Antique Leather Trunk Restoration


  #1  
Old 06-28-11, 03:16 PM
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Antique Leather Trunk Restoration

I found an old flat top leather trunk someone was throwing out on the street and am looking to restore it.
It is so dirty and rusted I am not sure how old it is, it's not in the best condition.
The whole trunk has been painted green and the the leather is very dried out and has big splits in places.
I tried just wiping it down with a damp cloth to remove the dust and dirt and the paint started rubbing right off, which isnt the worst thing.
I am just at a loss on how to clean the leather, I have searched the forums and couldn't find any similar posts.
Advice?
 
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Old 07-04-11, 03:50 PM
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you'd be surprised that leather responds best to old fashioned soap, water and elbow grease.

when dry, oil it with linseed oil or similar. Use beeswax to strengthen, waterproof and protect.
 
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Old 07-05-11, 06:01 AM
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Typically, I recommend having a pro clean leather, as it's really easy to mess up and damage the material.

In this case, go with the recommendations in the previous post as long as you're aware (and I think you are) that this thing could be fragile enough that cleaning it completely destroys it.
 
 

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