Royal KHM - Techniques for Polishing Antique Glossy Black Paint

In this video I demonstrate my technique for bringing back a mirror shine in the ancient dullness of antique black paint on a mid-1930's Royal KHM Standard typewriter.
For more information, please visit www.venneburgtypewriters.com or visit the Facebook page.

[@TypewriterCollector]

I use turtle wax and you’re right about using it lightly. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheFlamingGamerYT]

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

[@dr.typewriter-venneburgtyp121]

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.

[@sergiomontes5534]

Thank you for this video!

[@dr.typewriter-venneburgtyp121]

You're welcome!

[@TranscendentalAirwaves]

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.

[@dr.typewriter-venneburgtyp121]

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.

[@AtelierDBurgoyne]

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

[@dr.typewriter-venneburgtyp121]

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.

[@spirit4earth]

How do I remove the lid to clean and lube the key arms?

[@pcblah]

Sometimes I find that an amateur has clear coated the entire machine in varnish and I have to scrape the stuff off since it turns brown over time.