I have refinished several wooden cases and use varnish remover, then stain with mahogany stain. Let dry well and steel wool it to smooth, then stain again and go over it lightly to remove any bumps. Add replacement decals "Singer" to the box and seal with brush on lacquer from Home Depot. It will be very shiny so you my wish to "satin" it with very fine steel wool, or not. I like mine shiny. It gives a piano finish that I happen to like. Had lots of compliments. It is a bit of work, but it is well worth it. Got the decals off Ebay. Good luck.
CAUTION: Let lacquer dry very hard if giving a second coat for a "deep" look, if worked too fresh it will roll up and you will have to start all over at the beginning
Donna
Last edited by DonnaMiller; 08-30-2014 at 07:22 PM.