Refinishing treadle irons and cabinet
#1

I am in the midst of a project refinishing a 1909 singer 66 in it's cabinet. I am wondering about the treadle irons. I have removed the rust and WD-40'd the whole thing. Should i paint the stand, black matte? or does painting ruin the "vintage " feel? If not paint, what should I do to "finish" the treadle irons? Any suggestions would be very much appreciated!
#4

So, a lot of time has elapsed between now and this thread. How did it turn out? I'm getting ready to repaint a set of 1884 treadle irons and debate doing it myself vs. having it done professionally. Your opinion, please!
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: chicago, IL
Posts: 9,589

Mine has held up just fine...the black rustoleum which was in a satin finish, looks great...The legs were so rusty when I got it that it was the only way I could save it. I used navel jelly on it first then the paint....no flaking no problem. The gold area I repainted by hand.
#6
Power Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Mableton, GA
Posts: 11,115

Mine has held up just fine...the black rustoleum which was in a satin finish, looks great...The legs were so rusty when I got it that it was the only way I could save it. I used navel jelly on it first then the paint....no flaking no problem. The gold area I repainted by hand.
#7

Paint them. Treadles were made in such numbers the 'value' is about what you paid for it. Aside from that, the paint can be removed if someone, 100 years from now, wants to restore it. The rust stains unpainted irons would leave on your fabrics may not come out.
If you don't want to spray paint them, a quick way to paint iron work is to use a sponge. Not a sponge brush - a sponge. Dip it in your paint then press, and dab, and smooth, to your hearts content. Wear gloves.
If you don't want to spray paint them, a quick way to paint iron work is to use a sponge. Not a sponge brush - a sponge. Dip it in your paint then press, and dab, and smooth, to your hearts content. Wear gloves.
#8

Paint them. The rust stains unpainted irons would leave on your fabrics may not come out.
If you don't want to spray paint them, a quick way to paint iron work is to use a sponge. Not a sponge brush - a sponge. Dip it in your paint then press, and dab, and smooth, to your hearts content. Wear gloves.
If you don't want to spray paint them, a quick way to paint iron work is to use a sponge. Not a sponge brush - a sponge. Dip it in your paint then press, and dab, and smooth, to your hearts content. Wear gloves.
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Sierra Vista, AZ
Posts: 3,992

What are you going to use to clean the irons before painting? An inquiring mind with a very rusty set of irons wants to know!
#10

I am debating between paying for sandblasting or a wire brush on a drill with a dust mask and face shield. It depends on how much the sand blasting costs. My Scotch heritage is showing... :-)
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