Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - Cleaning and finish an old trunk
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hollys
05-08-01, 07:12 PM
I recently purchased an old US Navy trunk (wood) and would like to clean it up, fit glass over the top and use it as a coffee table. My questions are:
1) How do I clean the trunk without damaging some of the delicate lettering?
2) Do you recommend stripping areas thick with gunk? (there is a waxy build-up, thick and sticky)
3) Should I finish the trunk with an oil or laquer or leave it as is?
4)There is a metal plating around the edges that has turned green, what metal might this be and how should I clean it?
Thanks a million!
Holly
1) How do I clean the trunk without damaging some of the delicate lettering?
2) Do you recommend stripping areas thick with gunk? (there is a waxy build-up, thick and sticky)
3) Should I finish the trunk with an oil or laquer or leave it as is?
4)There is a metal plating around the edges that has turned green, what metal might this be and how should I clean it?
Thanks a million!
Holly
George
05-10-01, 06:00 PM
Holly:
Let's take your question in order.
1- [A] If the lettering is painted on (not an applique), you can use VM&P naphtha (from your paint store) to clean the entire trunk. It cuts oil grease dirt, etc - will not harm any cured finish, and leaves no residue. It IS highly flammable, hoever, and proper precautions should be taken. [B] If the lettering is NOT painted on - Murphy's oil soap - use with a plastic dish washing scrubbie.
2 - See part "A" of answer above.
3 - If you like the looks after cleaning, leave it alone. If not, I'd suggest Minwax Polycrylic. It's a water-clear finish that will not yellow with age.
4 - If you've got what I think you've got, the original hardware on the piece was solid brass - you've got an officers trunk. (Enlisted men got a seabag.) Clean with 0000 steel wool and white vinegar. Smelly, but it works.
Let's take your question in order.
1- [A] If the lettering is painted on (not an applique), you can use VM&P naphtha (from your paint store) to clean the entire trunk. It cuts oil grease dirt, etc - will not harm any cured finish, and leaves no residue. It IS highly flammable, hoever, and proper precautions should be taken. [B] If the lettering is NOT painted on - Murphy's oil soap - use with a plastic dish washing scrubbie.
2 - See part "A" of answer above.
3 - If you like the looks after cleaning, leave it alone. If not, I'd suggest Minwax Polycrylic. It's a water-clear finish that will not yellow with age.
4 - If you've got what I think you've got, the original hardware on the piece was solid brass - you've got an officers trunk. (Enlisted men got a seabag.) Clean with 0000 steel wool and white vinegar. Smelly, but it works.