While the weather is mild, or even hot out, it's time to work in the garage and get the repainting projects done. I have three planned before it's too cold to paint, mainly 50 degrees, and have one well underway and paint for all three. Here's the progress on Mr. Green Machine:
Starting life as a humble Singer 99, this baby was worn, scarred, and in need to
something. I took a vote earlier for a
repaint of a Singer 15-91 and it seems people like a classic look. Not one to follow the crowd, I decided instead this little gal was going green, a lively green apple:
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| Singer 99 painted green apple green |
I have found this older Singers are easy to strip with a chemical stripper, much work to mask off the parts that don't get painted, and after painting two black machines this green one was so much easier. No, I don't think I've gotten much better but it might be the actual color goes on smoother, fewer flaws. How to trim a sewing machine that is a color was a real dilemma: gold or silver decals? I don't think there would be enough contrast. Other colors? Pretty much just black but there wasn't a huge selection of styles. I finally decided a Singer 301 decal set in black would give the look I'm going for.
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| Singer 301 water slide decal set |
I like the clean rectangular lines of the prism decal set and think it's not too pretentious. I could have used a Singer 221 set that are also fairly sleek but those are for the Featherweight and I didn't want anyone to think I was trying to pass off the repainted 99 as a Featherweight. The decals came today and were applied tonight:
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| Singer 99 in green with black 301 decals |
I've been struggling with paint removal on the Phoenix 283: that paint is on there to stay! I'll give it another try but I might have to settle for a good sanding and then primer. This is really ugly looking:
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| Phoenix 283 |
I'm still going to paint it the original metallic green but, so far, this is way more work than it is worth.
A final repaint is going to be PINK! I love pink, I'm a pink kind of gal and just have to paint one pink. It will most likely be another Singer 99 but I do have a Singer 15-91 that is in need of a repaint but . . . pink? Even I can't picture that!
13 comments:
I originally voted black. Now I am changing my vote to how you finished this machine. It looks beautiful.
I love the colors. I understand if you have a pristine finish you'd want the original color, but if it's going to be repainted anyway- go for it. If I could go long enough without it AND confident enough of my talent I'd love to repaint my chipped and crazed 201 with florals and free motion quilting designs.
What kind of paint are you using? I have a Singer 99 I am itching to repaint!!
I've used Rustoleum but having trouble with the clear coat so thinking about using Krylon next time. It's worth a try!
Do you use a spray paint? I'm going to repaint a really junky, chipped old Featherweight and I've had a hammered-finish paint recommended to me, a liquid (not a spray). I'm wondering what you would recommend. Thanks!
I've only used spray paint but as long as you prep well I think another kind of paint might work just be careful of brush strokes.
Just reporting back... the brush-on hammered paint looks lovely. Not a brush spot on it. It's oil-based, and I think that dries more slowly than water-based, so I didn't have any issues with that. I used a Rust-Oleum clear coat, though, and had some issues with it. Did you try Krylon?
I've been thinking about Krylon but now I'm going to try your suggestion. Thanks for the update!
Where didn't you get your decals from?
Beautiful work!
Try Keeler Sales at http://www.keelersales.com/
They also are on eBay if that is a route you like to take.
I brought home a little 99 yesterday. I'm going to convert it to a hand crank. The finish is in bad shape, so I decided to try my hand at re-painting. I immediately decided on Apple green. I've been looking for pointers on repainting machines and found your blog. I was thrilled to see your Apple green 99!
I think I'll start stripping it tonight!
Hi. I have a 1951 commercial singer. I started to repaint it w rustolium paint. Looks great but not a full shiny. I lightly sanded with 409 grit sandpaper on base. Do i do the whole machine to or wetsand with higher grit or just 400 grit then give another coat of my blue?
I never had much luck with doing a partial repaint and needed to strip it all down, even when I made a mistake! There are so many factors involved, including the temperature and humidity levels, so you will have to experiment with it. I know, it's a big pain, but a little extra work now should reassure you that you have done all you can.
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