My husband and I refurbish. We only paint those that are really, really damaged. I have one right now that is painted with purple to green car paint that was frozen up. He cleaned it up and it sews wonderfully. We think it might have been in a flood or left in a cellar some place. Anyway, Purplel Majesty has a new life. Otherwise, we keep them black as original. He is trying a new process of powder paint to make them look like original. We have one that he intends to do that with but he hasn't had time as yet. So, my advise, unless it is truly an ugly duckling, leave it alone. That is part of its wonderfulness.