Use sewing machine oil and a soft brush to clean the machine. First make sure you clean the machine with a soft brush and a little water to remove the dust in the paint. No evaporust on the black slide plates they are blued like guns are. If the black plates are rusty you have to remove the rust then yes you can use evaporust but you will have to reblue the plates to get the original look to the black side plates. These plates have not been chromed but blued metal. I hope the plates are not rusted. Please post a picture of this machine so we can help you better.

will this method work on a 221 Featherweight ?

Only if the finish on the 221 is shellac. You can test to see if it is by using denatured alcohol dabbed on to the black in a spot that will not be seen. If the finish becomes tacky it is shellac and then you can use the method.

Glenn, have you ever used gold leaf (I actually think it's bronze) to fix any decals? Thanks for the great tutorials, just bought some black dye and shellac.
Dorian

Yes I have used gold leaf but it is not easy. The glue that is used must be applied down exactly on the decal lines or you will end up with rough edges. I prefer to use a artist liner brush with gold paint.

Thank you Glenn for the quick response. Ordering the Testor paint pen.

Ordering the Testor paint pen.

Tip for using that paint pen, apply in the middle of what you want to paint and move to the correct edges with a very fine paintbrush or toothpick. I have found that a feather's edge works perfectly but not everyone has duck wing clippings. :)

Still not brave enough to try but will keep reading until I am comfortable and gather the items you have shown in the meantime. Thank you so much - heaps and baskets of gratitude.

Wow love it, wish I still had my moms but don't. At least, those of you that post here, makes me feel good to see yours.

Practice on something you are not attached to. Old derelect beater machines are great to learn on. You can't go too far wrong and they usually look much better and usually run well.