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Sewing Machine Painting.
All sewing machine painting services include the General Maintenance and Lubrication service as part of the disassembly and re-assembly process. Prices quoted below require the machine to be in good working order.
Sometimes functional issues are fixed in the disassembly and re-assembly process, but further restoration services may be needed to get your machine in working order if it doesn’t stitch when it comes to us. Please contact us to discuss pricing if you’re not sure.
Conservation
Clean existing paint and decals and apply appropriate finishes.
$350
✓
Cleaning with a gentle cleanser
✓
Touch-up dyed shellac to cover small dings and chips
✓ Polishing of metal parts
✓
Appropriate top coat (wax, shellac, etc.) to prevent further degradation
✓
Original cracks and significant chips in the paint may be visible, as will any existing damage or degradation to the decals
Repainting
Disassembly, stripping, repainting, and clear coat for straight-stitch cast iron machines* in your choice of Restoration or Essential color from our catalog below.
$1,500
✓
Includes basic filler to ensure a smooth finish
✓
Includes replacement decals in style of the original machine design
✓ Polishing of metal parts
✓
Custom color matches, colors beyond our Basic 30, specialty paint finishes, and custom decals cost extra
✓
Significant rust, dings, cracks, and chips in the underlying metal body may cost extra to fill
Additional Painting Services
These services and finishes are also available to help bring your machine to life:
Rust Arrest
If your machine has been exposed to the elements and has rusty spots on the body, we’ll need to apply a rust arrest treatment before painting. Rust treatment costs between $50-100, with the cost depending on the severity of the damage. Extensive rust may also require body filler to smooth the machine surface before painting.
Body Filler
Body repair can be done to smooth the machine surface and fill in deep dings, cracks, and chips beyond the surface leveling included in the standard repainting cost. The cost is between $50-100, depending on the amount of filler needed.
Custom Paint Colors
Custom paint matches beyond our Basic catalog are possible. In this case, we request either a sample material or a Pantone color code to help match the color. Custom paint matches are available for $150.
Speciality Paint
Specialty paint finishes such as pearl finishes, chromashift, and metal flake/glitter are available for an additional charge. Please see our catalog for options. Speciality paint finishes cost $50-150, depending on the finish chosen.
Custom Decals
We can create Custom decals at your direction. At this time, we are not able to do custom decals with metallic finishes, but we can print custom artwork in a range of detail and colors. Custom decals start at $50; cost will vary based on the size, number, and placement of the decals.
Airbrushing and Custom Detailing
Our network of paint artists can add airbrushing and custom-painted artwork to your machine. Please contact us to discuss your idea and pricing.
Zig-Zag Machines
Vintage machines with more complicated stitch patterns, like a zig-zag stitch, have an minimal additional $250 fee to account for the extra disassembly and reassembly time needed to prepare for painting. Contact us with your machine model for an exact quote.
Please note that we can’t use copyrighted images for decals or custom details without an explicit artist’s release provided at the time of service.
Paint Catalog
We use only high-quality automotive paint and catalyst-hardened clear coat to preserve the durability and appearance of your sewing machine for many years to come. See our entire catalog of paint options.
Bring your vision to life
Click the image on the right to see the full paint catalog. Ready to get started?
Vintage Sewing Machine Paint Colors
The following colors are included in the Basic Repainting service. Some colors require the addition of metal flake to achieve the original vintage look, which will be an additional cost beyond the basic paint package:
Glossy Black
PR001
Deep, rich black with a touch of warmth used by many manufacturer models.
Finish: Flat paint with high-gloss finish.
White Celery
PR002
Very pale green with a creamy undertone. Used for Singer 221k Featherweight.
Finish: Flat paint with high-gloss finish.
Champagne Beige
PR003
Warm, muted, slightly rosy-tan tone. Used for Singer 221 Featherweight.
Finish: Flat paint with high-gloss finish.
Vintage Olive
PR004
Muted, olive-gray green with an industrial, utilitarian tone softened by a warm, organic undertone. Used for Elna Supermatic.
Finish: Flat paint with matte finish.
Vintage Shell Pink
PR005
Soft, warm shell pink with hints of peach and blush. Used for White 656.
Finish: Flat paint with high-gloss finish.
Retro Teal
PR006
Soft, slightly desaturated blue-green. Used for Husqvarna Viking 19e Special.
Finish: Requires the addition of Ultra Fine metal flake to achieve the original finish. High gloss clear coat.
Retro Red
PR007
Deep, slightly brownish vermilion red. Used for Husqvarna Viking 6460.
