The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I would like input on the best way to clean painted metal surfaces. I have a maroon Gem that I am trying to clean up with little results. I have tried GoJo and mineral spirits so far.

Did Edison overspray with varnish to protect pinstripe and decals?

James.

If you figure out a way let me know

Have you tried basic household cleaners like Fantastik or perhaps a drop of dish soap on a wet paper towel?

Stay away from ANYTHING you think might have ammonia in it or you'll lose your decal. Ammonia will dissolve any shellac that might be on it and those decals were usually set in shellac. The women that clean up sewing machine heads use kerosene or diesel fuel to clean the dirty sewing machine heads and soak the dried oil off them. I've never tried that on an Edison, but it will make your Singer Sewing machine head look like new, unless it's really worn of course. Kerosene will not bother shellac, but I'd still test on a part of it that won't show of course.