How can I Restore old metal?
by
Dean
+5
After a closer look at the chest, l have discovered that there is a thin layer of metal covering the wood o the outside. I would love to find out what the original color of the metal was and restore it. Any ideas on how to find out?
maybe try a small amount of metal polish on a soft cloth.
Click on a photo and go to the site.....https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&tbs=simg:CAESlQEJAwPifWB44fMaiQELEKjU2AQaAggCDAsQsIynCBpiCmAIAxIo9wz4DPYM5gz1DOcMgBjqDKkEqAThNdg12jXeNdU13yfONeAngT7fNRowZ4nSJL6-bPigaFXmeYG6DCERM5vuh03mmR0y9SeNFnfjz-pxSPl8gI4thOj0U1sPIAQMCxCOrv4IGgoKCAgBEgQlcQMADA&q=trunk&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjaxpS9iobSAhUOwWMKHT3WB_MQsw4IKQ&biw=1016&bih=642
Check out the advice this Hometalker got about restoring her antique metal peice http://www.hometalk.com/diy/repair/furniture/q-how-would-you-go-about-restoring-the-finish-on-this-old-metal-flower-cart-paint-194758
How would you go about restoring the finish on this old metal flower cart? Paint over metal looks rusty. TIA !
And a helpful tutorial: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/clean/house/how-to-clean-up-vintage-metal-hardware-the-easy-peasy-way-7116977?expand_all_questions=1
How To Clean Up Vintage Metal Hardware ~ the Easy-peasy Way!
I did an old trunk like this 40 years ago. The metal was bare and rusty. I used old fashioned shoe polish(paste wax kind). Rubbed good and it sits in my den today just like it was. I did brown stain on the wood and black on the metal. Sealed the wood. Mine had embossed acorns in the metal with the hump top. I guess that does not answer your question on how to get to the original metal but maybe after you get there......