miriam

I can see why you would want to work on the finish. I would work on another machine first. I would go to Glenn's profile and read everything he has written. I have a few things on here, too - I get into my mistakes and that might be helpful, too. As far as servicing your machine here is a link: http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...t-t174236.html I'm thinking there is a lot posted on QB about the FW machines.

asgardner

The close up pics make it look much worse than it is. I was told to use WD-40 and black paste shoe polish on the finish. He said the shoe polish would fill in the scratches. Does this sound right? I am worried about it rubbing off on my fabric while sewing.

asgardner

Does anyone know if there is anyone in the North Texas/Southern Oklahoma area that can work on the finish of a machine? I'm worried I'll mess up my grandmother's machine. Thanks!

miriam

It is nowhere in this tutorial

ArchaicArcane

Don't use WD-40. It can silver the decals if they're at all vulnerable. That calls into question the other advice. I think shoe polish would rub off on fabric until it was gone then the scratches would reappear.

I've seen far better suggestions for refreshing a finish that isn't in dire need of rehabilitation. I am however the wrong person to ask about the best chemicals to refresh a machine. I get cloud out of wax unless I use a power polisher and the FW is way too small and complex for that.

I'd be curious what a good coat of wax would do. Wax can fill the scratches creating the optical illusion of a flat surface that reflects evenly - i.e. shine - and it's a lot safer than the 2 products you've had recommended.

Shoe polish is fine for the case.

asgardner

I'll start with waxing. Thanks!

miriam

if the wax is water based it can ruin the finish

ArchaicArcane

Right. Carnauba wax is what Dave McCallum recommends.

asgardner

I bought Meguiar's deep crystal carnauba wax. Is that ok?

asgardner

My game plan is this:
1. Clean machine with sewing machine oil. All the store had was Dritz.
2. Wipe off with naphtha.
3. Apply a little shellac over the decals to protect them.
4. Wax.
Am I missing anything? Thanks!