Trunk clean up help ?

[sapphire]

I've repainted a simple wicker three tier stand for a bedside table for now, but this is what will eventually replace it. Once I get through the layers of paint (at least 4 that I can tell) I'll be able to see just how much damage it suffered. It's got quite a burn patch right through, luckily at a bottom rear corner, on one side. I will likely end up painting but we'll see.

[sapphire]

Sapphire please don't use any acrylic craft paint on this beautiful trunk!! Try a very small spot in the back & use very watered down water colors, I think the canvas will get just a slight hint of color and not be completely covered like with acrylics. I love to see the wear & tear on these well loved & used pieces!

I know what you mean wendy. I would only use it in very obvious sad spots (but only if it works) by applying a bit with a damp cheesecloth or sponge, then wiping most of it away. More of a gently wash......absolutel y NOT painted.   Maybe acrylic was the wrong term. I was thinking along the lines of tole paint, which I have used as a wash on wood/ceramic items. 

Once I have given it a gentle cleaning I'll have a much better idea of what it actually looks like. I'll post some pics of it here for opinions before going any further

[bigwull]

Sapphire please don't use any acrylic craft paint on this beautiful trunk!! Try a very small spot in the back & use very watered down water colors, I think the canvas will get just a slight hint of color and not be completely covered like with acrylics. I love to see the wear & tear on these well loved & used pieces!

wear and tears ok..but its not to everyones taste...here,s a before...and after....i know which one i,d go for.....btw...i think Sapphire,s is superior to this one...

[sapphire]

Why thank you, Sir Wullie!  You can call me Mother Superior

My one challenge with the trunk will be where it must have been rammed into something (or something into it). It sat in a garage for years before being put out for trash. Neighbour's loss, my gain.

It has a crack across the front, you can see the 'crease' and feel where the upper part of the board has retreated inwards. Surprisingly it did very little damage to the canvas, more so to the metal strapping which can be straightened. I just hope I'll be able to 'pop' it back out without making anything worse.

[bigwull]

when you come to fix the sprung board...get a piece of wood..3/4 ply or something similar...put it at the back and cut a piece of wood...4 x 2 slightly wider than the inside of the trunk,then uae it like a wedge..to ease the sprung board back...if you don,t have eye contact with the sprung board..you nmay need to make an incision to the cotton interior lining...in order to run in some glue....as for the cleaning of the canvas...once you,ve done it....you can waterproof it,by using diluted Uni-bond...which is a PVA white glue...which needs to be diluted...and when its dry..it dries clear...

[sapphire]

I've used that trick for other 'jobs', didn't even think of it for this. 

The lining is still mostly attached so it would mean getting behind it. But that I don't mind as having it out would make it easier to eliminate any lasting odors or unseen mould. I've got plenty of fabrics around (actually IN the trunk) that I'm sure I could find a replacement.

[bigwull]

I've used that trick for other 'jobs', didn't even think of it for this. 

The lining is still mostly attached so it would mean getting behind it. But that I don't mind as having it out would make it easier to eliminate any lasting odors or unseen mould. I've got plenty of fabrics around (actually IN the trunk) that I'm sure I could find a replacement.

looking back at my post...i can see some editing that needs doing....andthats without a drink or a triple whotsit....

[mart]

Water color would be very hard to match I think just due to their nature !! What i would do if it were me is try to find a fabric paint a shade lighter and one a shade darker and mix till you are as close as possible !!  Then dilute with water and use as a wash !!  Craft paint would actually be OK but it would need to be diluted as well !! And used sparingly,, dont flood it !!