Maine Steamer Trunk Company

At the Maine Steamer Trunk Company, we don’t just handle full restorations – we take on simpler repairs and clean-ups, too! One of our most common tasks? Chair reglues.

When a chair becomes loose with daily use, quick fixes like injecting glue don’t solve the problem. Instead, we fully disassemble each chair, carefully remove the old glue, and clamp everything back together properly. This method keeps your chair sturdy and safe without risking further damage.

Avoid the temptation to nail loose joints – it can lead to costly repairs down the road! If you have a set of chairs in need of regluing, give us a call. We’re here to help!

Thank you,
John & Lilly
207 208 9043
[email protected]
Www.mainesteamertrunkcompany.com

This flat-top trunk was in great condition, needing only a few canvas repairs and new handles. After stripping the interior and exterior, cleaning up the metal work, and repainting the canvas, it’s been transformed. The customer chose this vibrant red, a favorite of mine, which beautifully contrasts with the wood and makes the trunk stand out. It’s truly a stunning piece now! If you have a trunk or furniture in need of a refresh, don’t hesitate to give us a call!

Thank you,
John
207 208 9043
[email protected]
Www.mainesteamertrunkcompany.com

Here are a few projects we restored over the summer. These smaller jobs are essential for any small business, keeping cash flow steady between larger, longer-term projects. They also provide a fun break from the usual tables, chairs, and trunks!

First, we restored a set of carved sea birds by H. Monk, which are highly collectible. Some had broken legs and others had come unglued, but the real challenge was matching the paint on the legs.

Next is a seaman’s chest that needed new handles and a thorough cleaning.

We also restored an early ’70s water ski with peeling finish and delaminating plywood. The result speaks for itself—what a beauty!

Then we worked on a large, heavy walking stick that had deep scratches requiring some careful restoration.

A pair of very old farmhouse chairs came to us for regluing and cleanup, followed by a pair of luggage stands needing new straps and a refresh. These look amazing alongside the trunks we restore.

If you have any treasures in need of restoration, give us a call—we’d love to help!

Thank you!
[email protected]
Www.mainesteamertrunkcompany.com
207 208 9043

We're excited to share the first of five hope chests we're working on. It's been about a year since our last project like this, and now we've picked up five in just a few weeks. No complaints here—these chests are some of my favorite pieces to work on!

This is an early Lane hope chest, made from solid cedar. It had some structural issues, mainly with the legs and cracks near the hinges, along with an outdated orange finish. The repairs were straightforward, but the finish posed a bit of a challenge. After sanding, we noticed something leaching from the grain, so we let it sit in the sun for a couple of hours. After another round of sanding, the chest was ready to go.

Whenever we refinish these chests, we always recommend a natural, clear coat to modernize the look and highlight the stunning grain variations in the cedar. As you can see, the final result is beautiful, and the customer was thrilled.

If you have a piece you'd like to bring back to life, give us a call. We'd love to help!

Thank you!
207 208 9043
[email protected]

I do apologize for the lack of posts recently ,we are still super busy it’s just that we have been inundated with visitors this summer, trying to juggle work with family has been difficult to say the least.
It’s been a while since we restored a China cabinet and boy this was an epic battle to get this beauty back to its best. There were a few minor repairs which was not an issue , as you can see it was the paint !! . I tried everything to get this paint off, st*****rs, hot guns , sanders nothing worked it just turned it into a sticky mess and the sander the paper clogged almost instantly. The only effective way was to scrape it off with a scraper then sand it . I picked away at this for a few weeks in between other jobs when I had a spare ten minutes or so during the day .Eventually all the paint was removed so it was a case of sanding and staining , we had to go with a red mahogany colour because the shelves and back board were not made of mahogany so during manufacturing the company used a aniline dye to make the wood red , so we used the stain to blend everything together. After that we applied a top coat and done.
This was a really tough job I have to admit but the end result was well worth it . It is a simple elegant piece which I like , beautiful.
If you have a piece of furniture that’s in need of a little help please give us a call .
Thank you

This Chinese dresser holds enormous sentimental value for the customer but was completely falling apart. Every time I moved it, bits would fall off like a clown car. Fortunately, the customer kept all the pieces. Besides the obvious need for re-gluing, the top needed to be stripped and refinished. The rest, due to the prints, required a good cleaning, a super light stain to hide the dings and scratches, and a fresh top coat to seal everything in.

After clamping everything together, the side panels were still too narrow, so I added some strips of wood to fill the gaps. I also added several more glue blocks throughout the dresser to ensure it will last for many more years to come.

