OTW ? of an Interesting Item and Context,

[Sean the Nailer]

As the title states, here's an 'Off the Wall question of an Interesting Item and Context'.

Some relatives acquired this crate for me, immediately upon seeing it's "uniqueness". My Lady then confiscated said crate, and you'll never believe why.

So, here are pics, to begin:

In a perfect world (or the one in which we make it) she wants it restored/cleaned to original(new) with the stencils bright and crisp and the grime/spatter/paint/oil removed. Then she wants it varnished to protect said wood AND stenciling.

She wants this turned into somewhat 'fine' furniture, so that it can be mounted into the kitchen to store her cookbooks. And yes, you'd have to see the kitchen to understand her diverse tastes.

How cool is that, eh? My question is, how the heck to I go about restoring this box, and not ruining it's "originality"?

There is this quest, or, do any of ya'll Mil. Members have access to new/pristine crates of interesting type such as this? Any and all suggestions and possibilities are welcome. I'm kinda stumped, here.

Thanks.

 

[High Binder]

Re: OTW ? of an Interesting Item and Context,

Cool crate but what's in the jar?

It'll look perfect once that newer hardware lock thing is gone.

 

[ArcticLight]

Re: OTW ? of an Interesting Item and Context,

First thing first, PHOTOGRAPH it.

Quite honestly, remove the new locking device, 400 grit sand, linseed oil, and repaint the letters, if needed.

You could go with a light coat of clear over it but I think linseed or CLEAR oil would be fine.

 

[Sean the Nailer]

Re: OTW ? of an Interesting Item and Context,

Ah yes, I forgot to add that the jar containing the white crystalline type substance is there to hopefully remove odors.

The baking soda in said jar is/was supposed to absorb the stink from whatever was in the crate, as well as the mothballs. Yeah, this thing stinks to high heaven. That too is why I was wondering if anyone had access to newer/cleaner units.

The possibility of making a new stencil for each side, then TSPing the whole box, then re-(India)inking the box does exist. We were just praying that somebody here had a better/more-gooder suggestion or possibility.

 

[Whiskey Tango Foxtrot]

Re: OTW ? of an Interesting Item and Context,

be sanding for weeks with 400 but you might save the stencils
start with 120 maybe 80 if there are really rough spots
final sand with 220 and apply finish of choice if any at all
it will darken abit with any finish

 

[Sean the Nailer]

Re: OTW ? of an Interesting Item and Context,

The 'darkening' a bit from the varnish/whatever is tolerable, for sure. Beforehand though, removing the paint/oil/grease is paramount to any progress. I'm just afraid that there's no way of removing all that crap without removing the stencils, too.

Maybe other pics would be better, but the oil or grease that has been soaked into the wood on the bottom half is extensive. That and the (what looks like) "paintbrush cleaning spatter" all over the top is the problem.

 

[Whiskey Tango Foxtrot]

Re: OTW ? of an Interesting Item and Context,

mineral spirits (paint thiner) might help with pulling the oil and grease stains with a liberal washing with a scotchbrite or steel wool.
It would be hard to replicate all the lettering tho... I would try not to remove that if at all possible.
Use a scraper carefully to remove the paint blobs.

 

[Whiskey Tango Foxtrot]

Re: OTW ? of an Interesting Item and Context,

BTW your lady has awesome taste...

 

[-Nick-]

Re: OTW ? of an Interesting Item and Context,

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sean the Nailer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 'darkening' a bit from the varnish/whatever is tolerable, for sure. Beforehand though, removing the paint/oil/grease is paramount to any progress. I'm just afraid that there's no way of removing all that crap without removing the stencils, too.

Maybe other pics would be better, but the oil or grease that has been soaked into the wood on the bottom half is extensive. That and the (what looks like) "paintbrush cleaning spatter" all over the top is the problem. </div></div>

I would try using an automotive paint degreaser like what they use for automotive paint prepping with a microfiber cloth and lightly rubbing the the outside off. It should dry without leaving moisture stains and not take the paint off. Then you should have no problem with paint applications. I've got some in my garage and an old coke crate. I'll try it out and see what the effect is on the stenciling...