#179159
Fri Mar 12 2010 08:20 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
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How are different people cleaning there porcelain signs without damaging the signs?
Just wanted to get an idea of what everyone is doing?
Thanks, al
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Hi,
I tried the Meguiar's Medium Cut Cleaner with a rag. That worked great to clean the sign.
In an extremely dirty area I used the cleaner with 0000 steel wool. Used slow gentle pressure and the area cleaned off great.
Al
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Oven cleaner, kaboom light muriatic acid not together with a gray scocth patch light to medium pressure. If astains don't come out take a shot gun to it and give it a real antique look.
Kris Strong
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I've heard of others using oven cleaner with good results. How long do you let it stand on the sign?
I am always somewhat afraid of acid. There are so many different strengths and types. I would not know what to use.
The Meguiar's was the mid level (7/10) strength. The must have other grades. It worked fast and painless. I am wondering if polishing is also useful.
Al
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Oven cleaner-Just a few minutes on the sign
Kris Strong
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Joined: Aug 2004
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Oven cleaner, incidentally works well on cleaning up stains, gunk on "visible pump" glass cylinders. There is no time limit on glass, have used it for yrs. BE CAREFUL of muratic acid on the porcelain signs. Muratic acid that is of a larger concentration will fume violently thus MUST be used outdoors. I have done this quite a few times but I have a full face mask with proper cartridges to use. The fumes can severely burn your lungs if inhaled in strong quantities. I must say it is the best way I ever found to clean a porcelain sign. Always use on gravel, acid will kill or wreck anything it touches. Leave on till desired material can be "swept off" with a broom that you do not want (as it will disintergrate). One of the areas I am over as an administrator here at Northern Il. Univ is Environmental Health and Safety, thus the expertise and ability to obtain a fitted full face canister/cartridge respirator.
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Barkeeper's friend. Wet the area, sprinkle on, work into a paste and let it sit for about 5-10 mins. Rub off with 0000 steel wool. Will come out looking like new, just make sure it is 0000 steel wool and don't let it sit for too long.
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Muriatic acid will also dissolve concrete, so you definitely don't want to use it on your sidewalk or driveway. Works great for getting concrete off a sign, though!
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AS LONG AS PORCELAIN IS NOT CRACKED. It removed Porcelain off the steel on some well head signs I had that had cracked porcelain.
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If I recall, Muriatic Acid is Hydrochloric acid. The strength depends on the Molar concentration or molarity i.e. amount of solute in a known volume.
What kind of concentration are you using?
Better use good rubber gloves, protective eyewear, prtotective clothes, as well as good ventilation.
Have not tried acid - but may try some on a small area to see how effective it works.
I have not been able to find Barkeepers friend. 0000 is a fine steel wool - has there been any problem with scatches?
Has anyone used a polisher with a foam polshing or cutting pad? I haven't but it would seem(in theory) a good way to cut into the dirt and grim without damage.
Al
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If it's paint your removing, pour on the stripper. WILL NOT HURT PORCELAIN.
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I bought a 6' Standard Oil sign still inside the pole and the ring.
The sign was covered with paint.
I took the sign, on my trailer, to the car wash. I put on aircraft stripper and the paint power washed right off. Paint was very easy to remove with the aircraft stripper on the porcelain sign.
Al
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Oven cleaner, kaboom light muriatic acid not together with a gray scotch patch light to medium pressure. If a stain don't come out take a shot gun to it and give it a real antique look. What a hoot! Thanks for the "laugh of the week"! Still laughin'!
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Another good cleaner for porcelain signs is a product called “Zud”. Someone recommended it to me and I use it all the time.
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