If you have a piece that is falling apart, please give us a call. Thank you.

Thank you,
John & Lilly
207 208 9043
[email protected]
Www.mainesteamertrunkcompany.com

These five porch rockers were in need of a reglue and a repaint not my favorite thing to do but once they are done I’m always happy with the results.
Three of them were super old and had a few layers of paint on them the other two were fairly new and had a factory finish on them which was quite hard to strip.
The reglue was pretty straightforward but the paint removal was very time consuming which was to be expected. Then it was a case of prime and paint,as you can see they came out looking pretty nice and would look good on any porch .
If you have a piece in need of a refresh please give us a call. Thank you.

The customer of this handsome flat-top trunk wanted to maintain its original look. The trunk was in great condition, so all we needed to do was replace the handles. The inside was also well-preserved, so our first task was to secure the loose lining paper and glue down any loose canvas. Afterward, we sanded and stained the wood.

We used a perfectly matched trunk green to repaint the canvas, carefully painting around the travel labels to preserve them. Finally, we added a clear coat, enhancing the trunk’s beauty.

If you have a piece of furniture or a trunk in need of a little attention, please give us a call. Thank you!

Thank you,
John & Lilly
207 208 9043
[email protected]
Www.mainesteamertrunkcompany.com

I rarely work on wicker furniture and can only do basic repairs. Few people specialize in this kind of work anymore. The two armchairs and table I worked on were in great shape structurally, except for the wingback-style chair. The upright connecting the arm was broken, presenting a challenge. Normally, I would reconnect the two pieces using a dowel, but the caning around it made that impossible. Fortunately, the break was clean with many fingers that could be reconnected, so I flooded the break with glue, clamped it, and left it for a few days.

The major issue with these pieces was the flaking and chipped paint. I didn't want to strip them because they are very old and seemed a bit brittle. Instead, I gently scraped and sanded them to remove all the loose and flaking paint. Then came the fun part: painting them. I applied a couple of coats of exterior paint, and as you can see, they turned out pretty well. They are not perfect, but the customer was aware of that before we started. These pieces had been in the family a long time, and the customer was just happy to see them freshened up and looking good again.

If you have a few pieces in need of a little help, please give us a call. Thank you.

John
2072089043
[email protected]
Mainesteamertrunkcompany.com

This beloved mirror was brought to me by a customer due to a missing piece of decorative molding in the top right corner. While it wasn't noticeable on the wall, it bothered her, prompting the visit to us. We had to match it with the left-side molding, ruling out an epoxy mold due to its opposite curvature. So, I opted to attach body filler and carve the piece myself, a task beyond my usual duties. Although not flawless, I believe I did a decent job, a significant improvement. Matching the gold paint took a few tries, followed by stabilizing other moldings and thorough cleaning. As you can see, the result is quite good. If you have a similar repair need, feel free to reach out. Thank you.



Thank you,
John & Lilly
207 208 9043
[email protected]
Www.mainesteamertrunkcompany.com

I remember when tilt-top tables were all the rage! Although it's been a while since I restored one, this recent project brought back memories. This table was a bit worn but in good shape overall, except for a missing piece of molding. Crafting an epoxy mold for the replacement was a challenge, but after a few tries, it came together beautifully. Now, it's restored to its former glory! If you have a beloved piece that needs attention, let's chat!

Thank you,
John & Lilly
207 208 9043
[email protected]
Www.mainesteamertrunkcompany.com

Back from a trunk project and diving into furniture restoration! 😊 Game tables are a personal favorite—though they often need some love, the end result is always worth it. This recent one was a joy to work on, with its solid structure needing some veneer repairs and careful refinishing. No stain needed; the wood's natural beauty and intricate inlay shine through with just a clear coat. Have a piece that needs a makeover? Call us! 🛠️

Thank you,
John & Lilly
207 208 9043
[email protected]
Www.mainesteamertrunkcompany.com

Reviving this old radio flyer cart for a young adventurer was a refreshing change! Despite a surprise paint job that made restoration trickier, we added some elbow grease, a splash of red, and a clear coat to bring it back to life. Check out this cool transformation! The owner plans to add replacement decals for that perfect finishing touch. Got an old gem that needs a revival? Give us a shout!

