Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion cleaning a rocker can

this is coming up for sale near me in a few weeks at a small antique auction.. if i can get it is there a way of cleaning it? or is it better to leave them alone? ill post pictures of both sides.. Thanks!!

Hello Jordan
I have had a lot of these and have tried cleaning them in various conditions, with various cleaners. They were originally made as throw aways or re-fillers with no plans for longevity. They certainly were never intended to be collectibles. The quality of paints was minimal and has become very vulnerable with age. The only consistent method posted here seems to be a mild solution of Dove Dish Soap and water. I can attest to ruining some rocker cans with Whitewall Cleaner or Engine Degreaser or strong solvents. That is why nice cans demand a premium price. You cannot resurrect the dead, make a silk purse from a sow's ear, or clean a rocker can with decades of grime absorbed into the paint. Sorry. Ed.

Upon taking a better second look, the can may have had a clear coat sprayed on for the shine. Now you have no chance of cleaning. Ed.

Thanks for the help Ed!! It's much appreciated!!