8 Responses to Adventures in cleaning typewriter crinkle paint

1. maschinengeschrieben says:

   March 7, 2012 at 11:19 am

   Amazing results! I’ll definitely try the toothpaste. Thanks!

   Reply
2. Fernando Antunes says:

   March 7, 2012 at 4:35 pm

   That’s awesome! The Iron Lady (love the name, it just made me think of Thatcher using one of these) just looks like new!
   Guess I’ll give it a try with the toothpaste. What kind of hand cleaner compound did you use?

   Reply
   • munk says:

     March 8, 2012 at 9:19 am

     It’s called “Crystal Blue”, but I’ve seen dozens of different brands that are basically all the same. It’s made for cleaning printing inks off of skin, and the ones you should look for are all water-based (not oil). When new, the compound is kind of like a grainy paste, but my sample is a decade old, so it’s dried to a sort of powder almost. It is grainy, so you shouldn’t use it on smooth or shiny paint surfaces, but it doesn’t seem to harm crinkle paint finishes.

     Reply
3. Richard P says:

   March 7, 2012 at 5:42 pm

   Nice job cleaning! Scrubbing Bubbles also work well on this surface.

   I don’t think I’ve run into a Royal 440 on my thrifting expeditions before.

   Reply
4. I dream lo-tech (Ton S.) says:

   March 7, 2012 at 8:03 pm

   Oh, great, I’ve been searching for a cleaner for crinkled paint. I’ve tried dishwashing detergent with some success but hand cleaner is it!

   Reply
5. Bill M says:

   March 9, 2012 at 3:06 am

   Very nice cleaning results! Wish my Royal would have turned out that good, plain water ruined that paint. Next time I clean wrinkle finish paint I have to try hand cleaner; if water does not damage it.

   Reply
6. Miranda says:

   August 10, 2012 at 12:09 pm

   Can you help me find this cleaner? I purchased an old Smith Corona with this same kind of finish and ruined part of it with “Bar Keeper’s Friend” scrub. It was too abrasive and it literally scraped off all the texture. I can’t seem to find this Spink’s Ink – Crystal Blue cleaner anywhere online. Would Home Depot carry it? I’m in Portland, Oregon. Thanks in advance for your response! I’m trying to get this typewriter cleaned up before my wedding in 2 weeks, we’re using it as a guest book! :)

   Reply
   • munk says:

     August 10, 2012 at 2:02 pm

     This cleaner isn’t made anymore, probably. I got it over a decade ago back when I was running presses in a print shop.

     I suggest going to Home Depot or a Checker auto parts and looking at the hand cleaners they offer. Look for one that’s a slightly moist powder – avoid the ones that are oily.

     If you’re really in a rush, try toothpaste or dishwashing liquid – they work well too, just not as fast & easy.

     Reply