Thank you,
John & Lilly
207 208 9043
[email protected]
Www.mainesteamertrunkcompany.com

This beautiful dome top trunk was a restoration rather than a refinish. It was in need of a few repairs but the customer wanted to keep as much of its original character as possible. We had to strip out the paper lining because it was beyond saving and that’s where a lot of the odor comes from. Other than that, it was a case of giving the trunk a good cleaning and tidying up the wood before adding a clear top coat. As you can see, it's a stunning piece. If you have a piece you want to return to its former glory, please give us a call.

Thank you,
John & Lilly
207 208 9043
[email protected]
Www.mainesteamertrunkcompany.com

So incredibly grateful to the for their generous donation to the Healing Hearts Gala! Proceeds Benefits the One Lewiston Resilience Fund! They've contributed an authenticated Julian Edelman signed official New England Patriots helmet – as happily displayed by David Saucier, Official City of Lewiston, Maine, City Hall Building Maintenance Supervisor! This is going to make our auction truly special! Place your bid on our auction page: https://givebutter.com/c/OneLewiston/auction

Get your tickets to the gala here: https://givebutter.com/c/HealingHeartsLA and join us this Fri., March 29 from 6-10 PM at the Hilton Garden Inn, Auburn Riverwatch, 14 Great Falls Plaza in Auburn as we come together for an amazing cause, the OneLewiston Resilience Fund. We are raising money to support the long-term economic and community healing related to the impacts of October 25, 2023 through the One Lewiston Resilience Fund in Partnership with the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. Let's make a difference in our community!

Don't miss out on the chance to bid on this incredible item and many more at the online auction! Visit: https://givebutter.com/c/OneLewiston/auction to participate and support a great cause.

Also bid on the chance to win a 1880s Steamer Trunk restored by yours truly!

Maine Residents & Businesses! Healing Hearts: Lewiston Relief Gala! In Partnership: LA Metro Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Friday, March 29th from 6pm - 10pm at the Hilton Garden Inn Riverwatch, Auburn. Dress your best support Lewiston, keeping the community resilient for years to come.

Tickets: https://givebutter.com/c/HealingHeartsLA

This event is in collaboration with Healing Hearts, LA Chamber of Commerce & the City of Lewiston.

What is Healing Hearts? While we try to keep this event less about us and more about the community, there has been some confusion on who we are. We are a group of event planners who met on a networking group. We have united to use our skills and industry connections to pull of a Gala. All of our funds are being held on GiveButter to be released to the One Lewiston Resilence Fund set to be launched in the upcoming week with this event kickstarting it. The event planning team compromises of: Renee Strange & Dahneshia Burnham from Strange Events, Lilly Gardiner from BlackFin Experiences & Mike French from Every Other Sunday.

Thank you to our sponsors! Strange Events, Maine Steamer Trunk Co, Bill Dodge Auto Group, Oxford Casinos, Oxbow Beer Garden, Portland Opera, Portland Ballet, The Portland Symphony Orchestra, Every Other Sunday - with more to come!

The City & Chamber are working hard on a new memorial fund. To ensure that the memorial is created with the utmost care and consideration, the City and the Chamber will establish a Memorial Planning Committee comprised of victims' families, survivors, the deaf community, our nonprofit partners, local businesses, the Chamber, and city officials. This committee will help guide the process of designing and implementing a permanent memorial that honors the memories of those lost and the resilience of the Lewiston community and also events leading up to the memorial installation. The membership of the community will be announced at a later date as survivors continue their attention to the commission hearings.

Lewiston Relief Gala to raise funds for community mental health services Healing Hearts is collaborating with the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce on the event, with proceeds helping to support the community as it heals.

Introducing trunk two! Unlike the Saratoga trunk, this flat-top beauty was in relatively better condition, though not without its unique set of challenges. The major hurdle we faced was the stubborn fabric lining glued to the interior.

Removing this lining is a delicate process, involving hot water, but caution is paramount to avoid saturating the trunk, especially if it's covered in canvas externally. This precaution prevents any mishaps with the canvas glue and ensures a clean restoration process. With canvas-covered trunks, we always present the option of altering the color. I must admit, the initial lid paint unveiling took me by surprise, but as the work progressed, the traditional color grew on me, resulting in a beautifully refreshed trunk.

If you have a piece yearning for a makeover, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to breathe new life into your cherished items.

Thank you for considering us for your restoration needs.

Best regards,
John & Lilly
207 208 9043
[email protected]
Www.mainesteamertrunkcompany.com

Embarking on the restoration journey of this trunk was a resounding lesson in the art of preservation. Undoubtedly one of the most challenging projects we've encountered, it stood as a testament to resilience. This particular trunk, one of three for our valued customer, held immense sentimental value despite being in a state of disrepair.

