How do I get stains out of an old antique chest, specifically off the leather and wood?
I’m fixing up an antique trunk for a family friend. It’s designed almost exactly like this one: http://www.dantesantiquerestorations.com/images/furniture/Antique_TrunkSet2%20W.jpg
The wood on the lid and front has large blotches from some sort of liquid. Sanding helped somewhat, but they’re still visible, albeit rather faint. What else can I do to get the blotches off?
Also, I plan to put a new stain on the thin wood planks; however, they’ve already been stained. I don’t want to sand the old stain off; it’s difficult and time-consuming. Is there an easier/better way?
Finally, the leather on the edges are quite dirty. I think there might even be some molding on them. What products or home remedies do you recommend for cleaning the leather? Cost is not much of an issue.
Thanks!
The friend doesn’t really care about the “antique” aspect of it. She just wants it to look good. She doesn’t plan to sell it; she wants to pass it on to her sons. So no worries about its value. 
After all this work, you chest won’t stand the test of “antique” other than by age since all this work has destroyed it’s value. The true believers believe the piece’s life is important…this sanding, etc destroys value.
But that said…….leather, first wipe down the leather with a moist cloth, dry immediately. Removes surface mildew. If you have a horse supply store, look for the handy leather cleaners in wipe form. Speedy. Auto dealers also have good leather cleaners! Can’t guarantee all the stains will disappear., but the leather will be clean (don’t forget the conditioner!)
Wood: if you still have stain after sanding, bleach might work for you. If just small spots, a Qtip and bleach, if larger areas try mixing bleach, TSP (one cup each) to a gallon of water. Of course water on wood opens pores, so you may have to sand agains if grain opens. If it really opens then you may to fill first…hopefully not.
You know, before all this, try lemon juice or toothpaste on the wood stains. Sometimes it’s the simple things that work.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire (NH) historic antique home for sale
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