How to Refinish Antique Sewing Machines

Clean and Strip

• 1

  Remove the base and all machinery from the unit. Wipe down to remove all loose dirt and grime.

• 2

  Brush on a finish stripper, applying liberally with as few brush strokes as possible. A thick coat is necessary to ensure that the stripper doesn’t evaporate before it breaks down the finish.

• 3

  Use a putty knife to check to see if the finish is ready to come off. When it’s ready for removal, strip off the old paint using a putty knife or scraper. Use rags or steel wool for the molding. Try old toothbrushes for getting inside small cracks.

• 4

  Repeat the stripping process as many times as necessary, depending on the number of layers of paint on the unit.

• 5

  Use mineral spirits or lacquer thinner to remove any residue left by the strippers.

Repair

• 6

  Glue down any loose veneer.

• 7

  Fill in any small holes with wood filler. For larger holes, use a combination of glue, wood chips and wood pieces.

• 8

  Sand down the unit.

• 9

  Clean the base. For caked-on grime, sandblasting can prove effective.

• 10

  Clean and oil any mechanisms, such as hinges, while they are still separate from the unit.

Stain and Reassemble

• 11

  Apply a wipe-on finish, following the manufacturer’s directions closely. To avoid an uneven surface, be sure to let the unit dry completely between coats.

• 12

  Repaint the base using spray paint.

• 13

  Reassemble the unit, carefully installing all hardware and sewing machinery.