I've not read this whole thread, but am starting on it tonight. So, the answers may already be here.
I realize I've had a couple of misconceptions. I thought the color on a sewing machine was shellac. (Someone questioned me on that yesterday.) Now, as I re-read some of this, now I think maybe the clear coat is the only shellac part. If so, what kind of paint is under it, or does it matter (if you are touching up bare metal)? Someone has a "featherweight touch-up paint" on Ebay that is acrylic and I know that's not original.
When a machine develops a "crinkle" in the finish, what has happened? Is that the clear coat or the entire finish (old Pfaff)?
bkay