not be a restore-er and I might not have kept it original, but I did put a lot of effort and love into it! Thanks for noticing! Love your comment!
Beautiful! I have one that's so beat up that I only half-heartedly fixed it up. But between recently finding a great stripper, and now some of your tips, I think I'm going to be redoing it with more enthusiasm! BTW, for anyone who doesn't know, you can buy all types of replacement hardware, handles, and trim pieces for old trunks on the internet. I'm pretty sure I even got some of mine from Amazon.
These trucks have such a classic design. Once restored, they will last and will be stylish forever! Thanks for the tip on replacement parts! Awesome! All the best with your restoration 😃
The trunk looks SOOOOO GOOD!!!!!! Great job!!!! And you remind me of Charlyne Yi hahahahaha from the movie this is the end and knocked up,basically all the Judd Apatow movies
Ha ha Thank you! Charlyne Yi is hilarious and real - I like that compliment. If she needs a stand in, Judd can give me a call! Thanks for the compliments!
Thank you!!! It was a fun project - I was a bit overwhelming at the start because of the damage, but quickly became fun coming up with ideas and solutions!
Nice work. I would have hit the metal you wirebrushed with some CLP or gun oil and touch it up occasionally to prevent rust from coming back. Just got my wife's grandma's steamer trunk and it is on the list of things to refinish and go at the foot of the bed for blankets.
I didn't even think about adding something to protect the metal details - great idea! I'll include that when I do one for myself 😁 All the best with your (future) trunk project!
How cool that these trunks are all over the world! This one started either in Germany or Great Britain - depending on who in the family it came with. Well travelled trunks!
I have restored alot of trunks . I recently started one that has like a fibrous cover in the wood. I have having a hard time removing it. Usually just use water. Any recommendations?
It is like canvas covering the wood? Whatever the material is, you have to dissolve the glue holding it together. Water would work, but I can see that being a slow process. You can try steam - that works great to remove wallpaper. I've hear people trying vinegar too. Sounds like you have a really unique piece to work on! Good luck!
Fun-tastic ! Even an old leather belt doubled up would have been better . Warn everyone in house those are pull not handles and can bend and or snap when lifting , hopefully u didn't toss handle adornments. nice
To be extra careful, you can tape around the metal pieces before buffing them with the Dremel. You can also have a shop vac running to suck up the debris as you work. Have fun with your project!
@@HomeCulture you are so sweet for replying! What I was more worried about was the rust water running into the wood when using the CLR. Is there a trick to keep it away from the wood?
@@Tami24945 I'd hold a dry rag/towel on the wood where I'm working. If anything leaks the towel will absorb it. Also if you use a toothbrush dipped in a little CLR, that might help keep the amount of water to a minimum. The trunk I worked on was so damaged, that spreading rust around wouldn't have made much of a difference to how it was looking 😁
Before 1906! That's great information! And wow! I vacuumed carefully, and wiped everything down with a barely damp microfibre cloth. IT is so delicate that I felt anything more would just cause damage. But the ModPodge did wonders! Thanks for reaching out with the information on the date!
Thank you!🙏 Great video, and an inspiration to try and restore a leather trunk from the civil war era that was handed down to me by my late father. It’s in really bad shape though. We live in Coastal California and the sea air has created a bit of a mold problem on the leather as the trunk’s been sitting on our covered patio for a number of years as I’ve just been too busy raising kids and working to take time to restore this piece of history. Any suggestions on cleaning the outer leather encasing of the trunk? Thanks so much for any help you might be able to provide🙏
I'm not an expert at all - but I'd start cleaning the leather with a gentle soap, like baby detergent. After that dries completely, look for a leather conditioner that is ok to use on vintage leather. I feel like you many need to reapply the conditioner a few times, but it should help revive the leather. I'm so jealous of your weather down in California! You have sea air and we get frozen winter air ☺️ Thanks for the comment and the compliment! All the best with your trunk restoration!
