Note: as of June 2026, I am no longer able to offer cabinet restoration and refinishing services. Thank you for understanding! In cases where damage is significant enough to warrant a new wood top or other components to be rebuilt entirely. I can work with a local woodworker to ensure a high-quality, fine-furniture replacement. Those projects are priced individually.
I offer 3 levels of restoration for the sewing machine itself:
- Mechanical restoration includes a thorough cleaning, unfreezing of stuck components, polishing of nickel-plated covers, lubrication, tension balance, and adjustments to return the machine to quality stitching. The exterior of the machine is cleaned, but not altered in any significant way.
- Cosmetic Conservation: A preservation approach to improve the appearance of the machine, usually paired with Functional Restoration. The machine exterior is cleaned, and damaged or crazed existing clear lacquer is removed. Touch-up black lacquer is applied to bare metal, and fresh shellac is applied via french polish. Wear on the decals will be visible, but the new finish prevents further degradation. See the image below for a “before” on the left with cloudy and crazed lacquer. The post-conservation new shellac is on the right.
- Repainting: A complete refinishing of the machine’s exterior. The machine is disassembled, stripped, primed, painted, and new decals are applied. All mechanical parts are cleaned before reassembly and testing, and nickel-plated covers are cleaned and polished. The machine body appears new. In the image below, the before is on the top, and after repainting on the bottom.
How do I get the treadle sewing machine to you for repair?
Shipping the machine via UPS or FedEx is preferred. Costs will vary based on the machine size and weight, but as of 2026, a full-size machine like a Singer 66, 27, or 15 model will cost between $40-60 to my zip code, 30114. Machines should be wrapped in a protective layer of bubble wrap at least 2″ thick all the way around. Use a box at least 3″ bigger than the machine on all sides. Firm padding like paper, cardboard spacers, or sheets of firm foam should surround the machine. Include a paper with both my shipping address and your return address in case the box is damaged during shipping.
As I am no longer able to do cabinet restorations, please do not send the cabinet or leg irons components due to space constraints in my workshop.