Suitcase Renovation - Step-by-Step Guide

Lost a wheel? Or maybe you damaged the handle, shell, or metal parts of your luggage? Regardless of which part of the suitcase is broken, you can repair it yourself. All you need are a few tips, the right tools, and a bit of patience.

DIY suitcase restoration or repair – why is it worth it?

Restoring a damaged or old suitcase is much easier than you think. Successfully repairing your luggage is a source of pride and a chance to give your suitcase a second life. By choosing to restore it yourself, you save time and money – sending your suitcase to the manufacturer for repair can be costly and take several weeks. Your suitcase may also no longer be under warranty. Plus, restoring your suitcase helps you gain new skills. Think about it – within a year or two, you could become a real expert in this field, helping friends and family repair their luggage. We hope you have no doubts: although DIY suitcase restoration is a big challenge, it’s definitely worth trying!

Quick restoration of a damaged suitcase wheel

Before giving your restored suitcase the final touch, it’s worth checking for any defects. One of the most common damages is loose or broken wheels. For selected Wings suitcase models, you can purchase replacement wheels in our online store.

To install a new wheel, follow these steps:

1. Remove the lining.

2. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the screws holding the wheel.

3. Insert the new wheel and screw in the screws.

4. Attach the lining back and check if the new wheel is stable and functions properly.

Some carry-on suitcases have wheels glued on. For gluing such wheels, we recommend using a structural adhesive with high strength and excellent adhesion to plastics.

Suitcase shell makeover

Restoring a suitcase can also involve repairing the body – marked by the passage of time or exposed to falls and mechanical damage, for example during air travel. It’s best to start restoring such suitcases by thoroughly wiping the luggage with a damp cloth soaked in lukewarm soapy water to remove dust and dirt. Cleaning suitcases made of ABS+, polycarbonate, or polypropylene is also recommended periodically, after each travel season and before starting a new one. If you’re unsure about restoring the shell yourself, choose a suitcase made of durable material. Which suitcases are the most durable? You’ll find the answer in another article on our blog.

Does your hard-shell suitcase have visible dents? Repair it using the tips below!

1. Open the suitcase.

2. Heat the shell around the dent using a hairdryer. Try to distribute the warm air evenly around the dent.

3. Wait fifteen minutes for the material to cool down.

4. Has the suitcase shell become soft and flexible? Using a wooden block and hammer, gently reshape it as close as possible to its original form.

Old suitcase – shell restoration using decoupage technique

You can also restore vintage leather or fabric suitcases bought, for example, at flea markets. To change its appearance, you can repaint the old suitcase, preferably using chalk paint. Before that, the vintage suitcase should be thoroughly cleaned, and rusty steel or worn wooden parts carefully sanded using steel wool or polishing paste. For heavier dirt, polishing paste can also be helpful.

Next, you need to line the inside of the suitcase. Wallpaper or thick decorative fabric works perfectly for this. If you choose wallpaper, waterproof vinyls are a good option. Time to pick a wallpaper pattern: travel theme, geometric, or artistic – choose the design you like best! Cover the chosen wallpaper with glue: from the edges, through the sides, to the bottom and lid of the suitcase. For gluing, it’s best to use a product like Wikol or another high-performance wood glue, applied with a wide brush. Now it’s time to restore the suitcase body: with wax, paint, or the decoupage technique.

Painting the suitcase – final touches

For painting the suitcase, waterproof casein paint applied with a natural bristle brush is especially recommended. With it, you can paint anything you want on the luggage shell: from flowers to other interesting patterns. It’s worth painting fittings and rivets with black, silver, or gold paint. To smooth out unevenness, after the paint dries, it’s safest to gently sand the suitcase surface with sandpaper. Now just protect the luggage surface with clear wax and voilà – your suitcase looks like new!

Spots on your carry-on suitcase? Remove them with a home remedy!

Spilled juice, dust, water droplets... on fabric suitcases or those made of hard materials like ABS+, polycarbonate, or 250D polyester, stains or discolorations may appear with use. You can easily remove these with a soft sponge soaked in a solution of water and dishwashing liquid. We do not recommend using strong chemical agents, as they may damage your luggage!

You can also clean the inside of the suitcase. The easiest way to remove dirt is with a vacuum cleaner. Does the inside of your suitcase smell unpleasant after a trip or winter storage? We have a solution for that too! Check out our blog article titled How to get rid of unpleasant odors from your suitcase? Enjoy the read!

Old suitcase as decoration

As you can see, restoring a new damaged suitcase or refurbishing an old one is a fascinating project. The final result may exceed your wildest expectations! A stylish suitcase can replace a piece of furniture, such as a low coffee table or a chest for travel souvenirs. A cleaned and restored suitcase is also an eco-friendly solution – instead of buying a new one, you can travel with your existing suitcase for many years. If your suitcase needs repair or refreshing, don’t wait – try doing it yourself and let us know how it went. We can’t wait to see the results!