@@HomeCulture Thanks so much, @HomeCulture , for sharing that with me. Will try that for sure. Much appreciated. Definitely have had my share of frozen winter air living in Pennsylvania and Wyoming for a number of years, and while I loved my time in those States, have to say I’d rather have the mold and the sea air. I think my coldest day in WY was -54F. Oh my, won’t forget that one lol. Wishing you mild winters wherever you are🙏 and thank you so much again for your reply and helpful suggestions and recommendations🙏
@@DrewMather It would help if I enjoyed winter activities, but I don't at all! Thank you for the mild winter wishes - that's the kindest thing to wish someone lol. Enjoy the sun and warm weather for me 😁
I have a chest that I’m working on that has metal parts and I ripped one of the middle parts off and now it’s super sharp. Do you have any recommendations on how to make it not sharp filing doesn’t quite work…
On this trunk I had some sharp bits as well, a couple of nails that were added over the years and some of the metal details were broken. I found using the Dremmel with a stone on it did help smooth it out. I also hammered down some of the metal and then smoothed it out. The stone did take some time and I went through a few of the ones I ordered off Amazon! But eventually it did work. Best of luck!
I didn't coat the metal accents because it's an indoor blanket trunk now, and I thought leaving them as is will be ok (I'll see what happens!!). But I was given suggestion of coating them with wax.
Just got a trunk similar to yours. But the bottom metal is really crumbling. What kind of bits to you buy off Amazon to use with your dremmel to clean up the hardware?
Was enjoying the video until I saw the paint come out. That ruined it all! This is not made for painting, it is made for restoration, maybe not complete restoration, but as close as you can get!
This is where I wish we had 'smell-o-vision' 😁 This trunk was sitting on a back porch for years. The smell and damage was too much for my SIL to be able to use this as blanket storage indoors. I was given this challenge - or - they were going to throw the trunk out. I chose paint instead of it getting pitch. I know it's far from ideal!! Sorry!
You're so right! It is Mod! I never realized that I add the extra 'ge'!!!! It never crossed my mind even though I've looked at the bottle so many times lol 😂
I'm sorry to have disappointed you, but the Modge Podge actually did a great job sealing and protecting that antique paper. I wasn't restoring this trunk to it's original glory, I just saved it from a back porch. Now it can be used by our family for a few more generations 😊
I know - but it stunk so bad - and it's for my SIL to store blankets, not a true restoration. It was given to me to 'fix up' or it was going to be thrown away. I promise never to paint a trunk again!!
I don't love the handles either - leather would have been so much better - but this works for my SIL. The interior was pretty gross from sitting outside and storing wood - if it wasn't kept outside or in better condition, sealing the wood instead of painting would look so much better. I got it to the point where my SIL could use it to store blankets instead of firewood lol
Lol This is one of a pair of family trunks. One has been inside all it's life. This one was on the back porch storing fire wood (!I know!) and now was on it's way to being thrown out. My SIL asked if I could turn it into a blanket trunk...this was my first attempt. I have lots to learn.
Thank you, Amy! I kinda felt like that when I was done. The trunk went from pretty much the garbage pile to Wow! I'm surprised what can be saved...with a bit of work lol
I love the black with natural wood and metal ornamentation! Lovely!
I am grateful that you included a detailed step-by-step for what you did on the inside of the trunk. I'm in the process of restoring a family immigrant trunk and you gave me some good ideas.
I understand that some like to truly restore these trunks to the original condition. But I feel when it's belongs to your family, you should put your stamp on it. Have fun with your restoration! And thank you for the great comment!
Just finished doing a similar restoration on the outside of a steamer trunk my daughter bought at Goodwill. It was painted grey-blue and tge wooden slats were grey. Ugly as sin if you asked me but probably the reason it was only priced at $35.
The paint job was done inside and out. We removed all the paint, took several days since we only worked for a couple hours a day when we actually worked on it.
The dremel was a very helpful tool, used it in the same way. I also purchased buckles to replace the missing and broken ones. Plus I replaced the leather handle straps.
We're getting ready to start the inside. Hence, the reason I've watched your video. Really wish ours still had the decorative paper.
Thank for the video and the great ideas. BTW the black looks great.
The leather straps must make it look so original! Like it went back in time. These trunks definitely take time, it's not a quick weekend project. But it's worth it. I love the sound of what you are doing with this trunk! Good luck with the inside! And thank you for sharing your trunk adventure with me!
I have two trunks. One from my mother and one from my purchase when I first moved to my dorm 53 years ago. Your video has certainly inspired me to redo them and pass them down to my children.
You must! Trunks have so much history to them, all the travels, places they've been! Such a great piece to pass on down the generations. And then never 'go out of style' - they are always cool! Have fun refinishing yours!
