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ANTIQUE FURNITURE RESTORATION DISCUSSION BOARD
Posted By: James Schooley <furnitureissues@earthlink.net> (0-1pool247-47.nas2.sioux-city1.ia.us.da.qwest.net)
In Response To: Steamer Trunk from the Old Country Ukraine (Rolande)
Date: 7/23/4 10:30
The finished surfaces will clean nicely with the superior hybrid, low odor, cleaning solvent, "Naptha". A soft cotton scrubbing rag and paper towels to remove the loosened film. Small amounts of rust can be loosened with an automotive chrome polish, but in most cases, a little baking soda mixed with the naptha will take off the rust as well. The leather is the tricky part, I suggest that you find a leather cleaner intended for restoration rather than generic products. Look locally for a saddle repair shop, they will often have a product that is safe for old leather, and will sell it to you. Avoid products that contain silicone and oils. Light cleaning of leather can be done with a damp cloth and hydrogen peroxide. As for the musty smell, I take it that comes mainly from the inside? If the interior has a paper lining, then you have a serious problem getting rid of the smell without harming a good and or original lining. Mildew bacteria will attack the hide glue under the paper and then travel into the paper as well. I will dry out the trunk with a 15 watt light bulb, while keeping the lid shut. Make sure the bulb is well in the center of the open space and can't fall over. Place a mixture of cinnamon and aromatic cedar chips in a bowl and place this in the trunk, as the air inside warms the cinnamon and cedar will replace the mildew odor. This can be done with out the light bulb, but will take allot longer, from a week with the light to 2 or 3 months without the light. If the inside is not papered you can remove the mildew with pinesol or a 1/3 bleach and 2/3 cold water, lightly applied and quickly dried off. Hope this helps, James.
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