I am sure many of us have been faced with the challenge of finding a great tin sign that could use a clean up. A great example is the Kelly sign Kevin recently acquired. The before and after was great. I generally have had good results cleaning lightly rusted tin signs with some very fine steel wool and some clean wax. I would like to know the other methods people are using and results they have had. As most tin signs develop small rust spots over time cleaning them without damaging them can be a long process. Any input, pictures, ect would be much appreciated.

I've had some decent luck with cleaners having bleach added but without ammonia.
I have also used WD-40 depending on the situation. Gasoline, Paint thinner (NOT lacquer thinner).

I have never used steel wool on a metal painted sign....not my religion. I usually finish a decently cleaned sign with Macguire's cleaner wax in the dark red bottle.

In case your mom didn't tell you, mixing bleach and ammonia can kill you. The nitty-gritty details of the chemical reaction aren't important, but the end result is a release of toxic fumes capable of anything from a sore throat to unconsciousness and death.

I was saying that I use cleaners having bleach already in them and suggesting at the same time NOT using cleaners with ammonia.

WHERE DOES IT SAY I'M MIXING STRAIGHT BLEACH AND AMMONIA?

Soapy water, 600 plus grit sandpaper, a whole lotta sanding and no fingerprints left at the end. This particular one took an entire day.

NO ONE sells a product using the 2 together. 1 or the other, NEVER together.
Borax & detergent OR Baking Soda & Detergent is easier on your hands/skin & Lungs.

http://chemistry.about.com/lr/dangerous_mixtures/1101540/4/

so how do you claen them

well I tried it for the first time today. I was cleaning the sign in the picture and noticed there was another underneath. This local company changed its name from Sanitary to Sani-Dairy. I think I was screwed from the beginning. It had 1 layer of paint on some areas and up to 4 layers in others. I found it tough to not remove the original lettering, while trying to remove 4 layers of paint. Oh well, good practice sign. Plus the other side still looks like the first picture.
ps, I tried oven cleaner and citris strip. My opinion, they both work the same.

What cleaning liquid(s) did you use?

I tried oven cleaner and citris strip. My opinion, they both work the same. I can see it working if you have 1, 2, or many layers on the whole sign. When you have different layers in many places, it can be tough.

I can see why they changed their name. Sanitary ice cream doesn't sound too appetizing.

Don't think i'd be using Citristrip or oven cleaner on a painted sign.

Just use those products on paint "over" porcelain signs.

some people have luck on painted signs. I dont !!