Repainted or altered sewing machines
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| Singer 15-88 Sewing Machine in treadle table |
Sewing machines were manufactured in the hundreds of millions, so many have been recycled into other metal objects, but there are still millions more all metal antique and vintage sewing machines in numbers higher than there are people who want to sew with them, so many are left sitting outside, or in outbuildings, to rot, or at simply taken to the dump.
This leads to poor condition, and when someone who wants a sewing machine fines one of these all metal treasures, they can be refurbished completely, and put back to work sewing, if the individual wants to take the time to do so. YouTube and the internet are full of videos and tutorials, blogs, and other informational sites sharing exactly this type of information, including how to PAINT (oh no!) some of these vintage machines.
Many people object strenuously to others taking the time to repaint their machines, or to alter them in any way, but sometimes, a machine is better, if it has been properly repainted, and refurbished, which is why some of the most collectible sewing machines in the world, the Singer Featherweight 221 and 222, are often repainted, and resold, and if done well, often sell for over $1,200!
Because there are so many machines, and less people sew now, than did in previous generations, at least in the U.S.A., machines don't hold very high values, unless they are a rare model, or a very collectible model, so repainting does not often hurt the actual resale value of these machines, unless it is poorly done, or the wrong type of paint is used.
HOWEVER, there are some special sewing machines which probably should NOT be repainted, if they have significant historical value, are exceedingly rare, or are in nearly mint condition, if you wish to retain any financial values based upon "original condition" being maintained. This would include Singer Featherweights, or other special models which have the World Fair or other rare badges, unless they have aluminum rot, or similar issues which will lead to damage if the machine is not properly protected from the elements, with high quality paint, done well.
Some antique machines have mother of pearl, and/or hand painted decor, rather than decals, and if in good shape, these will retain higher values, if kept in original condition. Not all paints are created equal, and not all sewing machines are painted with the same types of paint materials, so it would be foolish to claim only one type of paint should be used, if a machine is to be repainted. Some machines are cast aluminum, others are cast iron, some are plastic, and heaven knows, there may be other materials I am not aware of, considering how shocked I was to discover that parts of the wonderful "all metal" Pfaff 360, for example, is STONEWARE POTTERY, not metal! (Always protect the handwheels on vintage Pfaff sewing machines, especially for shipping or moving them, if yours has the pottery handwheel, a little bump with shatter it, and these machines are HEAVY, so it is common to drop them!)
My advice is if a machine is rare or special, or in great shape, don't repaint it, but if it is in rough shape, and you own it, and you want it a specific color or design, GO FOR IT!!
Many vintage sewing machine fans use car or boat wax or polish to buff their machines shiny and gorgeous, which also protects them. Sewing machines are used in environments from clean and perfect, for clothing, to down and dirty for sewing leather, shoes, automotive and RV upholstery, regular upholstery, sewing hot air balloons, tents, curtains, costumes, and laundry baskets, collapsible wire and cloth baskets, feed bags, straw hats, bags, or other items, even carpets, so one rule doesn't fit all sewing machines, and how they should be treated. Try to keep an open mind, not all sewing is done by "Aunt Bea" from Mayberry (Andy Griffiths Show from the 1960's television in the United States), so not all sewing machines are going to need to look like an Aunt Bea sewing machine.
Get out there and enjoy vintage sewing machines, fix them up, and CREATE! Have fun, and share your hobby with others!
Some antique machines have mother of pearl, and/or hand painted decor, rather than decals, and if in good shape, these will retain higher values, if kept in original condition. Not all paints are created equal, and not all sewing machines are painted with the same types of paint materials, so it would be foolish to claim only one type of paint should be used, if a machine is to be repainted. Some machines are cast aluminum, others are cast iron, some are plastic, and heaven knows, there may be other materials I am not aware of, considering how shocked I was to discover that parts of the wonderful "all metal" Pfaff 360, for example, is STONEWARE POTTERY, not metal! (Always protect the handwheels on vintage Pfaff sewing machines, especially for shipping or moving them, if yours has the pottery handwheel, a little bump with shatter it, and these machines are HEAVY, so it is common to drop them!)
My advice is if a machine is rare or special, or in great shape, don't repaint it, but if it is in rough shape, and you own it, and you want it a specific color or design, GO FOR IT!!
Many vintage sewing machine fans use car or boat wax or polish to buff their machines shiny and gorgeous, which also protects them. Sewing machines are used in environments from clean and perfect, for clothing, to down and dirty for sewing leather, shoes, automotive and RV upholstery, regular upholstery, sewing hot air balloons, tents, curtains, costumes, and laundry baskets, collapsible wire and cloth baskets, feed bags, straw hats, bags, or other items, even carpets, so one rule doesn't fit all sewing machines, and how they should be treated. Try to keep an open mind, not all sewing is done by "Aunt Bea" from Mayberry (Andy Griffiths Show from the 1960's television in the United States), so not all sewing machines are going to need to look like an Aunt Bea sewing machine.
Get out there and enjoy vintage sewing machines, fix them up, and CREATE! Have fun, and share your hobby with others!
