Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion Should I clean the Skelly sign I just bought?

Hello,
My name is Jay. I am new to this forum. I just bought my first porcelain sign because I wanted one for a long time and the price was right. I collect other things and know the rules of restoration on them. I don't know about signs. Should they be cleaned as close to original condition as possible or left as found? I wiped it down with soap and water but there is a lot of tough stuff that stayed on.

As long as you don't damage sign absolutely clean it. And being porcelain you can't hurt it.

Welcome to Oldgas. Most like to clean a sign as well as possible without compromising it's integrity as far as paint or finish goes. Since porcelain is essentially glass it is pretty impervious to cleaners and the finish won't come off by simply washing it. A lot of old signs will have paint overspray or other things built up on them that won't just wash off with soap and water so you will have to use something that will remove those things like thinners or rubbing compound. Mild abrasive cleaners like Barkeepers Friend work pretty well to removed rust stains and heavier contaminants and even fine grade steel wool will work to remove old paint overspray. If it has been painted over or is covered with a lot of paint you can use paint remover without harming the porcelain....GB

Welcome to Oldgas.com

Use the "Google Custom Search" form on the top right corner of this page to search for:

Cleaning porcelain signs

You'll see a number of past topics on this forum on that subject with the experience of knowledgeable members.

Welcome to Oldgas. Best of luck with your sign!

I usually clean our signs-especially porcelain. I just want to say though, some signs that are a bit off condition look better (to me )When they have the original "look". When they are displayed together they have an old time feel. Sometimes they just dont look right all cleaned up with a bunch of clean chips and scratches.

Thank you everybody! Once I figure this site out I will post some photos so you can see the condition.

Another question about my Skelly sign. This sign measures 5x5 diagonal and has its original frame. It has two eyes welded to the frame, so I am guessing it was a hanging sign not one mounted solid to the top of a post. My question is does the frame add value. Most of these signs I see do not have a frame. I don't know if this is because people think they display better that way, of it they simply do not have a frame.
Thanks again,
Jay

original frame adds value. 200.00

Thanks Lloyd.

I finally got some pictures uploaded of my Skelly sign. does it look like a good quality sign? Does anyone have an opinion as to weather or not I should leave it looking like this or clean it up? The dirtiest parts in the corners and at the edges actually have a shine or gloss to them which makes me wonder if there might be a clear finish over them. if this is the case I may to need to use some kind of a harsh stripper.
thanks,
Jay

These four pictures show the only damage to the signs porcelain between both sides. is there likely to be damage hidden beneath the frame? I am afraid to try to take it out of the frame.

That sign is definitely of "clean it!" quality.....so yes, clean 'er up!
Darin

I got it hung up yesterday. this is how it displays on its best side.

Would look nicer to me if you cleaned it up. But if you like the patina, that's all that matters. Seriously doubt that it has ever been cleared.

I agree with cleaning it. Clean the side against the garage wall if you like the other side better leave it alone.

good candidate for a good cleaning,
condition appears too be xlnt .. ...

I totally agree Randy

Thank you everyone. I was hoping I had something good when I came upon this sign, but was kind of out of my element. I just wanted to know what I had and how to present it properly without wrecking it. I will probably not have this opportunity again. I like these porcelain advertising pieces but, I know enough about them to know that I don't know enough about them to buy smaller pieces. The reproductions have been around forever, but now there are a lot of high dollar frauds. Not sure I can spot them. This has been a great resource. I hope I can learn a lot here and eventually be of some help myself. Thank you all for your interest and time.
Jay

Great Skelly sign Jay. That's a great find. Clean it up if you want but be gentle if you use barkeeper's friend. It CAN damage the porcelain if you scrub too hard with it. Go slow and gentle and rinse often.

BrianH

Thank you Brian,

I am usually afraid of using abrasive compounds and steel wool on antique collectible items. I was surprised how many people recommend their use on porcelain signs. That is why I have been hesitant to deep clean it. I know it is a glass like surface, but I also know glass scraches and abrazes easily. I used soap and water and mr. Clean magic erasers to get it where it is, but that did not accomplish much. Thank you for the word of caution. I will tread lightly.
Jay

After seeing the pictures of your sign I would definitely try to clean it a little more. I'm a Skelly collector myself and have that exact sign without the frame. Yours has good color and very few chips. The metal frame has contributed to a lot of the rusty stains. I would take it out of the frame and clean it and media blast and paint the frame if it were mine. There is a product that I use to clean porcelain that has rust contamination on it like yours and it works well without scrubbing too much. It is called Iron-X and is not harmful to paint and especially porcelain. I buy mine on eBay but I think it can be ordered other places. Others on here have used it on signs, face plates, and other parts with good success. You might give it a try. Nice find, you may be a future Skelly collector in the making.....GB

Nice sign. id clean it with easy off and a plastic scrubby. Lay it on the grass,(in the shade) spray on a good thick coat and let it set for 8 hours or a little more. Scrub it. Rinse with the garden hose. i think you will be happy with how it comes out. if there are stubborn spots, repeat in those areas.

One other product that works great is called Bon Ami. It is a mild abrasive for porcelain stoves. It will not hurt it, but it takes a lot of elbow grease. It will get almost all of the dirt and rust off.

...and I agree with others. That sign is minty and would look great cleaned up. If you like the patina, keep one side dirty.

It may be your first sign, but it won't be your last.... Lol

Nice find,
Steve

I use heavy duty automotive buffing compound by hand with a rag. A couple signs have been really bad and I busted out the buffer for those but normally just by hand. Then wax when done.

Thank you everyone for all of the great advise and encouragement today,

This sign is not for sale, but I am wondering what the value, rarity and desirability might be. When was it made? I have not seen another on eBay, but they seem to be common in collections. Just wondering what a Skelly sign in this condition is worth once cleaned up. I know I got a good deal but, I just want to get an idea of what I have here. I'm just asking for opinions.
Thank you for any thoughts,
Jay

Has anyone ever used either of these products on porcelain signs? Biocleaner or Bruce's GSR?

Thanks!
Jay

Thank you everyone for your advise. I probably used a bit of everyone's. All said and done there are three things I could not have done without: patience, elbow grease and Bartender's friend. Actually four, could not have done without the advise. I Spent the whole day rinsed often, and learned a lot. I have to say, my elbows actually hurt. Any thoughts on the value of a sign in this condition?
Thanks everyone,
Jay

there is a difference, I bet your happy & tired .. ...

Jay, I have no idea of value (not my field), but a really nice job of cleaning that sign by you. Especially for your first one. Congrats, it looks great! Well done.

Cleaned up good , what a difference 100% better !

Thanks!

Looks great. My elbow feels sore looking at all the work you did.

Great improvement....that sign deserved to shine!
Darin

Thanks!

WOW. Super nice sign there!

Looks absolutely great, and most of us know what kind of work goes into that. Now wait until you get one with paint on it... Lol. Great, great job.

Thanks! Decades of grime, rust, concrete splatter and soft metal rubbings were enough. Glad there was no paint!

Yes and yes.
Thanks.

Thanks Jim. Not my field either, but it has been fun.
Jay

Nice work! The sign looks 100% better. Would love to have one like that in my collection. Good find.

BrianH

Great job and increased the value I believe major.