Paint

Most typewriters have frames made of metal that is coated with paint. This page details various types of paint and their care.

Pre-1920s Typewriters

Pre-1920s typewriters are almost always finished in a glossy black finish called "Japanning" -- a rather aged and Orientalist name meant to evoke the glazed black in East Asian lacquered products. This finish is usually made and applied using linseed oil or some organic resin base, turpentine, and some type of blackening-- historically, asphaltum powder.

Japanned finishes are usually quite durable and should not require much replacement. Rather, the primary action items related are cleaning and waxing of the paint, taking care to avoid decals.

1920s and 1930s Typewriters

While many typewriter continued to be japanned or use similar black enamel finishes, the 1920s saw the rise of colourful typewriters finished in DuoTone paint. DuoTone finishes can be found on Corona, Royal, and Remington portable typewriters and is extremely susceptible to alcohol. Thus, it is recommended to