I think trying to remove the rust either physically or chemically risks removing the letters as well. Also, sealing the rust will preserve the patina of the piece. But start with light coats of sealer after testing in a less visible area, A thick coat can darken the color quite a bit. This might enhance the lettering or obscure it so better to proceed with caution. Also, you might consider adding a sheet of thick glass to make a top if the sealer doesn't do the trick. It would protect both the luggage and the lettering from each other.

Sorry I am so late coming to your site - you are an inspiration to all, homeowners and advisers alike. For your planting advice, I suggest you call Merrifield Garden Center to see if they will come out your way. They currently have wonderful garden centers in Merrifield and Fairfax (both in Fairfax County) and a new one in Gainesville, but they may come further south to wherever you reside. (www.MerrifieldGardenCenter.com) Even if they don't send designers to your area, they are worth a trip to see their huge selection for a day of pleasure and inspiration, or to pick up some plants. Most of my clients are in the Fairfax and greater Washington area, but I am currently living out west below Front Royal, VA on the Shenandoah mountainside - wonderful views. cascio.offsite@gmail.com

Thanks :) Yeah decided to go with tile. So sand cement is ok over existing tiles if I prep them first? Only problem is, the new pad can only be about 30mm at it's thickest (leaving up to 15mm for tiles) otherwise it'll end up being higher than the hallway floor. So I either need to make the fall shallower or not bother with the waste and make it all level. If I made it level, could I use levelling compound at that thickness or would deck mud/sand cement be the best option? Also, should I be putting in mesh for strength? (I know I should (and will) ask the local hardware what they suggest, but it's great to have suggestions from the Houzz community also)

Hi There, Not sure if you are still looking for art/canvas for your space, but I'd thought id share my work with you. I'm a contemporary Aboriginal Artist located in Newcastle NSW. My works have been commissioned for a number of personal and commercial spaces including John Hunter Hospital, OPSM (Luxottica) Australia, St Vincents Hospital Sydney and Taronga Zoo, to name a few. My artworks have also won a number of prizes including Singleton Art Prize, OneSight Global Ray-Ban Wayfarer Indigenous design which saw my artwork produced on Ray-Ban Wayfarers and Wild at Taronga where I painted a full size rhino. The following artwork is a 2 panel piece and tells the story of our nations’ journey and the coming together and sharing of culture. Large red meeting circles, central within the design, are connected reflecting unity and reconciliation across cultural diversity. The continuous unbroken smaller circles woven throughout the piece are symbolic of community, Government and Corporate and the commitment to work together around shared vision to create better futures for our children. Linked to together the circles are also representative of the inevitable flow of future generations and a passing on of the baton to our youth. Size: 600 x 1200 x 2 http://www.saretta.com.au/collections/online-gallery/products/cross-cultures-series-2 I also have a number of other artworks at www.saretta.com.au. All the best with your design. Saretta