Plan for restoring a Duplex tool box

[natas2000]

So I got this box for $10. Haven't found the model number or any info yet.
First I have to find a disinfectant because at home I found a mouse turd in the top and this is a Hanta Virus area. So I'll need to remove that and disinfect the whole box. Then wash the box down with Krud Kutter?
Then I was think of buffing it with steel wool and then polishing and wax. Then seal it with matte clear?
Where I live I don't know about spray painting to much. Not much room. I could strip it and roll it but I don't know if that's a great idea.

 

[1982fxr]

Steel wool will scratch it up. Clean it real good with soap and water to see what you have.

Sometimes they are a lot better than you think they'll be. Sometimes worse. Either way, it can change your plans once you see it clean.

 

[RTM]

I think Krud Kutter makes a disinfectant as well. Would definitely NOT use steel wool, unless you plan on going down to bare metal.

If you plan on just restoring I would try a good car polish (or even rubbing compound since the new stuff is so wimpy) to try to get rid of the oxidation and crud. Even regular Krud Kutter will get rid of some of the paint layer if it's marginal. I use clear matte on anything that has compromised paint cuz I live in a rust zone.

 

[1982fxr]

Steel wool will scratch it up. Clean it real good with soap and water to see what you have.

Sometimes they are a lot better than you think they'll be. Sometimes worse. Either way, it can change your plans once you see it clean.

By soap I meant simple green, decreased, etc.

 

[RTM]

By soap I meant simple green, decreased, etc.

Even Dawn as a first step on a halfway clean one works.

 

[PlanB]

I recall that regular dish soap and water are good for hanta virus but if its really a concern wear a mask.

 

[natas2000]

I saw the Youtube channel "Westhighlandsshop" using super fine steel wool (0000) for stickers. I also saw another channel use it, but I don't think I will and I don't think this box has stickers. The guy from "Westhighlandsshop" did use polish with grit and a sanding foam pad that was 2000 grit and lightly hand polished his box. It did remove some paint but made the red paint much brighter, even more of a red color. I will try that first.

 

[RTM]

It did remove some paint but made the red paint much brighter, even more of a red color.

Typically removing oxidation with that result, which is what you want.

 

[yhprum]

This stuff might be good after you get the box cleaned up.
https://poppyspatina.com/Poppy's Patina - The Original Patina Clear Coat.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

I would use some degreaser if really dirty, if not so much, Dawn and warm water. Wet sand with 3000 grit paper, then some car wax should clean it up nice. Unless obvious signs of rodent infestation, just surgical gloves would be fine. I've done some nasty boxes and never used more than that.

 

[Beerhippie]

I restore a fair amount of painted metal.

Simple Green, Greez-Off, etc will remove some paints. Test in a concealed spot first.

I use Dawn dish soap and a soft pad (Scotchbrite white or blue--non-abrasive); rinse with deionized water. Once dry, give it a good rub-down with a soft rag and mineral spirits. The mineral spirits really help to remove chalky, oxidized paint. Then a nice coat of your favorite car wax--I prefer Mother's products.





I learned the mineral spirits trick from a professional piano restorer.

 

[natas2000]

I'm in Comradifornia if I 'm not mistaken mineral spirits isn't sold here. I've heard of substitutes but cant remember them.

 

[RTM]

I'm in Comradifornia if I 'm not mistaken mineral spirits isn't sold here. I've heard of substitutes but cant remember them.

Road trip

 

[natas2000]

Crossing the boarder would be my downfall.

 

[RTM]

Crossing the boarder would be my downfall.

Cmon, Arizona isn’t Sin City.

 

[Beerhippie]

Crossing the boarder would be my downfall.

Cmon, Arizona isn’t Sin City.

Depends on who the boarder is. I've encountered some pretty ugly boarders I wouldn't want to cross.