Finish: Requires the addition of Ultra Fine metal flake to achieve the original finish. High gloss clear coat.
Essential Colors
The following colors are included in the Basic Repainting service. Please note that monitor settings and other factors can influence how the color appears on the finished machine:
Cranberry Red (PE001): Warm and intense
Lipstick Red (PE002): Bold and retro
Tomato Red (PE003): Energetic and earthy
Raspberry Pink (PE004): Vibrant yet refined
Rose Gold (PE005): Soft and inviting
Orange Juice (PE006): Energetic and warm
Butter Yellow (PE007): Warm and inviting
Muted Mustard (PE008): Muted yet bold
Sage Green (PE009): Soft and tranquil
Cactus (PE010): Muted and earthy
Katrine Aqua(PE011): Soft and serene
Tiffany Blue (PE012): Elegant and iconic
Teal Blue (PE013): Modern and versatile
Midnight Navy (PE014): Deep and rich
Dusty Lavender (PE015): Gentle and sophisticated
Burgundy Plum (PE016): Romantic and moody
Calm Cream (PE017): Harmonious and warm
Charcoal (PE018): Strong and dark
Specialty Paints
In addition to the flat paints listed above, we have several specialty finishes to add extra dimension to your machine:
- Candy coats are translucent paints added over a metallic base for additional depth and shine.
- Pearl paints have small mica particles mixed in with the paint for a shimmery finish.
- SuperShifts are a special type of Pearl paint that looks like it’s changing colors as you move around the machine.
- Metallic flake can be added to any color base paint for additional shine.
Download our catalog to see all the options in one place.
Clear Coats
We offer both high-gloss and matte clear coat finishes. If you are using your machine to sew and not just displaying it, consider the effect of glare on your eyes when picking a finish. While a high-gloss finish is shiny and attractive, if your sewing space has a lot of smaller directional lights aimed at your sewing table or you do a lot of nighttime sewing, the glare may be uncomfortable for long periods.
See the photo below for the difference between high gloss and matte finishes on Betty, a Singer 127 model manufactured in 1925.
Don’t forget to check out our Sewing Machine Cabinet Restoration Services to complete your project!
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Sewing Machine Painting FAQ
What’s involved in repainting my sewing machine?
Significant disassembly, including deep cleaning and proper paint preparation.
Motor inspected, cleaned, and serviced as needed.
Parts cleaned safely in appropriate solvents, including ultrasonic tank cleaning.
Hook disassembly for thorough cleaning, as needed.
Polishing the appropriate machine parts.
Proper aluminum/metal preparation.
Minor corrosion repair (severe corrosion may require an additional fee).
Proper paint preparation and finish.
Catalyst-hardened gloss topcoat (matte finish available upon request).
Final finish polished.
Reassemble, time hook, and test for perfect stitches.
Video demonstration prior to final payment and shipping.
Can you fix mechanical issues when my sewing machine is repainted?
Many common issues, like tension problems and timing, will be fixed in the normal course of disassembly and reassembly of the machine. Other issues, like broken or corroded parts, can be replaced or fixed at an additional cost, depending on availability. We are happy to discuss options and costs before the work on your machine begins.
Can you paint my sewing machine even if it doesn’t work?
Yes, we can disassemble and paint a machine even if it doesn’t work. If it’s not working because of significant corrosion, there may be an additional charge for rust treatment or body repair. We’re happy to discuss this before you send your machine to us. If the machine doesn’t work when it comes to us, we can’t guarantee it will work after the repainting unless you have specifically asked and paid for mechanical restoration services.
Do you have a waitlist for sewing machine painting?
Yes, we do! Please use this form to join our waitlist. You can join the waitlist for free, and as we approach the time for your place in the queue, we’ll reach out to confirm details and request a $200 deposit. The deposit will be applied to the final bill.
What parts of my sewing machine do you paint?
While it can vary based on the machine, generally we paint the body, belt guard, and appropriate parts of the bobbin winder (if applicable). Drip pans (if applicable) will be painted black unless you request otherwise.
We generally don’t recommend painting foot pedals and knee levers because of the wear and tear they are subjected to, but can do so for an additional fee.
Can you do custom decals for my sewing machine?
Yes, we can create custom decals for non-metallic finishes for your sewing machine. This could include custom artwork, abstract designs, or original drawings. Please be aware that we are not able to use trademarked images for decals due to copyright and intellectual property laws unless you provide us with a signed rights release from the original copyright owner.