Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion Help Cleaning globe lens

I know it's been discussed before but I cant seem to find post. I have a lens that has some small discoloration/stains and I'm wondering best way to clean it. It does appear to be on surface so I think it will come off but I need to know what products/techniques to use...I DONT want to damage it obviously. Thanks very much !

I've always used Soft-scrub with bleach and my finger to rub out areas like that on my lenses.....see what others have to say. The frit can handle lots of cleaners, but I've always used my trusty Soft-scrub with great results.
Darin

That's a rare lens ...Id be scared to clean it.

I once had a common Texaco lens where the entire white background was rust colored. I tried many different cleaners. Nothing helped. I figured it wasn't worth much like it was so I wouldn't be out much if I messed it up. I used a rust removing toilet cleaner (acid). Poured it on, rinsed it and the stains away.

Personally I'd leave it. It's a small spot on the side adds to it.

That's why I'm asking before I touch it, I know there are many who have successfully cleaned up rare lenses before so I want to get as many suggestions as I can. Last thing I want to do is damage a piece of history. Thanks for all the thoughts so far !!

Start with a mild cleaner and use stronger cleaners until you get the results you're after.

In addition to the Texaco lens I mentioned in my previous post I cleaned a badly oxidized 1 piece Gulf globe. The globe had a kind of iridescent glaze. It looked really bad. I tried several cleaners with no luck. I eventually tried Brasso and it removed most of the oxidation.

Start with Windex and keep getting more aggressive until it cleans up.

You can use 0000 steel wool with your cleaner - hell, you can use 600 Wet or Dry sandpaper with the cleaner if you need to.

I always clean my lenses with Windex first to remove the majority of the gunk on them. Then I get serious.

Remember, the color is actually part of the glass now. Unless you get crazy with the pressure, you can hardly remove well fired color short of sandblasting.

Jim

...that little stain? I wouldn't do a thing to it...

Well I took everyone's advice (sort of LOL)...I tried a little soft scrub and 0000 stainless steal and gently rubbed stain and it did improve, however it started to seem if I continued I may rub through white so I took others advice to leave it alone ! It's not 100% but it's pretty darn clean, thanks to all who offered opinion !

Very nice looking collection Pete.....
Darin

Cool collection, didnt realize how many different Texaco configurations there were.

Very nice collection. How did you wire your globes to light up? Not seeing any wiring/fixtures
John

If you look closely John you can see there all on globe "stands/holders" red & chrome from Vicks 66 if I remember correctly. I have another globe and signal light on other side of garage as well and I wanted them to all operate on one switch, I have a open attic space above garage so it was easy to wire it all up together and keep it hidden in walls and attic. Thanks for the compliment !

Ahhhh, I see it now. Thanks.