The restoration process was arduous, with endless repairs required. Unveiling layers of unexpected challenges, we discovered a coat of unyielding pitch on the metalwork, followed by a surprising blaze orange spray paint. The struggle persisted until the very end, with the only saving grace being the inherent beauty of the vintage Saratoga trunk.

Regrettably, the accompanying photos may not do justice to the final outcome, as the weather was less than cooperative during our work, and the customer was en route. If you possess a piece in relatively good condition in need of tender care, please consider reaching out. We're here to bring new life to your cherished possessions.

Thank you for entrusting us with your restoration needs.

Best regards,
John & Lilly
207 208 9043
[email protected]
Www.mainesteamertrunkcompany.com

I forgot to capture "before" images of this trunk, which was quite worn, requiring extensive repairs as the canvas coating had deteriorated into dust. Opting for an all-natural wood finish was the only viable solution. Typically, trunks like these were coated in tin, leather, or canvas, explaining why they were often made of pine. Despite this, they exude a captivating charm in their natural wood state. This flat-top trunk with straps represents our first venture in this style, and the results speak for themselves. If you have a tired-looking trunk or furniture piece in need of rejuvenation, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Thank you,
John & Lilly
207 208 9043
[email protected]
Www.mainesteamertrunkcompany.com

Finally, we've returned to trunk mode. This exquisite Hartman arrived in excellent condition but appeared a bit worn. We addressed some insert repairs, secured loose fabric with glue, and focused mainly on a thorough cleaning inside and out. Cleaning the interior demands utmost care to prevent soaking the lining fabric, avoiding old glue issues and potential fabric staining. Exterior cleaning requires similar caution to prevent lifting the coating or color damage. After the meticulous cleaning and touch-ups, we applied a clear coat to rejuvenate the trunk entirely. If you have a worn piece of furniture yearning for some tender loving care, feel free to reach out.

Thank you,
John & Lilly
207 208 9043
[email protected]
Www.mainesteamertrunkcompany.com

Indulge in the rich history of this trunk, where every detail tells a story. The silk design press tin covering exudes vintage charm, complemented by a deep red fabric lining that adds a touch of opulence. The saratoga dome top and intricate cross slats showcase the craftsmanship of the 1880-1890s era.

Restored by Maine Steamer Trunk Company, this trunk not only preserves its original allure but also carries the mark of meticulous craftsmanship. With a seamless blend of beauty and authenticity, this trunk serves as a captivating centerpiece for any space.

As you bid, remember that your acquisition transcends its material value. It becomes a testament to history, restoration, and community support. Join the auction, make this stunning trunk yours, and contribute to the welfare of the Lewiston-Auburn community through the LA Metro Chamber of Commerce: https://givebutter.com/c/HealingHeartsLA

Auction ends of the night of the Gala at 9pm!
Start placing your bids today!

When these sought-after blanket chests hit our downtown mill stall, they quickly find takers due to their popularity and favorable pricing. Despite this one being in decent condition, a major challenge presented itself with a sizable piece missing from the drawer. After a careful reglue of the missing part and addressing the drawer repair, the process smoothly transitioned to a straightforward strip, stain, and refinish. Opting for a light stain helped seamlessly integrate the newly added wood in the drawer. The result is a beautifully restored piece that complements any home style, offering ample storage space. If you have an aging piece in need of revival, feel free to reach out – we're here to help.

Thank you,
John & Lilly
207 208 9043
[email protected]
Www.mainesteamertrunkcompany.com

Restoring a customer's bed always brings a mix of anticipation and challenge, especially when it's a spool bed—a personal favorite. The intricate work involves repairing, regluing, and clamping the rounded joints, a meticulous process that spans several days. The joy of witnessing the transformation through stripping, sanding, staining, and coating is unparalleled. If you have a cherished piece in need of restoration, reach out to us for a touch of craftsmanship and beauty.

Thank you,
John & Lilly
207 208 9043
[email protected]
Www.mainesteamertrunkcompany.com

Excited to unveil our latest restoration project for a valued customer in NYC! This stunning flat top trunk came to us in great condition, but needed some careful repairs and a thorough cleaning, especially inside. Handling these vintage canvas-coated trunks requires finesse to avoid any damage. Our secret? A blend of carefully selected paint colors and a top-notch lacquer finish, ensuring this beauty stays timeless for years to come. If you've got a cherished trunk that needs some TLC, don't hesitate to reach out!

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