How do I maintain/preserve a heritage street sign?
August 27, 2015 12:08 PM Subscribe
I have two "retired" city street signs, but the paint is peeling off. I'd like to slow their decay and prevent the paint from flaking off. [images and detail inside]
I bought two street signs from the City of Toronto in an online auction. They are awesome, and way cooler than the new ones, but they have lived their whole lives outside and aren't in the best condition. Here's some images.
As you can see, in many places the paint is starting to peel and flake away. I'd like to take some steps to slow or prevent further decay. Any tips or links would be very appreciated. Eventually, they'll be mounted on the wall in my home.
I bought two street signs from the City of Toronto in an online auction. They are awesome, and way cooler than the new ones, but they have lived their whole lives outside and aren't in the best condition. Here's some images.
As you can see, in many places the paint is starting to peel and flake away. I'd like to take some steps to slow or prevent further decay. Any tips or links would be very appreciated. Eventually, they'll be mounted on the wall in my home.
A fine art conservator would disagree with spray sealant since it changes the surface in terms or reflectivity etc. But you're not talking about the Mona Lisa here, and you've already got a lot of paint loss. So, yes, I agree with xingcat. I would get some glue under the paint that's curling up and then add a couple of coats of sealant to firm it all up. It will fare better indoors than it did out in the elements. Hang it where it won't be brushed against and won't be subject to vibrations that will shake loose more paint. (Like, not next to a stairway, refrigerator, fan or duct.)
posted by beagle at 12:35 PM on August 27, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by beagle at 12:35 PM on August 27, 2015 [1 favorite]
Oh, yes, absolutely, if you're going to sell this as an antique at any time, don't go that route, because it's not going to be in the condition it should be. But for your own personal pleasure in keeping it from peeling further, you can add the sealant.
posted by xingcat at 1:17 PM on August 27, 2015
posted by xingcat at 1:17 PM on August 27, 2015
Response by poster: xingcat and beagle: Thanks so much for your advice. You're right I'm not trying to preserve it as a museum piece. Any recommendations/advice about clear spray sealant? Like a Krylon or equivalent? Or are there different types I should use/not use? Also, similar question re: glue.
posted by mrmcsurly at 2:15 PM on August 27, 2015
posted by mrmcsurly at 2:15 PM on August 27, 2015
I would go with Gorilla glue, apply with Q-tips. And, yes, Krylon should do it.
posted by beagle at 6:35 PM on August 27, 2015
posted by beagle at 6:35 PM on August 27, 2015
Does the sign have a painted back you can experiment with? Might be worth testing the effects of a few different types of glues and clear coats before committing on the front.
posted by cubby at 8:40 AM on August 28, 2015
posted by cubby at 8:40 AM on August 28, 2015
Response by poster: The sign is double-sided - so two signs made of a material similar to that of a license plate, held in place by the black frame. I'm reluctant to take it apart in case it is too brittle to go back together. Was thinking of taking a wire brush to the black metal parts to get the rust off, then painting a fresh coat of matte black.
posted by mrmcsurly at 8:57 AM on August 28, 2015
posted by mrmcsurly at 8:57 AM on August 28, 2015
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posted by xingcat at 12:12 PM on August 27, 2015 [1 favorite]