One of the two typewriters I have is a Royal brand typewriter. I don’t think it has too much dust or fade to it, but it is in decent condition. I think the only thing was the typewriter ink, which I’ll probably go and find somewhere on the internet, just so I can start typing with it
Any old typewriter that hasn't seen regular use in some decades will be best off getting some care. Ribbon is very easily acquirable. Even through Amazon.
What's your advice for finishes that have gone white or brown from being exposed to the wrong cleaners? I tried to clean a Royal 10 I'm afraid and the clear coat was already in bad shape as well as the paint and so I've largely made it worse in a couple places.
That issue is not necessarily due to wrong cleaners being used but a different exposure to the elements throughout it's existence of 100 years. Royal Typewriters were made until the early 30's, so the youngest ones are 90 years old now. I discovered a brilliant way to at least temporarily revive the old shellac and that is to lather it in 3-in-1 oil, let it soak in for 10 seconds and then wipe it off. The paint might not be perfect or polishable for that matter. But it last at least 4 years since that is how long the gloss has returned on my Fox No.24.
Interesting that by cleaning the shell, you are also removing the old shellac and replacing it with car wax. When restoring antique clocks, we remove the old shellac and apply new shellac, usually with the French polishing technique. Why not apply a new shellac coating, which is more more durable than wax? Thanks! Daniel
Mainly because I don't remove the shellac or clearcoat but brush polish it. The brown tar residue you see on the rags is mostly dirt and nicotine staining from over the years. All I really do is clean the old paint and shine it.
