Restoring a vintage steamer trunk

The addition of a vintage steamer trunk can add a pop of classic to any space. The problem, it seems, is getting your hands on one in an acceptable condition within an affordable price range. There is a limited selection of authentic trunks that have been well maintained. A beloved heirloom from grandma gathering dust in the basement, not many still have the robust aesthetic of their youth. In this post I’m teaching you all the tips and tricks of my experience with restoring a vintage steamer trunk!

Luckily, there are many ways around the price tag. With a little elbow grease you can have one of these steamer trunks back to it’s former glory in about a day.

How to Thrift a Vintage Steamer Trunk

Like a house, you don’t want to buy a trunk with “bad bones”. If the wood is decaying, with obvious mold or water damage, it’s time to move on. If your trunk is over a 100 years old, most will need a screw or too to secure a loose edge. However, it shouldn’t be falling apart.

I live in Boston, so I know I pay a “city premium” on most thrifted products (i.e. supply and demand). However, for a good thrifted piece anywhere from 30-50$ is an appropriate range. Many times these items are sentimental to the seller, whom might be resistant to let it go in the first place. Here is my suggestion: explain to them the cost to restore, including the time AND supplies & promise to send a picture of the finished product.

I found a classic trunk off Facebook Marketplace for the cost of $40. With supplies (not counting 4-5 hours of work) the cost was ~$70.

Looking for more apartment DIYs? try this DIY tv console!

Materials for Restoring a Vintage Steamer Trunk

Linseed oil & old rag

2″ screws

steel wool

fine grit sandpaper

foam brushes

scraper

polyurethane (optional)

The Outside

• remove all dust and grime with a damp towel. This will prevent further damage to the wood and also reveal what you are working with
• Sand, sand, sand. remove grime and age by sanding the wood with fine grit sandpaper. Sand until the wood revealed is brighter and soft.
• I had to remove old leather (because it was flaking and leather), I did this gently with a paint scraper.
• remove rust from the metal by using steel wool. Use garden gloves, as this cause cause steel splinters!
• Using a old rag and gloves (please, please use gloves) – rub linseed oil on the wood. Since flax and linseed are one in the same, you can expect your wood to have a strong, woody scent.
• linseed oil can take months to “cure” so put this is a dry area or at least keep away from light colored items to prevent staining.
• use shallow screws to secure edges, if needed. I secured to the bottom as it was rusted out

The Inside

• follow these important steps to remove classic “must” smell:
• remove all contents. if trunk is lined remove all lining. this was VERY time consuming. I had to wet and rewet the paper lining and use a scraper to remove the glue.
• like outside, sand until bright wood is revealed
• cover in linseed oil to brighten wood
• wait for linseed oil to cure (again my wise father says this could take months)
• cover with polyurethane to “seal” and prevent hallmark must in the future

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