How can I spruce up my old trunk without making drastic changes like painting or replacing metal pieces, considering it’s old and I lack resources?
Asked by Clareana Lopes 
4 months ago
Last Updated: September 10, 2024
Hey guys! I’ve had this old trunk that my mom’s friend gave me for a while now and I’m thinking about fixing it up a bit. I’m not looking to make it look brand new, and I don’t have a lot of money, tools, or expertise to put a ton of effort into it. So, do you have any ideas on how I can address some of the scratches or rust on the metal parts?
I’ve cleaned it multiple times, but it still looks pretty weathered since it’s quite old. I’m not exactly sure what material it’s made of, but it’s definitely sturdy. I just want to give it a little refresh without making any major changes like changing the color or replacing the metal pieces. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance 😊
I used to have a larger one that had a similar look. I painted the flat surfaces and polished the metal with brass cleaner. Unfortunately, I don’t have a picture of it. It’s been in my possession for about 15 years. I just used regular latex paint back then without knowing much, but it turned out well. I left out the corner strips with the rivets.
It’s not as good-looking as it used to be. As I mentioned, I painted it around 15 years back, so it’s understandable…
If you want to change it up, painting it a different color is probably your best bet. You could also try using brass polish on brass latches, but tin latches are a lost cause. If you don’t want to disassemble it, a small dremel sander can help clean it down to the wood so you can apply a fresh coat of finish or repaint it.