I just bought these from a neighbor. It was her grandfather's from the late 1800s. I used Ollie's bees wax on the outside OMG it is looking great.
That's a great idea - bees wax! The finish must look so good. Thanks for sharing, love the suggestion!
So inspiring. I've inherited your trunk's lookalike. Can't wait to follow your lead in restoring it. Thank you for your smooth delivery.
Have fun with your trunk restoration! I was surprised how much I enjoyed working on this trunk. And I loved the end result. Thank you!!!
I think you did a marvelous job of the trunk. 👏👏👏👏👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️
Thank you!!! I'm not a professional restorer at all - but this was really fun to watch the transformation from 'almost thrown out' to a blanket heirloom trunk! Each step I finished brought out a different beauty in this old piece.
Mid podge! Genius!
Yes, thank you! It worked really well 😊
That's beautiful work (and I do mean work, having restored 60+ steamer trunks myself). I've never used CLR or Mod Podge, but will on the next one - good tips. The only thing I might suggest would have been black square-shaped handles to complement the black tin exterior. Regardless, great job on the trunk and a direct, to-the-point video without useless jabber endured elsewhere on UA-cam.
This is a huge compliment!! Thank you so much! I completely agree with you on the handles. I want to restore a trunk for myself and I will look for more suitable handles, for sure. (You could really tell the handles are from a different era) Again, thank you!
Just got a beautiful trunk for free today and I’m definitely using this video as a guide. Thank you!
Free? That's just awesome! Enjoy the process, it's a fun project!
I really didn’t think the black paint would work but it looks so good!
I was surprised too. The finish turned out so smooth. I would paint it again exactly the same on my next one!
I was looking to FINALLY restore my family heirloom truck and found YOU!!! Ours looks exactly like this one except maybe 4inchs smaller (ours only has three treads across the top and a different inside picture). It looks like this one is missing the drawer inside. Nonetheless, you have shown me what to do! CLR AND MODGE PODGE!!!
This is awesome! I love that yours is a family heirloom - it makes it that much more special. I know professional restorers have fancy supplies, but I had great results with everyday items. Have fun restoring your trunk, it really is a fun project! And the trunk has held up well so far.
I have a flat top trunk that I’ve had for over 50 years and you have given me the inspiration to do mine. Thank you
I absolutely love your comment! This is exactly what I hope my videos would do: inspire. I know it's not the best trunk makeover, but it inspired you and that makes me so happy!
I never ever put paint on the wood of my trunks. It makes me cringe so bad to see that but for people who aren't trying to preserve the historical state of the item I can see why they would choose to do it. As for the musty smell, if you give the interior wood a good, thorough washing then leave it to sit out in the sun with the lid open you will get rid of the musk. For this being a repurpose and not a restoration I have to say you did a good job.
I totally get it - I think the natural wood looks best, but this was outside on a porch for years, so I wanted to give it a fresh look (and smell!) Thanks for the tip on getting rid of the musky smell! I'm keeping that in my tool kit. I would like to try restoring a trunk for myself and doing the restoration true to the original. Thanks for your comment!
@@HomeCulture no problem. The first trunk I tried to restore I made a lot of mistakes on but after many years of studying the pros I learned a lot. I am actually restoring a trunk right now that I think you would love. It's not in too bad of shape considering it was left in a barn for a few decades! I have two others in que, one being almost identical to the one you repurposed in your video!
@@rachels2066 I found a trunk that still has the fabric lining inside. It’s awful and smelly but has a few tears. Any recommendations in how to clean it and sealing it? Someone had started to glue fabric to the exterior. I removed it and found black and green paint. Looks like an old army trunk. I was thinking I would remove the paint and hopefully find nice wood to stain. Any other suggestions.
@@lfuentes4098 unfortunately fabric on antique trunks is best removed because it tends to rot or have mold deep in the fibers. Plus the adhesive used back then was a flour mixture which is why you will often see it coming away from the wood and have a horrible smell to it. In the situation you have I would remove the fabric and lightly sand the interior wood then seal it. As for the exterior, definitely get that paint off and find a stain you like then seal the exterior as well. Don't forget to wash the interior and leave it in the sun to get the smell out completely!
