How would you clean/remove/paint this cloth on a steamer trunk?

Question

Bought yet another trunk today and need to get it cleaned up. Does anyone know how to clean or paint cloth that is on it? I will post a pic from my phone in just a minute...HELP!!!

Debbie Harris · Answer

Don't know what you want your end result to be but Chalk paint can be used on almost any surface. Pick a color and go for it. I hope you got this piece on the cheap.. Good luck.

Cindi Janes · Answer

i agree, or maybe a dark spray with many many coats

April · Answer

Hmm, it depends on what you're looking for style wise. I like how colorful it is. Perhaps leave the painted areas but paint the not so colorful areas? However, it's up to you and what you see for it. :)

Shizzle Design · Answer

a color wash would be totally cool on it using chalk/clay/mineral paints I did that on a trunk recently. Let me see if I can find a picture.

Wanda.ll · Answer

I would use soygel(easy on the wood and eveything) and get that paint off. Then maybe restain those areas if paint doesn't leave a pernamanet color.My grandmother painted hers bright orange. She took it from Texas to New Mexico back to Texas in a covered wagon. So I've left it alone. It is so ugly but she liked it.So I've often thought of stripping it myself.Good luck

Karon Nelson Roberts · Answer

Get one of those clothing Steam cleaners.  Ya, it helps get wrinkles out, but it also helps clean items that needs dry cleaning or can't be remove.  I use one on my microfiber couch.

Julie Moyna · Answer

took all afternoon but should be done today!

Wanda Reavis · Answer

Julie-White vinegar will remove paper.Just spray it on , let set a few mins. using a putty knife works great to just peel the paper off.

Jcw · Answer

Julie, what method did you end up using to clean up? I have trunks to do something with too.

Jcw · Answer

may come back to this site

Sherry Stives Fry · Answer

I bought an old steamer truck 39 years ago. It too had a cloth on it. At first I painted over it but after a few years I tired of that. I cut along the wooden strips and peeled off the old rotted fabric. Then I lightly sanded, stained and varnished the wood. It's beautiful. I have drug this thing around the country with me since I was 19 yrs old. I STILL have it and love storing blankets and extra comforters in it. And, to get rid of the 'OLD' smell inside, put some coffee grounds into a knee high stocking, tie a knot in it, put it inside the trunk and leave there for several weeks. It will get rid of the smell.

Denise M · Answer

If it's mold, perhaps some type of sealer applied will contain it.

Debbi Reeves · Answer

Don't have an answer to your question but I'm on your side - can't pass up a trunk - whether i need it or not - can't have too many!!!

TJ · Answer

activated charcoal works also. a friend bought a house many years ago with an old fridge or freezer under the basement stairs with old rotted fish inside with door closed. it eventually got rid of the smell.

Katie · Answer

Lemon-scented Lysol cleaner my also help with the hold/mildew issues. I wouldn't remove the fabric unless it was completely destroyed.

Redcatcec · Answer

For the mold use plain white vinegar, it will kill the spores, spray it on being careful to not saturate the area. Fresh air and sunlight also help.

How would you clean/remove/paint this cloth on a steamer trunk?

Suggested Project Book

Save Your Pennies For These 12 Jaw Dropping Decor Ideas

Other

More

How would you clean/remove/paint this cloth on a steamer trunk?

Suggested Project Book

Related Discussions