Finally someone who appreciates the history and restores it instead of redoing it! Very interesting to watch, thank you!

@johnsonrestoration

5 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@ahf5471

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed, the idea is to retain the history not replace it. I’m a believer that an heirloom restoration should be keeping as much intact as possible.

@bluecurlygirl

2 жыл бұрын

@@ahf5471 Which is easy to do with a piece as beautiful. Thomas does great work. I'm not adverse to putting paint on a piece though but if it were antique then no. I couldn't. Prefer to restore/renew if possible.

To travel with that in Egypt around 1906 - what a dream!

@johnsonrestoration

6 жыл бұрын

I can only imagine. I love period movies where the sets look realistic, you can imagine the docks in Egypt when the steamer pulled in

@Frankowillo

5 жыл бұрын

My Grandfather used to convey passenger luggage like that from the docks in Cape Town to the hotels, with a horse and cart.

@Val_Emrys

4 жыл бұрын

I would give up a lot of modern conveniences to go traveling with a great big trunk with all my things and not ever worry about carrying it myself.

@truesonofliberty3267

3 жыл бұрын

Relatively, not much has changed.

Retaining its. History along with its memories, that’s a good thing you did it.

@johnsonrestoration

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

I appreciate how you "held back" and didn't go scrubbing away. Your ability to go slow and think things through is wonderful. I also appreciate how the owner didn't worry about the handles, not be replaced. Shows great restraint.

@johnsonrestoration

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks! A lot of times you just need to really clean something, without changing it too much!

@paulmaryon9088

4 жыл бұрын

@@johnsonrestoration Yes sometimes less is more I'm always careful to not over restore Your work is impeccable

I worked for LV in the 1980's. I was fortunate to be able to visit the factory in a suburb of Paris. Their hard sided pieces were made there of seasoned poplar wood, solid brass fixtures and their famous vinyl coated fabric. Also, the leather trim stamped with LV is no longer leather it is a durable man made material. In this particular piece, the fabric was not vinyl coated. That material was not invented for several decades. We used to brag to customers that 'the locks were unpickable', which today sounds silly, but it was the sales pitch we put out there. Each piece had a unique serial number and if you lost the keys they had to be made in Paris for replacement. (at least that was the sales pitch). Of course in the 1980's tourists from Japan were our biggest customers and they just wanted LV, they knew more than most of the sales people and the little facts did not matter. Just write it up and take the money. Interesting video Thomas.

@johnsonrestoration

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I'd love to learn more from you about the factory. This fabric was definitely coated with something, I assume varnish

@petereastwood7868

5 жыл бұрын

Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration -- I don't know about LV specifically, but I renovated an old steamer trunk that was canvas covered. When researching how to do it, I learned that they usually used shellac to waterproof the canvas. That is what I used to coat some of the canvas I had to replace (just Zinser from Homedepot), and it looks just like the original canvas that is still in the trunk. Here is the link where I got the info about shellac (I think) www.legacytrunks.com/trunk_history_information.htm

@andrewbawden7477

4 жыл бұрын

Peter Eastwood how did you research to repair the trunk?

@Maple-Sizzurp

2 жыл бұрын

The man made material is call called Lozine

I’m so happy to see you do something that is not entirely wood. This video was packed with information.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

What a fabulous heirloom and such a cool back story too. You did a marvellous job there Mr. Johnson. It'll look beautiful for years to come.

@johnsonrestoration

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Wow... that piece is so valuable, i'd be afraid to do a thing to it. But you really helped it to come out of the dust! Great job!

@johnsonrestoration

8 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I am afraid! but once it's in my shop and I have a deposit from the owner I have no choice but to move forward!

@GangstaNerd

6 жыл бұрын

Hey Tom do you know anything about Wooden Chest trunks that Say W.L. & S. ltd from 1939? I would love to send it to you as i am afraid to try and restore it as i've never done so before.

