How to Paint an Antique Sewing Machine
Many do-it-yourselfers love to attack seemingly hopeless projects. One such project is the act of breathing new life into antique items with a brand new coat of paint. Many are surprised to learn that almost anything can be painted as long as you know the correct preparation techniques that promote adhesion. Unfortunately, many amateurs just don't understand how important preparation is to a lasting finish. This is especially true when working with metallic surfaces. If you'd like to paint an antique sewing machine, you need to know the proper preparation techniques or you may end up with chipping and peeling.
Things You'll Need
- Heavy-duty fabric drop cloth
- Rags
- Blue painter's tape
- Mineral spirits
- Gloves
- PCB etch
- Oil-based spray primer
- Oil-based spray paint
Instructions
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1
Work outdoors if possible. Open windows to provide adequate ventilation if you are working indoors.
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2
Spread out the heavy-duty fabric drop cloth and place the antique sewing machine on top.
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3
Apply blue painter's tape to any areas of the antique sewing machine you do not want painted.
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4
Apply mineral spirits to a dry rag. Use the rag to clean the antique sewing machine thoroughly. Allow about 10 minutes for the mineral spirits to evaporate completely before proceeding.
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5
Put on gloves. Apply PCB etch to the the antique sewing machine to abrade the surface to promote adhesion. Follow the application instructions that came with the particular type of PCB etch you purchased.
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6
Rinse the antique sewing machine.
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7
Apply a light coat of oil-based spray primer to the antique sewing machine. Allow an hour for the antique sewing machine to dry.
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8
Repeat Step 7 using oil-based spray paint instead of primer.
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9
Allow an hour for the antique sewing machine to dry. Add another coat if necessary.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Only follow the steps if the antique sewing machine is metal. If the antique sewing machine contains wood or plastic, do not use PCB etch. Instead, simply prime the wood or plastic prior to painting.
Many do-it-yourselfers over-apply when using spray paint. This can lead to sags, runs and drips. If you want a smooth-looking finish, your best bet is to apply several light coats rather than one or two thick ones.
PCB etch is available at most home improvement stores.
Never attempt to paint a metal antique sewing machine without abrading it with PCB etch or another kind of etching compound first or you may end up with peeling and chipping.
