What to do?? Opinions?
 

I posted my new purchase of my GE machine here http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...e-t225346.html


Upon bringing it home and cleaning it up, the awful yellow, brown coating that I had assumed was nicotine, dirt and grease (that was in the photo) has turned out to be the lacquer/shellac literally coming off. I disassembled it for it's spa time and cleaned it up best I could. I don't think the lacquer is salvageable at this point, it's yellow and brown in some areas. And I can scrape it off with my fingernail.

So, here's what I'm pondering. Do I try to salvage and redo the shellac? The decals are iffy at best. Or do I do a full paint job? I'm hesitant to do a full paint job, just because these machines seem pretty rare. But, it's not a good looking machine as is and it needs something.

The motor is also disassembled and is not co-operating being put back together. So, we're taking a time out today, but I need to decide how to proceed. I'm leaning towards a full repaint in cherry red.

Its just me but i rather like the odd green/blue color. *grin*

Removing the shellac completely I think is the only way I could keep the original color(which I do like too). I wonder if keeping the decals would be possible, though. Or I should say what's left of the decals. Glenn's shellac repair is here http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...s-t186522.html

But, I'm thinking this is too far gone for a simple repair and it needs to come off and I need to respray it.

Try a mix of Dawn and hydrogen peroxide in an area. Put it into a bowl or old cup. Mix it with a paint brush and brush it on in a spot. Let it sit for a couple minutes. then use a paper towel and see if it comes off. If that doesn't work try a micro fiber cloth or one of those MR. Clean eraser mates sponges or even a little very fine steel wool. I know acetone would work but it might take the paint off.

I've seen my husband use very fine steel wool and a mix of soap and water.

Try denatured alcohol (from your local paint store) to remove the shellac. But - be warned- denatured alcohol will also remove the paint. Anything strong enough to remove shellac will also remove paint. Remember to wear gloves and play your favorite music because it will require a lot of time and work...wax on, wax off. Good luck! Please update us on your progress.

I don't know how to remove the shellac but if it were mine and I had to repaint it , I would try to get to the original color if I could. But the red cherry would be stunning!! Good luck with what ever you do. I would like to see your finished product, though...

pm Glenn - he has a LOT of tricks up his sleeve. He's been remodeling his already awesome bathroom so may not have much browse time on the computer.

I agree, think the shellac needs to com off! I have no idea how to get it off with the paint coming off to.