Letter 39081

How to refinish my grandpa's tin bread box [Florida] 

January 16, 2006

Opens on top. Say's Bread in gold on front of creme colored body. As I recall the top and bottom were a copper color but anymore they are dull dark brown with some light surface rust... like the old finish is worn off. I want it to be functional again mainly to keep mice off of items left at a camp house in the woods. It's just been used a lot over the years and needs to be re-painted. I was thinking Naval Jelly [link is to product info at Amazon] OR light Steel Wool [link is to product info at Rockler]. Naval jelly might be too harsh.

Sheila Mahoney
- Havana, Florida, USA

You posted my question; how do I get the response?

Sheila Marie Mahoney
- Havana, FL, USA

Hello, Sheila. It's a public forum. If anyone anywhere chooses to respond, the answer will be posted on this page. Good luck. Sometimes posting a photo (mail it to mooney@finishing.com) increases interest or allows more accurate answers.

 
Ted Mooney, P.E.
finishing.com Inc. - Brick, NJ

The answer to the question depends on how good of a paint job you REALLY want it to be. If you want a restoration, it might be a good idea to have it done by a professional. If you have experience handling a spray paint can...
1) Go over the box with scotch-brite pads until it is smooth, don't worry too much about removing all of the old paint and rust, just get the box as smooth as possible,
2) Clean the surface real good and spray on a primer and paint that is made for metals,
3) It might be a good idea to use a special effect paint like a hammertone or texture to hide flaws that you can't fix,
4) Install bread,
5) Put some mouse traps in the cabin.

Sheldon Taylor    supply chain electronics Wake Forest, No. Carolina

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