I'm planning to paint a sewing machine soon, using the simplest and easiest techniques I know.
- Begin with a functioning machine. This will not be a repair class.
- Take off exterior bits (slide plates, tensioner, bobbin winder)
- Thoroughly clean and lightly sand exterior
- Mask off openings
- Paint with hammered Rustoleum or Hammerite paint
- Make and apply your own decals with an ink jet printer (or buy a set)
- Clear coat
- Reassemble the exterior bits
Would anyone like to join me in a paint-along? I would post instructions week by week. You COULD follow along anonymously, but what I am really looking for is a smal group willing to more-or-less keep up AND send me digital pictures of their work each week. I estimate a time commitment of about 5 hours a week.
Yes, I do know that this is a busy time of year. I'm recovering from knee replacement surgery and I'm looking for a project to keep me sane.
You will probably end up spending about $100, but you will have lots of stuff left over, enough to paint and decal several more machines. You will spend even more if you buy ready made decals. (See eBay).
So, whaddya think? Reply in the comments below. If you want to do it later on, tell me that too. I'll be starting on my machine soon-ish, but we could postpone the paint along until later.
Yes, I do know that this is a busy time of year. I'm recovering from knee replacement surgery and I'm looking for a project to keep me sane.
You will probably end up spending about $100, but you will have lots of stuff left over, enough to paint and decal several more machines. You will spend even more if you buy ready made decals. (See eBay).
So, whaddya think? Reply in the comments below. If you want to do it later on, tell me that too. I'll be starting on my machine soon-ish, but we could postpone the paint along until later.
Weee!!! Soonish works for me. Thanks for doing this Cheryl.
ReplyDeleteYour work is beautiful, but I just can't bear to paint a machine. Like I just can't color my hair even though it is mostly white- I don't have anything against it, I just can't bring myself to do it. I hope you photo document it so I can follow along. Hope the knee gets better and real strong.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a candidate for repaint. I do have a 201-2 that needs rewiring. Actually, since the shellac is flaking off maybe it would be a candidate for re paint.
ReplyDeleteWould love to join a paint-along. I have to finish a king size quilt first then I can get started. This is such a great idea.
ReplyDeleteI've a friend with a Minnesota Model C that has 2/3 of its paint. Too much rust inside to work. The chrome is also badly rusted. But she uses it to designate the sewing area of her book store. Sooo I am thinking it might be a candidate. Can I send you a photo somehow? Thanks
ReplyDeleteCan you attach photos to an email and send it to me at cherylwarren27278@gmail.com? I could not reply to you directly, which means your blogger settings are set to "no response".
DeleteI would love too but have to locate a machine for painting. I will be following along
ReplyDeleteI have a 201-2 that is in very rough shape. I'm in.
ReplyDeleteYes ma'am!! I've already got mine picked out! I'll go to HD tomorrow and choose my color :)) This is going to be sew much fun! Amie in TN
ReplyDeleteI cannot work on this until Spring because of our cold Minnesota weather. I have to do all sanding and painting outside in Spring and Summer. But I will watch and listen and share when I can.
ReplyDeleteI'm in Cheryl. I have a Husqvarna 12 that is just sad and needs freshening up. It has nice simple lines so won't be too frightening for me. I'll look for the light green Hammerite. Not sure how to post pics to your blog page, can I email to you?
ReplyDeleteYayyy!!
DeleteOh wow, I would love to join in! I have an abused little FW that would be ideal for this :)
ReplyDeleteMy plan is not to judge anyone's choices, BUT....I personally won't be doing my two raggedy Featherweights using the methods I will be demonstrating here. They just have too much value, and I think they deserve a finish closer to an automotive finish. I hope to build my skills some more before tackling the Featherweights, and then to use automotive paint rather than the more forgiving textured hammered paint.
DeleteI totally know what you're saying and I agree! I am hoping to be able to do a proper automotive level job. Let's see if I can get my ducks in a row! With the kids busy with exams and the DH travelling all over (work-related), I hope to be able to make some progress :)
DeleteSo are you still thinking of the Featherweight? Let me stress that you are not going to learn those automotive level skills in the paint along. This one is strictly entry level.
DeleteNo :) I will scratch in my machine stash for a more appropriate fixer upper.
DeleteSounds like fun
ReplyDeleteSounds like fun
ReplyDeleteI'm in Cheryl!! Just what I need to get going on a customer's machine I'm hesitating to start.
ReplyDeleteI believe it is a Minnesota A with peeling paint and an ugly red primer underneath. Have to dig it out of the box under my repair table. Thank you and happy to start and share photos of progress anytime you are. What a gift you are giving us! Hugs, Allison in Plano, TX
Ooooh! I love your work. I have an ugly brown Singer 185 which might be a good candidate!
ReplyDeleteOoooh! I love your work. I have an ugly brown Singer 185 which might be a good candidate!
ReplyDeleteI have a couple of machines that this would be good for, but, no time until after Christmas (trying to get the house ready for company and some events here in early Dec). Hope your knee heals quickly. If you post, it would be great as tutorials for future projects we want to do.
ReplyDeleteYes, I have one already taken apart and sanded. .
ReplyDeleteYou are well ahead of the curve then. Thanks for joining in!
DeleteI have at least three candidates, maybe four. There is the Davis VF I bought from a man in Eagar, AZ, who had soaked it in a bucket of kerosene for several months before listing it on CL for $20. There is a Domestic–a cousin to Shield Maiden. Both sew very smoothly. There is an Eldredge Two Spool with sparse, silvered decals. And finally, a tan Singer 221 with good paint but a terrible mouldy odor, and I think a good soak in kerosene and repainting might be the only way to rid it of the smell. Decisions, decisions … :D
ReplyDeleteOh man, I am mid-paint on a 301 right now but have a prime candidate for a paint along (99). Can you do a spring paint along also? Please!! I am also bound by the weather :(
ReplyDeleteLove your blog
I would love to join in, but I never have the luck in finding these great machines at pleasant prices. Will really enjoy seeing everyone elses progress though.
ReplyDelete