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I have my eyes on a nice composite oil can. It has a thick grease in spots on the can. It hasn't discolored it. Was wondering if there are any ideas on how to remove the grease with out damage to the can? Thanks in advance.

If it's thick and not to crusty just use a plastic razor blade or scraper with a damp cloth to soften the grease. Then it should lift off with out any major damage. Paper cans are hard to clean entirely but if you do it gently it will be ok.

Thanks, I will have to give it a try once I pick up the can.

Here are the before and after results.

Nova I've had very good luck with Formula 409. It's not 100% safe though. On some inks, especially cardboard cans, it might lighten them. It's only lightened the paint on one metal can I used it on. Squirt a bit on a paper towel and dab a bit on each different area. Be sure to wipe it off quick and check the paint on the can and look for the color on the towel too. Then apply again and wait a bit longer. Sometimes the paint damage takes a few seconds. Don't let a quick test make you think you're safe and cause you to go full bore only to ruin the can.
Also another pretty safe thicker grease remover is the orange based hand cleaner Harbor Freight sells called Goop. I tried it on a whim years back on a Fox Head 2 gallon oil can so covered in grease you couldn't see the red letters or the fox! That can looked almost new when completed. Same testing rules apply though.
I'd say 1 outta 15 maybe 20 cans I clean have paint loss of any type. When I'm done I usually 'deactivate' the cleaner residue with a moist paper towel wipe down.
Good luck!

Thanks, good tips. I did try Goop and it worked very well on the back of the can, but had a bit of paint lifting on the front.

best thing to clean composite cans-
http://www.carbrite.com/products/Exterior-Care/Painted-Surface-Care/Glazes-Polishes/Crystal-Shine/

Thanks for the tip.

I always use WD-40 to clean both metal and composite oil cans. It works great.