@@binanocht6110 thanks for the recommendations! I will try washing with borax first. I was afraid of wetting the inside after realizing it was fabric glued with flour. Do you also think I should remove the interior fabric? If it’s stays on after washing I might leave it and seal it with a clear sealer. I think the smell is just old musty dampness. Currently, I just have old files in it. But I made the mistake of storing clothing once. Not a good choice. 😂 I would love to get it cleaned up and use as a coffee table and store blankets or something.
I just watched your video. That's an amazing transformation. I am now inspired to refinish mine. I bought it in 1978 at a garage sale for $25 in Toronto. There is a stamp underneath it, dated about 1763, Iowa. It's almost identical to yours. I still have the leather handles, although obviously warn. I was given a Dremel about 2 months ago so it will come in handy rubbing down the metal pieces. The tin on mine appears to be black, so after some cleaning I will paint it black as you suggested. Thanks so much for your tips and for the inspiration. Great video.
1763! That's amazing - what a piece of history! Thank you for the great comment, it sounds like your trunk is in great hands! Have fun with the transformation - I really enjoyed this project, I'm sure you will too!
Trunks are my favorite thing to restore. I have three of them that I’m working on in all different states
That's awesome! I can see that when you are really restoring them, it takes time. Having three on the go means you're a pro!
Do you paint the inside too?
I just got one from my husband's family,I need to restore
I need help restoring one. My fiancé brought it home it’s from 1800s and still has the last train tag from 1915 on the bottom. I’m so scared to restore it but it’s in rough shape
I got a similar trunk to yours for free yesterday! I've wanted one forever. One of my neighbors was giving it away. He's had it for years and never got around to refinishing it. It was his grandmother's trunk so i have asked hi. If he has anymore history on it. Can't wait to hear back from him! It still has the leather straps on each side, but they are both broken in the middle. There is still a seal on the inside of the top from the manufacturer. I just started doing research on how to fix it, or if i even should. I'd hate to ruin an antique that could possibly be worth something.
That's awesome! Yours sounds like it's in much better condition than the one I worked on. I found replacement replica pieces online if you want to keep the trunk looking original. There were several different sites with great options. I do want to find one to restore for myself 😊
Awesome job lady.. Because of you, I’m going to buy an old trunk, and try this method❤️
Such a great comment! Thank you so much and have fun with your truck restoration!
Love the transformation. Can't wait to do our trunk that has been in my husband's family well over a hundred years.
Transforming this trunk was really fun and rewarding! I kept imaging the journeys it took and what would have packed inside. Trunks seem so much more glamorous than suitcases! Thank you for the comment and all the best with your trunk!
Amazing job! I love the idea for the trunk handles. I got a old trunk for free today and am excited to begin :)
Free! That's so good...and I'm a little jealous!! I want to do another one too! All the best with your trunk 🙂
Those drawer pulls were not designed to carry the weight of that trunk. If it's going to be static, I guess there fine as decoration. Great work cleaning up the metal embellishments!
Gosh, those pulls are painful to hold on to! You are so right! And yes, thankfully it doesn't need to move anywhere. Just keeps the blankets tidy. Thank you so much!
I have the same one with broken handles too :) Thanks for the idea.
I like the black paint too. I’m excited to restore what I can restore and upgrade some to my liking. ❤
The black paint is my favourite part of the project. It's a really fun project to work on. Have fun with your trunk and have fun making it yours, the way you want it!!
Love the look of the outside!! Looking forward to restoring mine
Thank you! It's a fun project - you'll have fun restoring yours! PS - you have mad make-up skills - there are couple videos that I've flagged!
@@HomeCulture feeling good about it now that I watched you do it. Oh girl thank you!!!! It’s what I love and inspiring others to be confident with beauty 🤍🤍🤍
Love this tutorial! Do you recommend sealing the whole trunk even painted parts and not just the stained parts with a product like poly? If not what do you recommend?
Absolutely amazing work and beautiful results. New subscriber here.
Thank you and welcome! I loved working on this trunk. I want to find another one to work on for myself!
With the Ryobi brush tool, you can actually put the little brushhead in the end of a drill to vary the speed and really get in all the tight spots.
Ok, you are a genius! I love this idea and I'm totally using it! Thank you - - and happy new year!!!
I have one with all the shelving inserts, I am so excited to begin preserving it.
All the shelving!!! I'm jealous - I've only every seen those in pictures. Never one that intact in person! Enjoy the restoration!
Thank you for sharing! I love the black & brown colors. I believe I have the same trunk to restore.
