Does Anyone Know How to Remove Paint from Old Signs?

[HunterTheFox59]

I bought this 1950s Country Club Quality Beverages sign today, but at some point, someone had painted it green. A little bit of the original paint is peeking through, and I can tell it was red with a black border, with Country Club and Beverages written in white and Quality in black. I already tried some paint stripper on the back where some of the green paint had dripped down, but that just took off the original color too. Really stumped here, and any advice would help!

 

[Canadacan]

I'm not personally aware of a process to do this. I would like to know myself because I have a sign with some paint drips and runs on the edge. I had thought of trying paint stripper but refrained for trying in fear of doing more damage than good.
I know many beer can collectors have successfully removed paint on 'paint over cans' that were redone at can factories.
Did you try acetone on a Q-tip ? ...try that on the back in a small controlled amount, use a circular motion, see if that removes any. I tried it on my drips but nothing happened

 

[HunterTheFox59]

Thanks, Canadacan I'll definitely try that out.

 

[Canadacan]

Thanks, Canadacan I'll definitely try that out.

Your Welcome, I know the can collectors that remove paint overs say it a slow and tedious process.

 

[hemihampton]

I just finished removing the paint on this can today. Was a factory paintover. used rubbing compound. Slow Process, took many hours. LEON.

 

[Len]

Hemi, If patience won the Presidency, you'd be hearing Hail To the Chief! --Ok, maybe the beer barrel polka then.

LuckyHunterTheFox, Get a hold of the painting restoration expert(s) at the local art museum or the Smithsonian. Keep us posted, please. Thx.

 

[HunterTheFox59]

Thanks, Len, will do. I going to try the acetone and see if that works. I also heard that hot water might bubble the paint until it comes off.

 

[Len]

Hunter,
Wow you're quick. --I'm trying to remember if there is an art museum at the quad in downtown/anywhere Springfield/near you, ex. art school/college or univ.. If so, it might be worth setting up an appointment with the appropriate Dept. Head or staff member. I'm sure they'll want a look. Once the new semester starts, if you're r-e-a-l-l-y lucky, maybe they'll do it for a nominal fee/free.

 

[HunterTheFox59]

Hi, Len. Springfield does have its own history museum. I also remember seeing a post on Facebook showing pictures from the museum, and it has a small display featuring a few Country Club bottles, a crate, and an orange and white sign. Can't find any other pictures of the display though, and it's not listed on the museum's website.

 

[Len]

Hunter,
I can't remember much but it being in an old house. That was the '70s. --If its a smaller place, and they aren't into the restoration you're looking for, I'd try Univ. Of Mass up the street off the S. Hadley exit. Or Hartford's Wadsworth Athenaeum (sp). The Smithsonian will probably send you the basic info. digitally pretty quick. They're wonderful and have a HUGE staff. --I would be surprised if they didn't have a photo of your sign when it was new! Hmmm. --I've had real good luck with them in the past...-Len