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[Fred]

Originally Posted by bobfreedman

Guys, I was the consignor and I cleaned it with distilled water ONLY. I actually took a picture of the process because I was so surprise how easily it came off. Here it is,

I know skeptics will always be skeptics but judge for yourself. This will be my one and only post about this as I feel that this board has a lynch mob mentality.

I've used the same method (distilled water and cotton swabs) to wipe a bunch of crud off a 19th century cabinet. I took before and after pictures of the cabinet that show the crud removed from the picture. It was night and day and I really didn't consider it altering because the only thing done was the removal of dirt and grime with distilled water. I have no intention of selling the cabinet, however IF I do, I'll have no problem fully disclosing this (with the before and after pictures and the dirty cotton swabs).

[Snapolit1]

What's with the cotton swabs anyway. I'd be afraid remnants of cotton would adhere to the metal and be hard to get off. I'd opt for an extremely soft rag of some sort.

In event, a simple google search of "how a clean rust off an old metal sign" reveals a plethora of ways to remove rust from an old metal sign. If cotton and water does the trick there's an awful lot of antique folks out there who are wasting time with vinegar and other substances.

[steve B]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

What's with the cotton swabs anyway. I'd be afraid remnants of cotton would adhere to the metal and be hard to get off. I'd opt for an extremely soft rag of some sort.

In event, a simple google search of "how a clean rust off an old metal sign" reveals a plethora of ways to remove rust from an old metal sign. If cotton and water does the trick there's an awful lot of antique folks out there who are wasting time with vinegar and other substances.

Water will remove the loose filth and some of the worst scaly rust as well as some rust stains on the paint. But it doesn't remove the actual corrosion.
Vinegar will remove some of the actually corroded bits. That plus wax or oil will help prevent the rust from getting worse.

[brianp-beme]

To respond to the title of this thread I really like Brockelman Auctions.

brianp(arker)-beme

[wondo]

A²G²

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by steve B

Water will remove the loose filth and some of the worst scaly rust as well as some rust stains on the paint. But it doesn't remove the actual corrosion.
Vinegar will remove some of the actually corroded bits. That plus wax or oil will help prevent the rust from getting worse.

Great information, thank you. And wow, that Reach sign is one gorgeous piece of signage!

[oldjudge]

Originally Posted by Fred

I've used the same method (distilled water and cotton swabs) to wipe a bunch of crud off a 19th century cabinet. I took before and after pictures of the cabinet that show the crud removed from the picture. It was night and day and I really didn't consider it altering because the only thing done was the removal of dirt and grime with distilled water. I have no intention of selling the cabinet, however IF I do, I'll have no problem fully disclosing this (with the before and after pictures and the dirty cotton swabs).

Shame on you Fred. One more infraction like this and you will have to turn in you Old Judge Club membership card and the secret decoder ring.