Thank you! It's such a classic piece and it was fun to save it from being thrown out! All the best with your trunk project!
Absolutely Beautiful!! I gave my dad's trunk from when he came from Croatia in 1947. It's been transfered a few times to different home and kept in garage, so it's pretty nasty but I can't wait to use some of your tips to get started. Thank you for sharing ❤
Thank you Mary! And that's was story of this this trunk, moved around and then used for practical storage until it got nasty! Now looks like it's always been inside a house, well taken care of 😁. Have fun transforming your dad's trunk!
What do you use for the spots that rusted through? My husband thinks bonds like for a car? 🤔🤷♀️
@@maryzee8143 Bondo would be perfect! Smart hubby you have there 😁
Great job on that trunk! I have one waiting for restoration and I’m going to imitate your work.
That's an awesome compliment! Thank you! All the best with your restoration!
The exterior of that trunk is gorgeous, but I was hoping you would go with the mod podge to seal the interior so that it could maintain its natural wood look. However, the trunk turned out great. By the way you can order those handles in leather. There are several suppliers available online who specialize in restoring these old steamer trunks.
You are a genius! Mod Podge the interior!!!! That's a stellar idea! If it was my trunk, I 100% think leather handles is the way to go. I'm still hoping to get my handles on another trunk that I get to keep this time!
Beautiful!
Thank you! I'm glad you liked it!
You did a really nice job! That trunk is really lucky to have gotten all that attention and care from you.
Oh my goodness - thank you so much!!! I might not be a restore-er and I might not have kept it original, but I did put a lot of effort and love into it! Thanks for noticing! Love your comment!
Great Job I have a 100+ yr old steamer Trunk I was going to sell now I think I might keep it and restore it for meeeee😊
Hey, that's awesome! Have fun with the restoration!!
It is a beautiful trunk! Looks stunning now! 👍(except for those handles, but I like that you went for functionality with them.)
Hi Nettie! Thank you! I agree with you on the handles, practical but not the best style choice.... They did only cost me $1 each lol
Beautiful! I have one that's so beat up that I only half-heartedly fixed it up. But between recently finding a great stripper, and now some of your tips, I think I'm going to be redoing it with more enthusiasm! BTW, for anyone who doesn't know, you can buy all types of replacement hardware, handles, and trim pieces for old trunks on the internet. I'm pretty sure I even got some of mine from Amazon.
These trucks have such a classic design. Once restored, they will last and will be stylish forever! Thanks for the tip on replacement parts! Awesome! All the best with your restoration 😃
Anna it’s so pretty
Thank you so much, Heather!! 😄 I was really happy with how this turned out. It didn't look like the same trunk at all. And my sister-in-law loves it!
Mine is looking just like it
I had so much fun working on the trunk! I'm hoping to find another one to keep for myself 😊
The trunk looks SOOOOO GOOD!!!!!! Great job!!!! And you remind me of Charlyne Yi hahahahaha from the movie this is the end and knocked up,basically all the Judd Apatow movies
Ha ha Thank you! Charlyne Yi is hilarious and real - I like that compliment. If she needs a stand in, Judd can give me a call! Thanks for the compliments!
Wowza!!!! This turned out so nice. So. Much. Work. You must truly love your SIL…😂. Beautiful job❣️ … I have a trunk… hmmmm…..🤔 - Jill
Thank you! My SIL is pretty awesome, I have to say. She's worth the effort! And it was a fun project 😁. You might really enjoy fixing one up!
Looks amazing great job!
Thank you!!! It was a fun project - I was a bit overwhelming at the start because of the damage, but quickly became fun coming up with ideas and solutions!
Looks awesome
Thank you - I really appreciate it!
Awesome job 👍🏽
Thank you! Cheers!
Nice work. I would have hit the metal you wirebrushed with some CLP or gun oil and touch it up occasionally to prevent rust from coming back. Just got my wife's grandma's steamer trunk and it is on the list of things to refinish and go at the foot of the bed for blankets.
I didn't even think about adding something to protect the metal details - great idea! I'll include that when I do one for myself 😁 All the best with your (future) trunk project!
I just bought the same one!! Great tips thank you so much!
Ohh! Exciting! I'm sort of jealous - I want to refinish one for myself!
Brilliant job
Thank you so much! I really appreciate you taking the time to send me this kind message!!! 😊
I have a trunk just like this In Northwest Florida, Flomaton Alabama area.
