I despise the word "purists" as it's usually said with an insulting sneer to those who don't agree with the one saying it.
I only mildly dislike the red paint, but I do understand why you painted it. I would have done something with it too. I'm not sure what it's made from, but it looks like one that will not take stain and shellac well. It looks like the pressed wood or particle board type on my monitor. I would have painted it brown though.
Love those little rubber bumpers to cushion the lid. I use flat ones.
Nice machine too.
Joe