Unanswered Active Topics Forums Search
Staining Removal Advice
Last Post 28 Jun 2019 05:59 PM by PhoneGuy. 7 Replies.
Printer Friendly
Sort:
PrevPrev NextNext
You are not authorized to post a reply.
Author Messages
PhoneGuyUser is Offline
Mad Keen Collector
Mad Keen Collector
Send Private Message
Posts:276
PhoneGuy

--
27 Jun 2019 08:42 PM  

Hi all, been awhile,

Picked up a nice enamel the other week and began cleaning it up yesterday. It had the usual tar splatter and dripping deposits, which cleaned off easily with bronze-wool and Astonish cleaning paste. However, as you can see in the pics, it has left a staining behind on the Red enamel that will just not budge.
 
The staining feels completely smooth and glossy with no surface etching or roughness. Its almost like it’s got under the clear surface of the red enamel – weird. The white and black enamel lettering are completely unaffected with no staining.
 
I’ve tried Cerium Oxide, different paint cutting compounds and alloy wheel cleaner. One thing I have not been able to try is Sulphuric Acid – which is not available for sale to the general public anymore.
 
I don’t want to get too aggressive in case I damage the surface gloss or I damage the white and black lettering which is in nice condition.
 
I’m completely stumped as to how this staining can be removed or maybe it’s not possible.
 
Any ideas?
 
Cheers
trixon telstarUser is Offline
Guru Tat
Guru Tat
Send Private Message
Posts:1517
trixon telstar

--
27 Jun 2019 09:21 PM  

 Yes ! Sulphuric Acid is a definite no-no.Keep well away from that unless you want to melt the sign ! You will be okay with Hydrochloric Acid providing you wash it away with water afterwards . Only use it in the open air and wear a face mask , as it gives off very strong fumes. I am not sure if you can still buy it , you could try an industrial chemists supplier first.
PhoneGuyUser is Offline
Mad Keen Collector
Mad Keen Collector
Send Private Message
Posts:276
PhoneGuy

--
27 Jun 2019 10:21 PM  

Thanks telstar, Hydrochloric Acid is still available to purchase.

Do you rekon this may remove the staining?

It's a strange type of staining it behaves almost like a really bad water mark on glass, which is smooth to the touch and a real bugger to remove.

I'll get a bottle of the Hydrochloric Acid and give it a go.

Cheers
banjo boyUser is Offline
The Tatfather
The Tatfather
Send Private Message
Posts:6121
banjo boy

--
28 Jun 2019 03:23 PM  
Cant see those stains ever leaving Sorry..Every chance you will ruin the rest of the enamel...More than lightly left the factory looking like this..
JimboUser is Offline
Mad Keen Collector
Mad Keen Collector
Send Private Message
Posts:331
Jimbo

--
28 Jun 2019 03:29 PM  
Brick cleaner contains hydrocloric acid - readily available in Wickes etc...
banjo boyUser is Offline
The Tatfather
The Tatfather
Send Private Message
Posts:6121
banjo boy

--
28 Jun 2019 03:43 PM  
You got more chance of platting snot than getting rid of those stains..i hope im wrong for the owners sake..Those stains are under the glaze..
sign-seekerUser is Offline
Tat Addict
Tat Addict
Send Private Message
Posts:900
sign-seeker

--
28 Jun 2019 05:27 PM  
I'd agree strongly with those expressing concern. Both black and white are hard enamels and they won't stain, or can be more readily cleaned, but the red is a different matter; not as hard and durable and more readily damaged. If white spirit or meths don't work, I think you might be wise to leave it!
PhoneGuyUser is Offline
Mad Keen Collector
Mad Keen Collector
Send Private Message
Posts:276
PhoneGuy

--
28 Jun 2019 05:59 PM  
Posted By banjo boy on 28 Jun 2019 03:43 PM
You got more chance of platting snot than getting rid of those stains..i hope im wrong for the owners sake..Those stains are under the glaze..

Spence, that's exacly what I fear - those stains are there for good. And you are right it looks as if the staining in actually underneath the glaze.

I stupidly thought it would clean off OK - which the tar did with no problem, but underneath each tar splat is this nighmare staining. It's weird how the tar could get under the glaze - strange...

Oh well you live and learn...

Cheers guys for the feedback

 

 
You are not authorized to post a reply.
Forums > Collecting Enamel Signs Forums > Collecting Enamel Signs
Active Forums 4.2
NOT LICENSED FOR PRODUCTION USE
www.activemodules.com