For me restoring means cleaning and repairing. I am sure most of us do not repaint the decals. We just clean as much of the old "gunk" off as much as possible without removing or damaging the decals. However I do have a 1893 Singer Model 27 with the Sphinx or Egyptian decals that obviously was someone's previous restoration project. Most of the decals are either missing or very silvered. The bobbin wider assembly is in pieces. This is one machine that I will consider doing a repainting and decal restoration. At this point she could not be hurt any more. The cabinet is also in pieces and needs to be put back together. This machine was a gift from my son otherwise I would not have purchased her due to her condition.

I am sure that others may have their own opinions also. Why don't you post your question as a new topic on the VSM list? You will get a lot of answers.

Most sewing machines don't have all that much 'monetary value' anyway. As far as repainting, I saw one on CL recently that had a very nice paint job - it was listed for $400 and it was gone pretty quickly. I have no idea if it sold or was just removed. If it was sold who knows what price it went for. I think it is kind of wide open - someone might just want a fancy painted up machine. I guess it kind of depends on what someone plans to do with their machine when it gets painted. I can see where it would be really fun to own a really wild sewing machine - but then again WHY???? My mom has an old FW I would NEVER think to repaint - it is in bad shape - it is our family history on there though... all kinds of nicks - she sewed everything on there.