Cleaning old sign?

[Joey Beauchamp]

Hello, I wasn't sure which section to post this in so please move if required!


I've got this lovely old sign (my wife isn't in full agreement of how lovely it is) that apparently came from Sturry in Kent.

As you can see, it's absolutely filthy and covered in years of grime. I tried washing is with soapy water, but the only way to remove the dirt was to scrub and to my horror the paint came off with it.

Is there a method or a chemical that will remove the dirt without stripping the paint?

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Anyone with heritage railway connections able to assist?

They must acquire vintage notice boards, warning signs and advertising signs (& the suchlike), from time to time.

 

[Pinza-C55]

Hello, I wasn't sure which section to post this in so please move if required!

View attachment 126664
I've got this lovely old sign (my wife isn't in full agreement of how lovely it is) that apparently came from Sturry in Kent.

As you can see, it's absolutely filthy and covered in years of grime. I tried washing is with soapy water, but the only way to remove the dirt was to scrub and to my horror the paint came off with it.

Is there a method or a chemical that will remove the dirt without stripping the paint?

You could try Duraglit or any similar metal polish. That normally removes corrosion but not paint.

 

[32475]

I’ve used T-Cut on enamel signs with some success but you have to be careful not to rub the colour (red in your case) into the white lettering too much. It’s designed for use on car paintwork and you can get it from places like Halfords and Screwfix.

 

[Trestrol]

Be careful "modern" BR signs are not enamel. They are painted hence they tend to fade and go powdery. Try soapy water first. These signs were made by the Royal British Legion Industries, who still make signs for Network Rail.

 

[WizCastro197]

Be careful "modern" BR signs are not enamel. They are painted hence they tend to fade and go powdery. Try soapy water first. These signs were made by the Royal British Legion Industries, who still make signs for Network Rail.

OP has already said they tried with soapy water and the paint came off with it.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

OP has already said they tried with soapy water and the paint came off with it.

And if that's the case, doubt that the suggested alternative of 'Duraglit' will do any better!

 

[lyndhurst25]

Is the “dirt” actually mould/lichen? If so, you could try something like boat deck cleaner.

 

[Joey Beauchamp]

Thanks for all the replies. Having watched a few YouTube videos I think my problem might be not using an ultra fine wire wool. I will try this and some degreaser and see how I get on. But I'll be extremely careful to start with in case it takes the paint off / turns the letters pink!

 

[Joey Beauchamp]

Is the “dirt” actually mould/lichen? If so, you could try something like boat deck cleaner.

I'm not really sure how to tell, it looks like grime and dirt to me.

 

[Pinza-C55]

And if that's the case, doubt that the suggested alternative of 'Duraglit' will do any better!

Duraglit or metal polish is not water nor soapy, hence it does not behave the same as water. I used to have a vast railwayana collection so I picked up knowledge like this on the way.