Tips for Detailing Vintage Washers and Dryers

[Marky_Mark]

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some advice on restoring my vintage machines.

First, the cabinets themselves -- what are the best products and methods to restore the finish, remove minor scratches, and generally give them a new lease of life? Would car waxing products work for this?
If that’s not sufficient, would powder coating be the ideal solution? Or is spray painting a good alternative?

Also, any suggestions on how to clean up the control panels with their assorted mix of 1970s plastic, faux wood and various metal knobs and dials.

Any other hints or tips for external cosmetic restoration would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Mark

 

[circlew]

Automotive polishing compound should be good to remove minor surface scratches and stains. For refinishing, a professionally applied auto finish, such as an acrylic lacquer or enamel would likely be the closest to the original. My friend Brenda had a body shop paint her dishwasher panels in a custom mixed blue, and they looked like they had come right out of the factory. The color selection in a lacquer or enamel is much wider than powder coat. Only a huge manufacturer would buy enough to be able to get powder coat made to a special color.

 

[Marky_Mark]

I hadn't thought about acrylic lacquer or enamel -- thanks!

If I start off by using an automotive polishing compound, does anyone have any tips as to which product and the best application method? Should I buy one of those electric spinning buffers?

 

[circlew]

#7 Polishing Compound is a popular product,; it used to be made by DuPont, but some other company makes it now. There are others that are good, too. A buffer will make it easier, but requires close attention to avoid removing too much paint. An auto parts place that sells refinishing materials should be able to help you choose a good product.

 

[Marky_Mark]

Thank you! I hadn't heard of #7 Polishing Compound, so I've just googled it and done some reading.

There's a lot of info out there on how to use all these products to detail cars, but I haven't seen any guidance on how to use these products on appliances -- I guess this isn't something people tend to do!