Trying to Remove Decals
 

The Singer 27 I own has 75% loss of its decals. Underneath is black paint... It is a repaint candidate for sure, so what are my alternatives?

I know, it seems like blasphemy, but what if I remove all of the decals? How can I remove them?

Yesterday, I tried rubbing compound and now parts of the bed SHINE like new, including what was left of the decals. LOL! Suggestions?

If you're going to repaint the machine, you need to strip it down 100%. I used Jasco Paint Remover and it took everything right off. I brushed it on, let it sit for about 10 minutes, and then used a wire brush to rub it all off. Stubborn bits gave in after a second treatment, scrub, and sandpaper. I wouldn't try to just remove the decals; you'd likely take the paint off or damage it enough to make it not worth trying to salvage.

I'm trying to avoid a total repaint. There are sections of paint missing in all the usual areas and I can sufficiently touch those up to "make-do". This is being turned into a "teaching" handcrank sewing machine that will be moved a lot. In an effort to try and improve its appearance, I figured taking the the kind-of-here-mostly-not decals off would be somewhat of an improvement.

Thank goodness it works just fine (or will once I can find a handcrank that will fit it).

Since the worn-off bits were . . . well, worn off, I wonder if you might have any luck with a very fine "finishing" sandpaper.

DH uses my hand held hair dryer to remove decals on the car -- I wonder if that woule work on the machine decals.

actone or lacquer thinner on a rag will wipe them right off and not hurt the paint....

These are some great ideas! Last night I tried the heavy-duty rubbing compound. In some cases the decals got cleaner! As far as the Japanning goes, it is removing most of it which leaves the paint underneath to shine. For the most part, this is truly cleaning up a ratty looking machine.

I'll try the super fine sandpaper and lacquer thinner today. Pics to come.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]340830[/ATTACH]This is how it looked when it arrived. My goal was to learn about Singer treadles and how they worked since all I have ever fixed were Nationals or NewHomes.

Try WD 40, Goof Off or Goo Gone. Any one of those should work and not damage the underlying surface.

Nancy/Ohio

Try spraying with WD-40. It will loosen decals on most items. Don't think it would hurt the paint job.

Well, I did it! After reading Glenn's tute on redistributing the Japanning using denatured alcohol and a bit of linseed oil with cloths I tried the method on my New Home Climax. The results were superb. It was clear the method worked and a bit more aggressive application was all that was needed to remove what was left of the Singer 27 decals.

Using 0000 steel wool and the above mentioned solution, gentle swirls and the decals came off! If quickly wiped with clean shop towels, the finish was shiny too. Now, the worn or scratched up surface will be touched up with black paint and new decals applied. So glad I was brave and tried this.

Pics to come.

I was wondering how this project was going! Can't wait to see results!

Here is the finished product in sunlight. It shows where the blemishes are. Testor Flat Black paint was used to fill in holes and pin scratches. I am very happy with the result! The paint is really tough and when treated well, it can shine like new.
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Now I have to decide on the decals to replace those that are gone. I'm going for a Celtic theme. My only concern is how to make the waterslide decals work on the curvy surface without morphing them out of shape.

Since the only cost I have so far is $40 (EBay) and $6 for the decal paper, this will be a thrifty little machine! Mounted on a $35 Singer treadle iron with a top made from oak planks we have salvaged from an old coffee table, I look forward to the day my wee Scotch heart can stitch away!! Gee, you can't tell I'm a little excited...

Yes, please post a photo of your pretty Celtic machine when its all done. Enjoy!