@TheBrewersDroop

3 жыл бұрын

@@GangstaNerd it's a munitions chest from the second world war. That's all I can tell you.

Fantastic revival! That's what I love about refinishing and restorations. No two projects are ever the same.

@robertelliottphd

9 жыл бұрын

nooooooooooooooooooooo l .

@robertelliottphd

9 жыл бұрын

lol

@robertelliottphd

9 жыл бұрын

im waching your video

@johnsonrestoration

9 жыл бұрын

Thanks! yes, it's always something new and interesting Tom

That was simply amazing. I'm sure they were very pleased to see how good it looks. This is why I'm glued to your site and love these videos.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Just bumped into your video. The history behind it is amazing! And you are amazing!! Thank you for this video.

@johnsonrestoration

8 жыл бұрын

+Bradshaw Thank you!

Brilliant job! I found your video's a few days ago and I am so happy I did as they really are amongst the most informative I have seen. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, as a novice restorer they are not only educational but are also inspirational. Cheers Thomas.

@johnsonrestoration

9 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Tom

The cleanup of this was amazing and it's beautiful to still see how antique it is by its wear.

@johnsonrestoration

9 жыл бұрын

Raluca K Thanks!

Wow this is absolutely beautiful! Amazing to see your process. You put so much time and hard work into this but it was definitely worth it in the end. I bet the family were thrilled.

@johnsonrestoration

7 жыл бұрын

Yes they were! Thanks for watching!

I love how you say, every time, I think it looks pretty good. This trunk made me gasp when you showed the cleaned brass and then when you finished it............HOLY COW! Amazing, amazing work. You are a true artist.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Great work. So fun to watch. Thank you!!

@johnsonrestoration

9 ай бұрын

You're welcome!

I continue to be captivated by your calm manner and your thorough work. Cleaning such a piece with a toothbrush... You are an excellent craftsman and a fine videographer as well. Look forward to new projects.

@johnsonrestoration

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

You're an absolute master Tom! Wonderful restoration.

@johnsonrestoration

9 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Tom

@deettekearns9092

6 жыл бұрын

He always says when done on a piece, “I think it looks pretty good.” How about pretty damn great?!

Wow! You made it look so beautiful! 👍

@johnsonrestoration

2 ай бұрын

Thanks so much 😊

WOW GORGEOUS I collect Louis Vuitton handbags and this trunk is just ABSOLUTELY STUNNING FABULOUS JOB!!!

@johnsonrestoration

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you! check out this site www.lvtrunks.com/

Wow great work Tom and not a clamp in sight! thanks for posting

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@rottiegirl5052

3 жыл бұрын

I had to chuckle at this comment! LOL! Usually there’s dozens of clamps. This was a very nice change. Stunning result.

Amazing job, so much dedication and caring, well done mr. Johnson

@johnsonrestoration

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Watching your videos to restore an old Hartman Wardrobe Trunk. It's the only decent reference I can find anywhere! Thank you so much!

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome! I’m not familiar with those. A good source for info and parts is Brettun’s Village Trunk Restoration. They are very helpful

I looked at that piece when you first showed it and to see the finished article is amazing, I never thought it would come up as beautiful as it has, you're so very very talented!!

@johnsonrestoration

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Mr. Johnson, I've watched all your videos over and over. You inspire me, even at 76 years. I've made a beginning with a small night stand. I find that even with the most basic things, I must refer to you again. This little piece has a burn in the top, so I must patch. It takes more cleverness than I imagined. Thank you, sir. You're a real artist.

@johnsonrestoration

9 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

That trunk looks amazing !!! Cleaned up very nicely!!

@johnsonrestoration

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Tom you're a bloody genius...that trunk looks beautiful...

@johnsonrestoration

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Applaud the fine detail of your work. Scrubbing every inch w/ a toothbrush deserves major respect. I come from automotive modifications and restoration and can identify wholly. Bravo sir.

