Metals Vs. Non-metals

There are a number of metal address signs, a few of the most popular being the materials brass, aluminum, tin and steel. Metal signs like other types of address signs (wood, ceramic, etc) get dirty over time due to accumulation of dirt carried via wind, and precipitation.

If there has been insufficient care or excessive time between cleaning, the accumulated grime hardens and becomes very difficult to remove. Some metals also develop rust over time in response to oxidation from the environment - something that is almost entirely unpreventable. Cleaning metal well requires judicious choice of cleaning agent - both to avoid damage and to provide sufficient dissolving power to get rid of encrusted dirt. We consider a few cleaning agents here.

Detergent Or Soap-based Agent

Detergents are great for removing light dirt because of their ability to break up oils and water. Application involves a process as simple as soaking the address sign in a bucket of the agent dissolved in water, and then gentle scrubbing or rinsing with water. Because soaps are not harsh, one does not have to worry about the plate being damaged. Nothing special but here's a sampling of dish detergents that one can try using.

• Palmolive
• Ultra or Ultra Dawn
• Caldrea

All-Purpose Household Cleaners

Beware of removing inks or paints that comprise the lettering on some signs, especially a newly minted one. Although the cleaner might be too weak to do a thorough job of removing the lettering, it might cause sufficient scratching so that the lettering becomes less visible at great distances. Examples of household cleaners are the following:

• Lysol
• Fantastik
• Formula 409

A Can Of WD40

WD40 is well-known as an agent for providing lubrication to squeaky and stuck hinges on doors. It also works well to remove any light rust that has accumulated on the surface. The coating left behind will also inhibit the formation of more rust but this protective effect has a limited life span.

Shellac Resin Coat

Shellac is a type of resin formed by an insect that lives in trees in South and Southeast Asia. In the West, it is used as a brush-on glaze or finish in liquid form, if dissolved in alcohol. If applied to a metal address sign, it gives it additional protection from rusting and dirt accumulation. Many people like the fact that it helps keep the "shiny" and "polished" appearance of new metal address signs. The problem is that over time the shellac will yellow slightly giving it an aged appearance.

Summary

Some people use manual washing to clean their address signs but some have also been known to give them a good rinse in the dish washer! After cleaning it is wise to coat it with a protective wax, preferably one that is designed for modern metals and paints.