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Pontypool japan is a name given to the process of japanning with the use of an oil varnish and heat which is credited to Thomas Allgood of Pontypool. In the late 17th century, during his search for a corrosion-resistant coating for iron, he developed a recipe that included asphaltum, linseed oil and burnt umber. Once applied to metal and heated the coating turned black and was extremely tough and durable. 

Ironware was japanned black, for decorative reasons. It was also used to render it rustproof, suitable for carrying water. A significant industry developed at Pontypool and Usk in South Wales, UK, shortly before tinplate began to be made in the area. Japanned ware was being also made at Bilston in Wolverhampton, England by 1719 and later elsewhere in the area.

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The technique was also developed to protect metal objects such as sewing machines, hand planes, builders' hardware, and in North America, watthour meters made before the mid-1930s. Later, it was used as an insulating film on transformer laminations. It was also used as the substrate for the tintype photographic process. 

I used the Japanning process as currently available from Pontypool to resurface this Kenmore Imperial Rotary. I very much like the result. I hope you do, also. Following are pictures to show the results in appearacnce.