How cool that these trunks are all over the world! This one started either in Germany or Great Britain - depending on who in the family it came with. Well travelled trunks!
Beautiful job, well done.
Thank you! I really appreciate the compliment!!
I am in the process of restoring the same trunk!
Of all the different trunks out there, this is my favourite! Good luck with your restoration!
nice
Thank you!!
@@HomeCulture Inside trunk top you left alone mostly, left original character ! I've done several, just fun re-doing it.
@@bennym1956 I would love to refinish another trunk! I've been keeping my eye open for another one.
Good job
Thank you so much!
Nice job!
Thank you so much! I want to do another one now!
WOW!!!
Thank you! That one word brought a huge smile to my face! Thank you!
I have restored alot of trunks . I recently started one that has like a fibrous cover in the wood. I have having a hard time removing it. Usually just use water. Any recommendations?
It is like canvas covering the wood? Whatever the material is, you have to dissolve the glue holding it together. Water would work, but I can see that being a slow process. You can try steam - that works great to remove wallpaper. I've hear people trying vinegar too. Sounds like you have a really unique piece to work on! Good luck!
Fun-tastic ! Even an old leather belt doubled up would have been better . Warn everyone in house those are pull not handles and can bend and or snap when lifting , hopefully u didn't toss handle adornments. nice
A belt!!! That's brilliant!!!! Thank you! I may have another trunk to restore and I'm keeping that idea tucked away! Genius!
I have a chest just exactly like this but I was wandering how to get the rust off of the metal without it getting the rust on the wood. Thank you!
To be extra careful, you can tape around the metal pieces before buffing them with the Dremel. You can also have a shop vac running to suck up the debris as you work. Have fun with your project!
@@HomeCulture you are so sweet for replying! What I was more worried about was the rust water running into the wood when using the CLR. Is there a trick to keep it away from the wood?
@@Tami24945 I'd hold a dry rag/towel on the wood where I'm working. If anything leaks the towel will absorb it. Also if you use a toothbrush dipped in a little CLR, that might help keep the amount of water to a minimum. The trunk I worked on was so damaged, that spreading rust around wouldn't have made much of a difference to how it was looking 😁
@@HomeCulture that’s funny! Thank you for the advice. Off to buy my CLR
@@Tami24945 Hope you have fun with your trunk makeover!
On the inside lid. Did you clean before mogpoging? Mine has the same paper and design and it's very delicate. From prior to 1906.
Before 1906! That's great information! And wow! I vacuumed carefully, and wiped everything down with a barely damp microfibre cloth. IT is so delicate that I felt anything more would just cause damage. But the ModPodge did wonders! Thanks for reaching out with the information on the date!
Thank you!🙏 Great video, and an inspiration to try and restore a leather trunk from the civil war era that was handed down to me by my late father. It’s in really bad shape though. We live in Coastal California and the sea air has created a bit of a mold problem on the leather as the trunk’s been sitting on our covered patio for a number of years as I’ve just been too busy raising kids and working to take time to restore this piece of history. Any suggestions on cleaning the outer leather encasing of the trunk? Thanks so much for any help you might be able to provide🙏
I'm not an expert at all - but I'd start cleaning the leather with a gentle soap, like baby detergent. After that dries completely, look for a leather conditioner that is ok to use on vintage leather. I feel like you many need to reapply the conditioner a few times, but it should help revive the leather. I'm so jealous of your weather down in California! You have sea air and we get frozen winter air ☺️ Thanks for the comment and the compliment! All the best with your trunk restoration!
@@HomeCulture Thanks so much, @HomeCulture , for sharing that with me. Will try that for sure. Much appreciated. Definitely have had my share of frozen winter air living in Pennsylvania and Wyoming for a number of years, and while I loved my time in those States, have to say I’d rather have the mold and the sea air. I think my coldest day in WY was -54F. Oh my, won’t forget that one lol. Wishing you mild winters wherever you are🙏 and thank you so much again for your reply and helpful suggestions and recommendations🙏
@@DrewMather It would help if I enjoyed winter activities, but I don't at all! Thank you for the mild winter wishes - that's the kindest thing to wish someone lol. Enjoy the sun and warm weather for me 😁
What did you put on the metal accents to make them go from rusty to brand new?😮
I only buffed them with the Dremmel. I didn't use any cleaners. And they cleaned up really well!
