Many mechanically sound Singer Featherweight sewing machines need a little cosmetic help.
Stop! Surface Damage May Be Desirable
Over the years straight pins and jewelry will damage the paint of even the best-kept Featherweight 221. If the machine is a family heirloom, this damage may have sentimental value. Chips caused by Grandma’s wedding rings, for example, should probably be left alone. On the other hand, if the machine is a junk shop treasure, removing scratches and chips maybe desirable.
To Remove Minor Scratches
For minor scratches and chips where bare metal is not showing, David McCallum, author of The self-published book, The Featherweight and I (available from Coltilde for $35) recommends smoothing the surface with automobile rubbing compound available where ever car care products are sold. There are two grades of rubbing compound: a course one that can be used first, and a finer grade for polishing. McCallum notes that the finer grade can be used by itself, but the process will take longer.
Repair Deep Scratches or Chips with Touch-up Paint
To fix deep scratches or chips on black Featherweights, McCallum recommends General Motors' “Lamp Black” automotive touch-up paint. Sold at GM dealerships, the paint comes in small bottles with a built in applicator brush, similar to nail polish. To use the touch up paint, clean the surface to be painted with naphtha. This removes any wax or oils that might keep the paint from adhering. Dab a small amount of paint on the chipped area, and let it dry for at least an hour. Continue to add layers of paint until the chipped area is slightly higher than the original surrounding paint.
Lightly Sand New Paint
Using very fine 600 grit wet-dry sandpaper dampened with water, smooth the new "bump" of paint down so it is level with the existing paint. Work carefully so as not to damage the surrounding areas. This is a slow process since 600 grit sandpaper is very fine. Periodically wipe the water and sandpaper residue off the surface with a clean rag and inspect to see if the new paint is level with the old and feathered into the existing paint. Sanding will make the paint slightly hazy, but this can be buffed out with rubbing compound.
Wax for a Shiny Finish
After repairing scratches and chips, make the whole machine shine like new by waxing it with a car wax like Turtle Wax with carnauba, or a product by Mirror Glaze called Professional Show Car Glaze that produces a deep glossy surface.
Keep New Scratches From Forming
To protect the paint for future generations, remove rings and bracelets when sewing, and only use pins with plastic or glass ball heads, rather than all metal heads.
