Nice Singer 201K, with one major damage to paint
 

I like the 201 a lot, the older before ca. 1950 had chrome plates with art nouveau decor. I have one with the pin stripes, but I still like the other one :o There is one for sale not too far from me, but with a major damage to the middle of the sewing bed. How do you go about fixing something like that? The end result has to be close to invisible for me to be happy with it. It looks like the machine is in very nice condition other wise.

http://finncdn.no/mmo/2015/10/vertic..._544902043.jpg

well... until i read the "The end result has to be close to invisible for me to be happy with it" I thought "no problem"

However, that is going to require serious skills to achieve. it would be MUCH easier to find a different 201.

To fill in the missing paint I recommend black pigment powder mixed with shellac, but trying to color match a spot in the middle of ANYTHING is really hard. Matching the shade/color on a 50-60 year old paintjob is near impossible.

There's always the option of getting a complete repaint done. You could possibly go two-tone and just have the bed repainted and leave the head black. I've seen a FW painted in black and dark purple like that, it was very striking.

How important is it for you to be happy?

Hmm, I don't know how well I can color match black. I think I can fill in and polish the area evenly, but the shine of the original machine and color I have no idea of how will turn out. The good thing with this particular machine is the rest of it, it's in very nice condition and to have the huge chip missing in a very visible spot, argh....

I see handwriting there. I'd use something like Goo Gone or a lot of oil to get the paper or tape off then worry about how much damage there might be. Doesn't look like there's too much to me.

Joe

I'd pass on it and keep looking. They're out there.

I think Joe is on to something there. It looks like the corners are turned up and stuck to the bed. This needs a close up inspection. It may not be as serious as it looks. It all depends on the price at this point.

From the photo posted here, I saw it as a huge chip down to base metal. Now, with others' observations, I see that it could be a piece of masking tape. Goo-gone will take care of it and not harm the finish.

I would go look at it and see if you can peel it off even with a little bit of fingernail. And if that is the only problem and price is not a problem, I'd snatch it.