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Wax or Paint for clear coat? (Moderated by Sharon1952, EleanorSews)
Posted on: 2/20/11 0:54 AM ET
Wondering which way would be best to restore my sewing machines. I have a Singer 15 with really good Sphinx decals I'd like to keep intact. Also a Singer 201 I'd like to try and give a good shine too.
I want to be able to still use these machines as well. So nothing that will come off on fabric.
Has anyone used turtle wax or renissance wax? Do I just use clear coat paint? Also do I fill in the pin nicks with anything first?
Thanks
Amethyst
I want to be able to still use these machines as well. So nothing that will come off on fabric.
Has anyone used turtle wax or renissance wax? Do I just use clear coat paint? Also do I fill in the pin nicks with anything first?
Thanks
Amethyst
Posted on: 2/20/11 2:01 AM ET
You have a lot of choices here...
First off, wax will work as a protective layer.
but it you are looking to restore the original finish, shellac is what I use.
I've got 20+ years in antique restoration though.. so it might be easier for me...
personally , for the average Jane I'd suggest waxing the machines with carnuba, and buffing them out with scratchx or some such.
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First off, wax will work as a protective layer.
but it you are looking to restore the original finish, shellac is what I use.
I've got 20+ years in antique restoration though.. so it might be easier for me...
personally , for the average Jane I'd suggest waxing the machines with carnuba, and buffing them out with scratchx or some such.
------
http://www.acdc-vintage.com
This one, that one, and a bunch of other ones!
(though the herd is getting more streamlined)
This one, that one, and a bunch of other ones!
(though the herd is getting more streamlined)
Posted on: 2/20/11 2:27 AM ET
Hey GothDom thanks for the response.
Ok, so wax is going to have to be reapplied.
Would shellac go directly on the machine, or do I need to do anything other than cleaning first? If the paint is dull I'm guessing the shellac would give a shiny finish.
Would I brush the shellac on? Read that using the shellac flakes was the best way to go. I'd definately have to practice this first on something else first.
What do you think?
Ok, so wax is going to have to be reapplied.
Would shellac go directly on the machine, or do I need to do anything other than cleaning first? If the paint is dull I'm guessing the shellac would give a shiny finish.
Would I brush the shellac on? Read that using the shellac flakes was the best way to go. I'd definately have to practice this first on something else first.
What do you think?
Posted on: 2/20/11 7:10 AM ET
In reply to amethystmtn
I notice with my 201 a touch of sewing oil with a plain cloth brings out much shine..... mine had a nice coat of wax when I got her & that makes a difference I think. I am not sure how often you need to do a complete waxing. I have had my 201 since last July & have not used any additional wax. Just the oil & white cloth.
There has been mentioned here to clean the sm with a small amount of lighters fluid & then applying the wax & buffing with cloth. When I refurb a 201 last year I cleaned well with hot water & white vinegar & a couple of drops of dishsoap because the light fluid smell bothers my breathing. Following the cleaning then apply wax & buff. Very nice shine.
The silver parts can be removed & cleaned with white vinegar & hot water also. Nice shine there too. No wax is needed. Many people use Oxiclean to soak the silver parts in & then buff. It is a personal preference (I have respiratory issues that is why I prefer vinegar).
Hope this helps. ..... I think some of the 201 reviews go into this in detail also.
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There has been mentioned here to clean the sm with a small amount of lighters fluid & then applying the wax & buffing with cloth. When I refurb a 201 last year I cleaned well with hot water & white vinegar & a couple of drops of dishsoap because the light fluid smell bothers my breathing. Following the cleaning then apply wax & buff. Very nice shine.
The silver parts can be removed & cleaned with white vinegar & hot water also. Nice shine there too. No wax is needed. Many people use Oxiclean to soak the silver parts in & then buff. It is a personal preference (I have respiratory issues that is why I prefer vinegar).
Hope this helps. ..... I think some of the 201 reviews go into this in detail also.

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Posted on: 2/20/11 11:54 PM ET
tgm and kittys
Thanks for the reply. I've wiped down the 201 with sewing oil. I think you're right about the wax. A coating of wax would do really well. Think I'm going to wash with your mix of water, vinegar and dishsoap and go from there.
Thanks
Thanks for the reply. I've wiped down the 201 with sewing oil. I think you're right about the wax. A coating of wax would do really well. Think I'm going to wash with your mix of water, vinegar and dishsoap and go from there.
Thanks
Posted on: 2/21/11 2:59 AM ET
the thing with reshellacking is, the old shellac can react to the new and do horrible things.
so if you're not used to doing that, and fixing the potential problems...it can look frightening!
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so if you're not used to doing that, and fixing the potential problems...it can look frightening!
------
http://www.acdc-vintage.com
This one, that one, and a bunch of other ones!
(though the herd is getting more streamlined)
This one, that one, and a bunch of other ones!
(though the herd is getting more streamlined)
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