One of the sides, showing leather strap. I think it has some mildew on it, but not positive what it is.
I think I want to upcycle this old trunk (over 55 yrs old)
by
Louise
+3
into a coffee table. It's been in my garage and in my basement for over 30 yrs. Took it to the deck today to clean it up a bit and while wiping the bottom, found it to have a coating of what I guess was dirt on it. It was solid black when I wiped it with a damp paper towel. There's some damage to the bottom, but maybe I can put a board of some kind on the bottom? I guess sanding and painting the hardware is the best thing to do with it? And there are two leather straps on it. What's the best way to clean them? Not sure yet what colors I'll paint the trunk, but something to go with the colors in the room it will live in. I plan to put some short legs on it.
This is the top.
This is the bottom, showing the black that came off it onto a paper towel. The torn places look similar to paper. Not sure what it was in the beginning.
More of the torn area on the bottom.
Not sure why there photos look purple, but this piece of hardware is brass-looking but as you see, needs work to be pretty. Can these rusty places be removed or is sanding and painting the easiest/best way to go?
Another leather strap. It's brown, not purple.
Looks like you'll have to completely remove the peeling layers, then gently sand and refinish. This is a really cool piece and I can't wait to see what you do with it.
Since you will make a table out of the trunk, then you will need a flat bottom to attach the legs. Problem solved for worn luggage bottom. Keep the hinges and latches (or replace them), so that you can use the inside for storage. Clean the trunk, inside and out, with vinegar and water and a tiny amount of Dawn. If you can’t save the leather handles, use a portion of a belt. Use a brass cleaner (or a baking soda and vinegar paste) for the hardware. If you are painting the trunk, give it a coat of ModPodge (or white glue thinned with water) first, and paint the leather and hardware, if you wish. ☺️
This looks like a great idea, I will keep the original colors, polyurethane it and go with the vintage look
a good leather treatment - Skidmore is good - or in lieu of that, plain old OLIVE OIL -- for some reason coconut oil will leave a sticky residue --but Olive oil is absorbed better -- and olive oil will help the old dried wood as well.
The leather looks to be in pretty good condition, it just looks like it needs a good cleaning. I was recommended Lexol products for to take care of my leather and vinyl. Clean it real well with a leather cleaner and follow with a leather conditioner to keep it looking good and to stay supple. I have found it at Menards and most auto parts stores. They also have excellent products for vinyl. Clean up the brass and keep the original for a more authentic look. If the finish is too bad, you can always use Rustoleum to bring it back to a better look. When I had a huge bedroom in the past, I had an antique love seat and used my dads hunting trunk for a low coffee table and it worked great!
Lots of great ideas here:
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