Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion Help cleaning 1920s tin sign

Need some help on how to clean my latest Craigslist find (right here in Norman no less). It's a cool wood framed tin sign from the 20s I believe. It looks NOS and has some kind of white grime (not paper marks) that looks like it should clean off.



What's the best way to clean the sign without damaging the paint? I've foolishly used 0000 fine grade steel wool on a painted sign in the past and could see fine abrasion marks afterward. Just good ol' soap and water instead?

Please advise.

DISH SOAP/DETERGENT AND WARM WATER?

MACGUIRE'S CLEANER WAX (FOR CARS)?

NICE UNUSUAL SIGN BTW!

That was quick! I just seen it and was going to call!!! LOL!

Cool sign. I would use warm water & a mild soap with a soft cloth or old washcloth to clean of any dirt or built up grim. Then dry it & let it sit for a day or two. Then i would go over it with car wax to luster it up some. If there are light scratches in it you could go over it with a mild rubbing compound before the wax. Just be careful on the white letters they could come easier due to the age of the sign. We want before & after pics too

I use Dawn hand washing liquid. Gentle and doesn't fade or remove paint(or hasn't removed paint from my lamp and handy oiler tins).
For stubborn dirt I use a battery operated toothbrush from the Dollar Store.

Thanks for the tips so far...

Do you think there is any danger in getting it too wet? Do you just liberally apply a soapy rag?

thanks again

If the wood is solid I would not worry about it getting a little wet. I would not let it sit or soak in water for a long period of time

use lighty dawn/water with mr. cleans magic eraser for the tuff stuff.
Afterwards I buff with zymol wax.
Always works for me.

INTERESTING tip about the Mr. Clean's magic eraser... and it won't damage a painted sign? Anyone else tried this?

Thanks for the tip Paddy--

Use lighty...I have used it on painted tin....works ok on paper marks...great on lenses!

good seeing you again at Pate...been awhile.

CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE RESULTS (NUDGE-NUDGE, WINK-WINK)

If you scrub to hard with the magic eraser you can remove paint!!

What is "lighty dawn"?

Sorry Paddy, I did google it before I asked...

Thanks again for all the advice--

Maguier's Cleaning wax. Work a small area at a time with a soft white cloth without letting it dry, check for paint loss. You can apply good pressure if the paint is secure. Removes most of what can be removed from tin. Dawn is too harsh in my opinion.

Thanks bustermonty, got some Meguire's and its working well so far...

Will post pics when this mighty chore is over.