Paint or Stain Trunk

[Dennisfly]

I'm new at this, got my car a few months ago, and need some experienced opinions.


I have an external trunk on a rack. It looks fairly new, constructed of galvanized metal, but no manufacturers label. It might be homemade. If so, they did a good job. It is covered with material that appears to be some kind of fabric and there are rivets that hold it together and go through the fabric and leather pieces.



My concern is the fabric is porous and nonresistant to dirt and moisture. Most of the trunks I have seen are covered with vinyl similar to the roofing material.


Is there something I could use to paint or seal this that would make it more durable? A brown or black would complement the car.