Has anyone restored or cleaned up a vintage kitchen scale?

Jahma
by Jahma
I only want to use this as a decorative piece and maybe paint it. I would like the paint to end up looking like it was the original with out the shiny glossy look.
  16 answers
  • Janet B Janet B on Jan 10, 2015
    I think you should not mess with the face. Can you tell what color the exterior was? Seems like it would be black or white. Just get satin paint.
  • Joy Schumann Joy Schumann on Jan 10, 2015
    I suggest Chalk Paint in a vintage color...barn red, sage-y green or ivory. Then go really easy with the brown wax putting it on lightly and wiping carefully. You can always add more! Leave the face like it is. Joy Schumann/theoldefarmhouse.blogspot.com
  • Jahma Jahma on Jan 10, 2015
    Thank you both for your helpful comments! I cannot wait to re-post a picture when I am done. :) Stay Warm!
  • Debbie Barbe Debbie Barbe on Jan 10, 2015
    I have one exactly like yours with the original color and it is the color sage green hope this helps
  • Carole Carole on Jan 10, 2015
    I had one that was green. I stupidly gave it to a charity store when we moved to reduce clutter. Regretting it now. It had a cream coloured bowl that sat on top.
  • I've painted several. There's no way to clean up the face, but you can paint the rest. You have a great looking piece! I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product!
  • Cathie F Cathie F on Jan 10, 2015
    don't paint -0000 steal wool and coconut oil or orange oil all over keep the great old look!
  • Jeannie Wallace Jeannie Wallace on Jan 10, 2015
    I personally think it has a lot of charm unpainted and left in original state as is. I have a couple and use them all over the house at different times. I've used them to hold a jar candle on the kitchen counter. I've even used one in the bathroom with a stack of folded washcloths tied with a pretty ribbon on it.
  • Rebecca Rebecca on Jan 11, 2015
    I would leave it how it is
  • Mary Barber Mary Barber on Jan 12, 2015
    No, no ,no don't touch it. It is charming as it......
  • Elaine Simmons Elaine Simmons on Jan 12, 2015
    I have one that is sage green also. Anyone want to buy it? It does not go in my kitchen anymore.
  • Crystal Hughes Crystal Hughes on Jan 12, 2015
    I love these old scales. I would leave as it is also. Im not sure where most of you are from but you can pick these up where I live for almost nothing anymore. My Dad has a huge collection of them
  • Barbara Moore Coursey Barbara Moore Coursey on Sep 07, 2015
    I tried to wipe mine off, it was just dirty, and the face came off with the rag. Wished I could find the graphics to replace it.
  • Pfe10369562 Pfe10369562 on Sep 20, 2017

    I have given makeovers to many scales...including the face plates. know a lot of people like them rusty but in my neck of the woods not so much.


  • Rebecca Smith Rebecca Smith on Nov 16, 2017

    I need a new face for my scale as it is actually used. Any ideas?

  • what did anyone use to clean it with.