reply to u/grenierdave at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1w86wy5/first_typewriter/

I like this Sewing Parts oil because it's got a nice, long "zoom spout" for dispensing a drop at a time. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BV4G9R1Sypers.html

I also sometimes use Rem Oil in a spray can, but that can be overly aggressive, so I follow it up with my air compressor at 75-90psi to blow off the excess.

Using a toothpick, screwdriver with a long shank and flat blade, or a long q-tip saturated in oil, and doing a "drop" at a time on moving parts is an old-school trick as well. A 4 oz bottle of oil should last you nearly forever.

Another trick some will use is to do a 10:1 mixture of mineral spirits to oil on their last treatment of a machine. The mineral spirits will flash off fairly quickly and leave an incredibly thin coat of oil on all the parts that need it (with exception to the segment.)

A drop of oil on your carriage rails every couple of weeks is also useful for ongoing maintenance.

See also:<br /> - https://boffosocko.com/2024/08/09/on-colloquial-advice-for-degreasing-cleaning-and-oiling-manual-typewriters/ - https://boffosocko.com/2025/06/06/typewriter-use-and-maintenance-for-beginning-to-intermediate-typists/

https://discord.com/channels/639936208734126107/639938269030907914/1302694827682697330

Pelicram's Shellac Rescue Formula aka The Cowboy's Delight.

This will help bring back a deeper black color shellaced panels which have been yellowed and damaged by UV over the years. With enough elbow grease it will remove the old shellac completely but it takes a very long time and you're likely to damage any decals present on the panel. In most cases the procedure described below will be sufficient to restore the appearance to an acceptable level.

The recipe: - 70% Light machine oil. - 30% IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) or White/Mineral Spirits.

Ideally use an oil that is dissolved into the IPA/Mineral Spirits, if they settle into separate layers make sure you shake the mixture thoroughly before applying.

Mix the oil and solvent in something like a dropper bottle or similar vessel for convenient application.

• Clean part with Fulgentin (Or general purpose cleaner of your choice) and wipe dry.
• Apply oil/ipa mix to part and rub in lightly with clean microfiber cloth or shop towel. Use plenty of the mix, it should not feel dry.
• Wipe with microfiber cloth after 15 minutes to get rid of any excess.
• Do not apply any kind of wax (like Renessaince Wax) afterwards, from my testing it will bring back the haziness.

Excess oil on a typewriter can be cleaned up with both air and a clean rag.