I have a chest that I’m working on that has metal parts and I ripped one of the middle parts off and now it’s super sharp. Do you have any recommendations on how to make it not sharp filing doesn’t quite work…
On this trunk I had some sharp bits as well, a couple of nails that were added over the years and some of the metal details were broken. I found using the Dremmel with a stone on it did help smooth it out. I also hammered down some of the metal and then smoothed it out. The stone did take some time and I went through a few of the ones I ordered off Amazon! But eventually it did work. Best of luck!
@@HomeCulture thanks so much I will find one and try it out!!
Thanks so much for sharing! -- I'm getting ready to transform Grandma's 1940's trunk. -- Did you coat the metal accent pieces? If so, with what?
I didn't coat the metal accents because it's an indoor blanket trunk now, and I thought leaving them as is will be ok (I'll see what happens!!). But I was given suggestion of coating them with wax.
@@HomeCulture Thx 😊
Do you have any idea of the time period these were made in? I just brought Mr great grandmas home and would love to have an idea of how old it is
I just asked my family and they are doing some digging to find the answer. As soon as I know, I'll get back to you!
I'm waiting for an answer, I haven't forgotten!
It looks like it's from the late 1800's. Wow! That's old!
Just got a trunk similar to yours. But the bottom metal is really crumbling. What kind of bits to you buy off Amazon to use with your dremmel to clean up the hardware?
This is what I ordered: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07TK9XCSX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
How did u restore the metal pieces
I cleaned them with CLR and buffed them with a green stone on my Dremmel. That's all I did. I just tried to remove the rust as best I could.
What Stain did you use?
Hello! It was Varathane Classic Wood Penetrating Stain in Jacobean.
@@HomeCulture Thank you so much!
What is the attachment for the dremel?
This is the attachment I used, I picked it up at Home Depot: www.homedepot.ca/product/dremel-ez-lock-rotary-tool-mandrel/1000407501
Nice job. But painting over wood is a sin in my opinion. It looked marvelous until the covering of that gorgeous wood. 😢
I totally get it! In my defense it was stinky! If it was in better condition, I think I would have liked a clear wax over the wood 😊 Thank you!
Was enjoying the video until I saw the paint come out. That ruined it all! This is not made for painting, it is made for restoration, maybe not complete restoration, but as close as you can get!
This is where I wish we had 'smell-o-vision' 😁 This trunk was sitting on a back porch for years. The smell and damage was too much for my SIL to be able to use this as blanket storage indoors. I was given this challenge - or - they were going to throw the trunk out. I chose paint instead of it getting pitch. I know it's far from ideal!! Sorry!
MOD Podge not MODGE Podge
You're so right! It is Mod! I never realized that I add the extra 'ge'!!!! It never crossed my mind even though I've looked at the bottle so many times lol 😂
I feel like the restoration community collectivelu groaned when you used modge podge. Is this a parody video?
I'm sorry to have disappointed you, but the Modge Podge actually did a great job sealing and protecting that antique paper. I wasn't restoring this trunk to it's original glory, I just saved it from a back porch. Now it can be used by our family for a few more generations 😊
Oh my gosh noooo….you painted it! Why????
I know - but it stunk so bad - and it's for my SIL to store blankets, not a true restoration. It was given to me to 'fix up' or it was going to be thrown away. I promise never to paint a trunk again!!
Bad handle choice! Yuck, you needed to get some leather and use the originals. Not into the paint on interior
I don't love the handles either - leather would have been so much better - but this works for my SIL. The interior was pretty gross from sitting outside and storing wood - if it wasn't kept outside or in better condition, sealing the wood instead of painting would look so much better. I got it to the point where my SIL could use it to store blankets instead of firewood lol
Not bad on the outside but you f%#+ the inside. No attention to the detail and restoration.
Lol This is one of a pair of family trunks. One has been inside all it's life. This one was on the back porch storing fire wood (!I know!) and now was on it's way to being thrown out. My SIL asked if I could turn it into a blanket trunk...this was my first attempt. I have lots to learn.
I love the black with natural wood and metal ornamentation! Lovely!
Thank you so much - I was really impressed with the black paint, it was the best colour I could have gone with. I think that at least!
WOW!!!
Thank you, Amy! I kinda felt like that when I was done. The trunk went from pretty much the garbage pile to Wow! I'm surprised what can be saved...with a bit of work lol