Originally Posted by BoJangles

Kathie the machines do have a clear coat. It is called the japan finish, which is the last coat on the machine, and yes the japan does 'go bad' - more like it starts doing the 'crazying' thing and looks cracked all over. The japan finish does come off too. I would go over the machine with Liquid Gold to see if you can clean it that way as the Liquid Gold is what Billy recommends to fill in the cracks in the japan to cover up that crazing look.

Nancy