@johnsonrestoration

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I greatly admire you car guys!

Tom, thank you so much for your videos. I have learned much from you and continue to apply your techniques to my own restoration projects. Keep it up and again, thanks!

@johnsonrestoration

9 жыл бұрын

You're welcome! and thanks for watching Tom

That Damier canvas pattern held up and so did my breath! Tung oil was genius.

@johnsonrestoration

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Some of the fabrics don't hold up, you have to be careful

And I think it looks 1000% better! So classy.

@johnsonrestoration

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

love this! the story behind it is really neat as well

@johnsonrestoration

7 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Brought back to life......great CPR you gave that trunk👍

@johnsonrestoration

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Your work is a masterpiece. Thanks for sharing😊

@johnsonrestoration

6 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Excited to watch you restore this. Trunks are not easy. More after .... Great job. I really , really wanted to see inside. Said it before, you are a master. And your videos are a pleasure to watch.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Trunks are a whole 'nother thing!

I saw this steamer trunk in the background of another video you did and was excited to see if you were going to do a video on this trunk. Your work is excellent and I love the information you share. I always learn something new. I use oxalic on furniture and now will use a mild solution on my next trunk restoration. I have a pressed metal dome top one waiting in the wings. Thank-you so much for the videos!

@johnsonrestoration

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! You're working on a lot of projects!

@peachstreetrestyle2518

Жыл бұрын

@Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration I started my refinishing business part time 7 years ago. It's has grown through customer referrals and now I'm booked out 4 months. I plan to retire from my full-time job as a project manager later this year and take my business full-time. I'm so excited because I enjoy this work.

I am astounded! I had no idea one could restore fabric like that.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! But not always - this fabric had been finished with varnish originally. If not finished it"s a whole different ball game, usually impossible (at least for me)

so cool! the satisfaction at the end ♡♡♡

@johnsonrestoration

8 жыл бұрын

+den a (pinkballoon06) Thanks for watching and yes, it's very satisfying work. Not just about the object but the owner's reaction!

Your videos are always a treat.

@johnsonrestoration

9 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Tom

Nice job! I was completely surprised with the results!

@johnsonrestoration

8 жыл бұрын

+Swedish Holmberg Me too!

Looks amazing, great restoration.

@johnsonrestoration

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Beautiful! Would not have thought that chest was restorable. Enjoying your videos. Thanks!

@johnsonrestoration

6 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Wow! What an amazing piece to get to work on!

@johnsonrestoration

9 жыл бұрын

Yes, the history of it is amazing. Thanks for watching Tom

Beautiful!!

@johnsonrestoration

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

I am a big fan of your work. This time a little different challenge than usual... but still like it. Thanks for sharing.

@johnsonrestoration

9 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jorge, definitely different, I learned a lot with this one. Tom

Looks amazing!!

@johnsonrestoration

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Fantastic!

@johnsonrestoration

9 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

absolutely awesome!!

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! (sorry for the delayed response)

Beautiful. What a lovely job you made of this restoration, Tom. It looks like it was a pleasure to do, too.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Beautiful!

@johnsonrestoration

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Are you kidding me! Are you kidding me! That looks great! Great job! "I think it looks pretty good" means there's nothing more you can do. Awesomely job.

@johnsonrestoration

9 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. Tom

BEAUTIFUL JOB...THANKS FOR SHARING

@johnsonrestoration

6 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

just gorgeous, fantastic job.

@johnsonrestoration

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Beautiful work

@johnsonrestoration

9 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Tom

magnificent results!

@johnsonrestoration

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks again!

Gorgeous!!!

@johnsonrestoration

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Professionally well done.

@johnsonrestoration

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Beautiful restoration

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Fantastic save Tom!

@johnsonrestoration

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Nice job, clever approach!

@johnsonrestoration

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

This is an amazing video!!

@johnsonrestoration

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Super video. Thanks!

