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#688298 Fri Jun 09 2017 10:18 PM
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Novaman Offline OP
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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.

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Novaman #688683 Thu Jun 15 2017 11:10 PM
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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.


Oilzum, 1qt Oil Cans, Gas and Oil smalls, Oldsmobile collectables.
Novaman #688696 Fri Jun 16 2017 07:20 AM
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Thanks, I will have to give it a try once I pick up the can.

Novaman #689046 Thu Jun 22 2017 09:00 PM
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Here are the before and after results.

PB160090.JPG PB160092.JPG
Novaman #689047 Thu Jun 22 2017 09:44 PM
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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!

Last edited by tmcnasty; Thu Jun 22 2017 09:48 PM.
Novaman #689048 Thu Jun 22 2017 10:03 PM
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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.

Novaman #689057 Fri Jun 23 2017 06:49 AM
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Novaman #689534 Thu Jun 29 2017 08:20 PM
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Thanks for the tip.

Novaman #689536 Thu Jun 29 2017 10:34 PM
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I always use WD-40 to clean both metal and composite oil cans. It works great.


-Matt

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