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Doll Size Embossed Metal Trunk - Refinished

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trunkman's loves1305 of 4161Painting LoveWWI French Adrian Helmet M 15, With Sapper Badge 1915
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    Posted 9 years ago

    KathyKay
    (53 items)

    I finished the restoration on this trunk. See posting from about a month ago for the before pictures as well as the fourth picture on this post. My original idea was to do a two tone paint, gold and red like it originally had but gave up on that. The metal on the back side is a little beat up so trying to get the two colors wasn't working out. Or it could be my lack of experience in doing two color paint job that was making it look bad. Changed plans on the restoration I buffed the old paint off, or should I say most of it, some of it wouldn't come off. In places you still see red paint, in the pictures it is real noticeable but in person it doesn't show up that much. The trunk is about 16 inches wide and 12 inches high, embossed metal on the top, front and back and wood sides. I left some of the interior intact but a lot was badly damaged so it had to be replaced. I love the doll trunks it is easy to have a lot of them and not run out of room.

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    Comments

    1. trunkman trunkman, 9 years ago
      Fabulous work KathyKay -- love the look of this little gem... I find paint comes off rather easily with paint remover and steel wool... particularly on metal.
    2. KathyKay, 9 years ago
      Thanks for the love everyone. Trunkman - I might go back and use some paint stripper to get the rest of the paint off. In the pictures it really shows up, must be the reflection of the flash that makes it look bright. In real life I looked at it and said gee I can live with a little paint because it isn't that noticeable but in pictures it really shows up. For now I will live with it, at some point the urge to make it better will get the best of me and I will do more work on it. Thanks
    3. Drill Drill, 9 years ago
      Hi Kathy, Yes I can see how that flower and leaf pattern could be somewhat difficult
      to paint in relief with the two colors... At least you gave it a go.It does look nice with the exposed tin unpainted(I too have left a few unpainted because I liked that metallic look as well. Important to realize ,that over time it will oxidize and rust
      pretty fast if left untreated.I have tried a number of things such as gun oil,metal polishes etc. to slow that process down. I have also applied clear shellac and let that patina develop under the clear finish. I love the look of patina ,clear coated.
      I fell in love with my small Dremel tool and small rotary wire wheels for those hard to reach places. I use Citristrip paint removing gel and a Q-tip as well. Well great job,
      Interior looks real nice too. It cleaned up fairly well. Here is a thought ,I once painted a similar leaf pattern black,let it dry and using a sanding block with 120 grit paper,sanded the high spots. Exposing only the high spots to unfinished metal and then clear coated the whole works.(This is another way to get two colors,while only applying one) . It sold fast for it was a stunning effect.
    4. KathyKay, 9 years ago
      Thanks Drill I used clear shellac to coat it will have to see what happens over time to the color. At some point I may have to redo it again. I have a Dremel love it for the small trunks and I have a Fein Multimaster that I use on the full size trunks. Collecting doll trunks is my focus now, I'm not buying the full size ones because I'm running out of room. I have a few large trunks in my garage that I need to refinish, then I will have find space in the house for them. When I really get over run with trunks I give them as gifts to family members, that way I still get to see the trunk and remember how much fun I had restoring it.

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