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Hi Tom. Great restoration. The canvas really cleaned up. The whole restoration really came together. I like how the oil gives it a new look, but keeps the old wear and tear in tact and shows its history when it traveled. You did an amazing job man. Hows everything ?. Were just packed and more work keeps coming in. Keep the vidz coming. Thanks, Michael Frey

@johnsonrestoration

9 жыл бұрын

Hi Michael, thanks. It did come out with a great look, still looked it's age but nice and clean. Everythings great, really busy too. Tom

Great video. I just discovered two steamer trunks in the basement of the house we moved into (northern Vermont). I doubt if they're valuable but they look amazing. So, I did a KZread search for "restoring an old steamer trunk" and your video was at the top of the page. Step one: bring those trunks out of the basement and get out some soft brushes and a mild soap solution. Thanks!

@hernancoronel

5 жыл бұрын

TheStockwell so how did they turn out? :-)

Wònderful ! The owner(s) will be in awe when they see the end result.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Yes, they were very happy!

Amazing!

@johnsonrestoration

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Fantastic Job 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Tom, the world needs your book. Please write one.

@johnsonrestoration

6 жыл бұрын

Writing a book would be too limiting! Believe me, I love books, but videos are so much better to show this work

Great job - I do the same thing except I needed to use rust remover & I use rub n buff for the metal decorative pieces .

@johnsonrestoration

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yes, that's good. It also depends on the look you're going for.

The trunk really looks beautiful

@johnsonrestoration

7 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

gorgeous. wish i could find a louis vuitton to do my own! thank you!

@johnsonrestoration

8 жыл бұрын

+Megg Sohn Thanks for watching! They're out there so keep looking! just beware of mold problems

Nice work on a nice piece

@johnsonrestoration

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

amazing

Nice job !!

@johnsonrestoration

8 жыл бұрын

+Capalmer01 Thanks!

This is quit interesting. I wonder how a fine art restoration person would have restored this. Great job Mr. Johnson.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

As far as water damage is concerned, you will always be able to tell there was that damage there unless you take hours of deep cleaning. There are ways to install newer parts of leather ( that complete the handles) without losing the escutcheons or pieces that hold them in place. I have come here because I myself am restoring a unique trunk and like to see the processes in my downtime. Nice trunk you have. Nice work over all you’ve done. Sorry I was a bit late to find the video, but glad I did.

@johnsonrestoration

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! These people are a great source:www.brettunsvillage.com/trunks/

Great job

@johnsonrestoration

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Amazing job!!! I want one of those!

@johnsonrestoration

8 жыл бұрын

They are cool. Go to the site "LV Trunks" and check them out

@scorcherish

8 жыл бұрын

you wont when you see the price!!

@juanlicera

8 жыл бұрын

bert klangton I still want one no matter the price.

@jamesvanisikupu

7 жыл бұрын

+Juan Licera hard side luggage specifically that large is approximately $20-30,000. Now if it is larger or vintage, then double if not quadruple!

Good job and video 👍🏾

@johnsonrestoration

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

This restoration looks amazing. The only part I'm not entirely thrilled with is the brightness of the brass, but it will dull down again over time, and I know it can be challenging to clean everything evenly when there's such a mix of materials.

@johnsonrestoration

9 жыл бұрын

Hi Sooth15, thanks for watching. Brass is always tough, it's either all or nothing. There was no way we could avoid the tacks, so we shined up everything. It looked great because it realy wasn't too shiny, like off a buffing wheel. And yes, it will mellow out pretty quickly. Tom

Nice job.

@johnsonrestoration

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

It looks great! I’d like to see a video about how you decide which cleaning substance to use on a piece: plain water, alcohol, ammonia, TSP, oxalic acid, detergent, paint thinner, mineral spirits, etc. How about it?

@johnsonrestoration

6 жыл бұрын

Good idea, I'll put it on my list. I am going to make more videos on specific processes

I think it looks pretty good too .

