You may be wondering what exactly is Powder Coating. Powder Coating is different and superior to spray-painting. Powder Coating looks like a new car fresh off the factory floor. The paint is much more durable than spray painting. The way it works is this. The metal panels and decals are taken off the typewriter. Then, the panels are sand-blasted. Next, the primer is applied. It is then put in an oven at 400F for 10 minutes. Once it cools down, paint in the form of powder is applied to the panels where it sticks to the panels as they are electrostatically charged. Again, it goes back into the oven at 400F for 10 minutes. When it comes out, the magical transformation is evident.
As to the functionality of this used vintage typewriter, it works well. I have done a basic cleaning, type slugs have been cleaned and a new ribbon has been installed. It comes with a top cover with a carrying handle. There is one flaw with the type slug that is the '@/¢' as it strikes only with the top half of the slug meaning that it doesn't make a complete impression. In asking folks online as to the solution to fix it, I was told that the slug needed to be removed and re-soldered. The second flaw is a cosmetic one with the black case cover where it is warped (not cracked). It is about a 2" warp. To me, it appears as though the case may have been put next to a heat source. Doesn't impact the functionality of the case cover. Given these two flaws, I have discounted the pricing by $25. Brother Typewriters were made in Japan and are a delight to type on, highly responsive.
I will continue to order from Pino because he was really the only person with Ferrania 120, it arrived quickly and he included a really nice refrigerator magnet.