Old metal sign restoration: method, materials, how much to charge

[thewvsignguy]

Keep that piece of history original, I would not restore it. Unless they are adding the neon back to it.

I would love to have that piece of history hanging up in my shop.

Just my .02

 

[player]

I don't agree with keeping it as a collector's piece. It's a big old sign.

 

[Johnny Best]

I don't agree with keeping it as a collector's piece. It's a big old sign.

American Pickers would pay big bucks if it was a porcelain sign in original condition.

 

[player]

American Pickers would pay big bucks if it was a porcelain sign in original condition.

That's a TV show and the sign is not a porcelain sign in original condition.

 

[spectrum maine]

sweet vintage sign

i would wash well w carwash soap or dish detergent, sand scrape repaint w/ bulletin for background. add flattening paste if your uncomfortable about the brush strokes & the gloss 2 coats minimum white 1 shot for the copy. how could that sign have neon on both sides? it isnt a "can" just a panel?

 

[Billct2]

OK, I just noticed a few things. That had to be made for them, the neon housings line up perfect.
Two, it's not a can, it's just a face? So what does the other side look like?

 

[SignosaurusRex]

OK, I just noticed a few things. That had to be made for them, the neon housings line up perfect.
Two, it's not a can, it's just a face? So what does the other side look like?

Looks to be (2) porcelain enamel faces sandwiched back to back with can removed. I'd say that the original sign is pushing seventy plus years old, based on the banner copy in the picture. Made in the late '40's or early "50's sounds about right.

 

[SignosaurusRex]

another angle...

 

[Johnny Best]

Wonder if Hurricane Katrina knocked it down and they probably lost the neon and can and just reinstalled as it is show now.

 

[Jillbeans]

Whatever you do...do not use 1 Shot. Try Ronan, I'd use their bulletin enamels.
Love....Jill