Need ideas on transforming this chest/trunk
by
Nature
+8
I found a set of chest/ trunk at a garage sale. When I saw them I thought of turning into bedside tables. I am open to any suggestion / recommendations to DIY this project. Also, I am unsure of how to take the rust off of this chest on the metal part . What kind of paints to work with to restore this piece?
What type of cleaners to
Use to clean inside and
Outside of the chest/trunk?
How to remove the rust on this?
10 answers
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What a cute trunk! You could try Barkeepers Friend to clean the hardware although I am not sure it will remove the rust. Another option is to clean and then seal the metal with shellac and paint it with chalk paint.
Patricia
on May 03, 2015
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Are you keeping the maps? You can use naval jelly to remove rust, then I'd varnish over it. Personally, I think making the metal look old would be cool. I'd use a rub on oil based paint in a dark charcoal color. Then it would all match and look antique. Years ago I found an old steamer trunk and covered it with antique (or antique looking) maps and foreign money. It's still beautiful....
Lucy Nunn
on May 03, 2015
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It's a beautiful piece! I would consider building a small platform base to raise it's height a bit, and use it as a side table.
Rachel Landry
on May 03, 2015
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I bought two of these in 1970. They are decorated in olive and orange 70's style print. Fortunately the metal is in good condition. I would use them if I had ideas for decorating them. So I joined the discussion to get some ideas too.
Lindcurt
on May 03, 2015
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I would try to remove the rust as in a previous comment, then paint it black and antique the metal. Also replace handles with leather
Lois Byrd
on May 03, 2015
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My mother used to have travel trunk (slightly larger) lined with old quilt. Put some books under quilt to raise height. Arranged some old framed photographs and mementos on quilt. Kept lid open leaning against wall and placed piece of beveled glass just fitting on inside edge of trunk. Pictures, etc. were protected and glass provided surface for light weight lamp or whatever you might want to exhibit.
Suzann
on May 03, 2015
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Is it covered with material or wallpaper? I would have to see what is underneath! The inside looks good. Maybe just a wipe with a damp cloth would do. A light sanding will reduce the rust. Then I'd poly the metal.
Marion Nesbitt
on May 04, 2015
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I would try to keep the maps.Remove the rust.Try to replace the plastic handles with leather straps.Spray paint the metal trim with hand rubbed bronze metal paint and then add some legs or feet.I might also spray paint the inside in a bright color and use it for storage.
Funnygirl
on May 04, 2015
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I just saw one of these redone in a gorgeous blue ombre glossy paint (possibly lacquer). I would use a good spray paint if thats what you want to do. Tape off all the metal, (naval jelly to remove rust,,and some sand paper) prime the area to paint and then spray it. You can use metallic spray for the metal parts if they don't come clean. The photo is from "REVELationDecor.
Beth H. Makemeprettyagain.blogspot
on May 04, 2015
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I would age the metal after cleaning it for sure, and for my taste the maps are a bit bright so would look for darker aged maps to recover with. It could be really lovely, good luck and do post pictures of the end result.
Carol
on May 04, 2015
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