Throughout the 1900s and 2000s, Singer Sewing Machines revolutionized the textile industry. Early Singer models came with a table that was often collapsible and made of glossy hardwood. These forms of Singer Tables are popular as they are easy to transport and often have intricate designs. However, like any wooden furniture, they can become damaged with age and general wear and tear. Restoring one of these tables can be a daunting task for any novice furniture restorer, but with the right tools and materials, it can easily be done.
If your Singer table has scratches, scuffs, and dents, the first thing you need to do is inspect the surface of the table for extreme damage. If you find that the table is still intact and the damage can be reversed, you can proceed to lightly sand the entire table with fine-grit sandpaper. Use a light pressure when sanding and make sure to go with the grain of the wood. For deep furrows, use a sturdier sandpaper. Once the entire surface of the table is sanded, use a high-quality wood stain to help conceal the excess dings, scratches and nicks.
Once the wood stain has been applied, you’ll need to seal the wood surface. This will help to protect and preserve the wood’s sheen and luster. Use a sealant appropriate for wood furniture kinds and follow the instructions on the label. Once the sealant is applied, let it sit and dry as recommended, then apply as many coats of sealant and polish as necessary, letting each layer fully dry before applying the next one. This is to create a finished product that will look entirely new again.
At this stage, you’ll need to take care of the Singer table’s hardware. If there are any extra pieces present, store them properly for further use. If the hardware is tarnished or damaged, you can use a combination of metal polish and elbow grease to restore it. For any pieces that are missing, you can find high-quality replacements at any hobby or antique store.
Once you’ve addressed the existing hardware, you’ll want to focus your efforts on repairs to the drawer. If there are visible cracks or deep divots, use wood filler to carefully rebuild the damaged area. Make sure to use a putty knife to ensure a smooth finish when the wood filler dries. Then, you can reattach the drawer with any additional screws or nails that you have in your collection.
When all this has been completed, you are now ready to give your Singer table a final polish. Using a fresh cloth, apply a polished wax to the surface of the table. This will help to protect the wood while restoring its natural luster. After the wax has been applied, use a dry cloth to remove any wax residue. This is an essential step to achieving a pristine finish.
Common Tools you will Need
The process of restoring a Singer Table involves a mixture of basic tools and supplies. You will need a standard screwdriver, sandpaper, a sturdier sandpaper, sealant and a furniture or wood wax. To achieve a good finish and bring back the original luster of the table, you will also need a soft cloth, metal polish and putty knife.
Polishing the Dreawer Pulls
The drawer pulls on a Singer Table can easily begin to look dull if they are not given a good cleanup every so often. To keep them looking brand new, you should use a wool cloth and furniture polish to give them a good once-over. Make sure to avoid spraying the polish directly onto the pulls as this can result in debris accumulating and jamming drawers shut. Instead, spray the polish onto the soft cloth and then gently wipe over the pulls.
Repairing Cabinet Hinges
Cabinet hinges play an important role in ensuring that the table top and cabinet are securely attached. If you come across any loose or damaged hinges, the best thing to do is to replace them. This is so that you can make sure that the table top and cabinet are firmly secured together. To do this, you need to carefully unscrew the old hinges and then replace them with the new ones. Once they are firmly in place, reattach the table top and cabinet.
Restoring Wooden Legs
Any wood table, including Singer tables, can have wobbly legs. This is usually caused by weak joints where the legs meet the table. To fix this, you’ll need to use a combination of wood glue, screws and a clamp. Start by applying a generous amount of wood glue to the joints and then fasten them securely together with the screws. After this is done, use a clamp to hold the joints in place. You need to wait for the glue to dry properly before you can begin to use the table again.
Caring for a Singer Table Long-Term
The best way to make sure that your Singer Table lasts through the years is to maintain it properly. Always make sure to dust the table off with a towel or cloth every few weeks, using a light dusting spray if needed. This will help to preserve the wood and hardware. It’s also important to use furniture polish and cloths to keep the wood’s sheen and luster. If you are storing the table away, make sure to cover it with a protective cloth to protect it from dust and dirt.
