Old Sign needs a cleaning or not?

[sandybeach069]

Looking for assistance. I just found this metal double sided sign today. Do I take off the dirt or leave it on? If you say take it off, what would be the best/ recommended method without further damage?
I was detecting a friends lot. His grandfather had a Drive In that was built in 1950 right next door so I figure it’s from there.
I'm excited with my best find yet and I don’t want to screw it up.
Thanks in advance.
Sandy

 

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[iowamp]

Looking for assistance. I just found this metal double sided sign today. Do I take off the dirt or leave it on? If you say take it off, what would be the best/ recommended method without further damage?
I was detecting a friends lot. His grandfather had a Drive In that was built in 1950 right next door so I figure it’s from there.
I'm excited with my best find yet and I don’t want to screw it up.
Thanks in advance.
Sandy

 

[iowamp]

My vote is to clean it!

 

[ticndig]

Soap and water if you want to , You won't hurt it .

 

[sandybeach069]

My vote is to clean it!

But how? Just water?

 

[Digger RJ]

Looking for assistance. I just found this metal double sided sign today. Do I take off the dirt or leave it on? If you say take it off, what would be the best/ recommended method without further damage?
I was detecting a friends lot. His grandfather had a Drive In that was built in 1950 right next door so I figure it’s from there.
I'm excited with my best find yet and I don’t want to screw it up.
Thanks in advance.
Sandy

Nice!!! Congrats!!!

 

[RJGMC]

Looks to be porcelain over steel. Soap and water will not hurt that sign. A soft brush or a wash cloth would be ok too. Would like to see it after it is washed!

Bob

 

[sandybeach069]

Nice!!! Congrats!!!

Thank you

 

[sandybeach069]

Looks to be porcelain over steel. Soap and water will not hurt that sign. A soft brush or a wash cloth would be ok too. Would like to see it after it is washed!

Bob

Thanks
im working on the soap and water with a soft brush. It has a lot of dirt and rust to get off.

 

[sandybeach069]

Looks to be porcelain over steel. Soap and water will not hurt that sign. A soft brush or a wash cloth would be ok too. Would like to see it after it is washed!

Bob

Thanks for your help. I’m working with the soap, water and soft brush. The middle strip is not coming off easy. So I’m taking my time so that I don’t mess it up.

 

[sandybeach069]

My vote is to clean it!

I’m trying, soap, water and a soft brush.

 

[Centsless Detecting]

Good luck with the clean up. Dont forget to show us how it turns out. Funny how the term "Clean Rest Rooms" used to mean somthing. Not so much now a days.

 

[sandybeach069]

Still cleaning
Looking better but my next question is:
The 2nd picture show still heavy (thick) rust down the middle.
I have cleaned it daily with blue Dawn, water and soft brush. How can I tackle the thick rust down the middle?
Can I leave it in soap and water bath over night to soften it up. Or is that a huge no no.
Thanks again for your help. I truly appreciate your knowledge/ experience

 

[RJGMC]

It appears that the thick rust down the middle is where the porcelain is missing entirely. That will not come off. That is just rusted metal that was once protected by the porcelain. But to brighten up the rest of the sign a little, try using Whink rust remover. It will remove rust from toilet bowls and clothing without damage. It comes in a liquid and granules. Go slow, do not be afraid to rinse it off. Good luck!
Bob

 

[sandybeach069]

It appears that the thick rust down the middle is where the porcelain is missing entirely. That will not come off. That is just rusted metal that was once protected by the porcelain. But to brighten up the rest of the sign a little, try using Whink rust remover. It will remove rust from toilet bowls and clothing without damage. It comes in a liquid and granules. Go slow, do not be afraid to rinse it off. Good luck!
Bob

Thank you Bob,
I’ll go out and get some. Thanks for that tip. I truly appreciate the help.
Sandy

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

It is what it is Sandy.
You can still read what the sign say's, it still has 75% of it's original paint and is displayable. If it were mine, I'd consider putting a light coat of Turtle Wax on it to even out the colours in the lettering.

Some good advice in this forum as well... https://www.treasurenet.com/forums/restoration-projects.882/

 

[sandybeach069]

It appears that the thick rust down the middle is where the porcelain is missing entirely. That will not come off. That is just rusted metal that was once protected by the porcelain. But to brighten up the rest of the sign a little, try using Whink rust remover. It will remove rust from toilet bowls and clothing without damage. It comes in a liquid and granules. Go slow, do not be afraid to rinse it off. Good luck!
Bob

Bob,
Would any rust remover work or Whink because it’s not as harsh?

 

[sandybeach069]

It is what it is Sandy.
You can still read what the sign say's, it still has 75% of it's original paint and is displayable. If it were mine, I'd consider putting a light coat of Turtle Wax on it to even out the colours in the lettering.

Some good advice in this forum as well... https://www.treasurenet.com/forums/restoration-projects.882/

Thanks for this link. I’ll look into it

 

[RJGMC]

Bob,
Would any rust remover work or Whink because it’s not as harsh?

I have used Think many times. It is very predictable and easily stopped with flushing of water. I like the liquid better than the granules. But for your sign, I would mix up some granules. Other brands may work just fine, but I have not used them. Bob

Try and write w h i n k as one word without spellcheck messing it up!

 

[sandybeach069]

Looks to be porcelain over steel. Soap and water will not hurt that sign. A soft brush or a wash cloth would be ok too. Would like to see it after it is washed!

Bob