@johnsonrestoration

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Awesome

@johnsonrestoration

11 ай бұрын

Thank you!

👌

Fabulous

@johnsonrestoration

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Wonderful work, thanks. Just to note as others have suggested, it’s not leather but lozine, a vulcanized celluloid material, more durable than leather, developed by LV -I think.

@johnsonrestoration

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks! That's interesting, I have to look into it

Looks fantastic! I wonder if the patina should have been left on the hardware.

@johnsonrestoration

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Always a tough call - but the hardware was rusty

Might have considered attaching a handle to the remaining leather, keeping the nails. Of course I'm not there to see for myself. Nevertheless, another excellent restoration, and a big thanks for opening your workshop to us!

@johnsonrestoration

3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome! The handles are a tough problem. The nails are clinch nails, under the fabric, they can't be removed and replaced

With my dads LV trunk restored the canvas with Barbour thornproof wax dressing then a hairdryer to bring yp the shine.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! that sounds like a good tip. i have heard about the hairdryer technique but have not tried it! I will

It looks really nice. I wonder if she’s going to display it now-maybe as a magazine table?

@johnsonrestoration

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I think at the end of a bed, like a blanket chest

This is so great! I've scored an old steamer trunk that I want to restore and use as a coffee table. I was going to use polyurethane, but you used tung oil. Since its going to be a coffee table I want to protect it from spills and water damage. Is poly my best bet?

@johnsonrestoration

8 жыл бұрын

+Kelly Rae Jenken Hi Kelly, thanks for watching my videos. Polyurethane is fine, it's good to use whatever you're most comfortable with, especially if you've used it in the past and have experience with it. Poly's good for a coffee table, yes. Good luck! Tom

I love the care and delicacy that was given to the piece. It was like watching an archeologist carefully brushing away the dirt from the fossil. I found an old rusty trunk, the hardware looks ornate, I think it may have been quite pricey back in the day. But the metal is deteriorated in places and rust covers the whole thing. What would you suggest to remove that mess?

@johnsonrestoration

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! White vinegar and elbow grease! It's best to remove the hardware if possible. Great resource are these people: www.brettunsvillage.com/

nice job

@johnsonrestoration

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Haute Couture ; master craftsman

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

I have an old wardrobe steamer trunk that was saturated with mothball smell. I febrezed and aired it out as much as I could (the drawers still smell), so I could use it as my "valet". I love it, but feel it's still pretty rough. Thank you for demonstrating something that might bring it back to being a bit more attractive (and hopefully last longer in use). I was afraid to touch it, but I learned a lot from your painstaking restoration. May I ask what determines whether you use tung oil vs danish oil on certain parts? Would teak or (boiled) linseed have similar effect?

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! odors are tough to get rid of!

What a great job bringing out the color of the fabric, wood and leather. Just wondering what shape the bottom of the trunk was in.

@johnsonrestoration

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Luckily, not bad at all. That's the first thing we look at, sometimes the bottoms are so rotted out there's no fix

This is a great video. In the video you say that you used Dawn Detergent to clean the canvas, was that the "Dawn Dishwashing soap"? How many parts water vs. Dawn would you suggest? And what brush what you suggest to clean canvas with?

@johnsonrestoration

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yes, Dawn for dishwashing. I mix it as I would for doing dishes. It doesn't take much. Use a soft brush, like a stencil brush, anything soft

I just came into possesion of an antique victorian round top chest and was wondering what do i use to clean the tin and the appliques which are some sort of metal . Thank you

@johnsonrestoration

8 жыл бұрын

+Laura Richards Hi Laura, it's tough to clean any metal that's not solid brass.To start, I would use some Dawn detergent in water and try wiping them. You could also use a metal cleaner like Brasso, put a little on a rag and very gently wipe them. Good luck!

" GREAT JOB "

@johnsonrestoration

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you!