Hello! Would anyone know if/how this could be cleaned and restored? I am not sure what is on it as i am purchasing online. L
ooking for cost effective options. Thank you
Hi @hellohello,
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.
That is a really wonderful piece that you're looking at purchasing.
Unfortunately, without knowing the physical condition of the piece, in particular the face and what the is made of, due to its age, I could only recommend very light methods for restoration, such as a microfibre cloth with a gentle cleaner such as dishwashing liquid to remove grime from the face.
If the face is in relatively good condition, a cream cleaner such as Jif Professional Lemon Cream Cleanser could also be useful, but it should be tested in a small section before broader use.
Any metal parts with surface rust, such as the chain or screws, assuming they are in sound condition, can be soaked in vinegar, then lightly scrubbed with some fine steel wool to remove the surface rust, before flushing with clean water to remove residual vinegar, drying thoroughly and coating with oil such as linseed oil to help restore the look and protect them from rust.
The paint should be left as much as possible and if there are issues, we should look at them closely before making a decision about what to do.
Allow me to tag our knowledgeable members @TedBear, @Noyade and @R4addZ to see what they think.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Jacob
Hi @hellohello, I agree with @JacobZ regarding being cautious in approach. If detergent doesn't do it, I would try cleaning the face with methylated spirits... but only after trying a small unseen area in the centre, under the hands, once you've removed them. If it cleans the cream area ok, still be cautious around the numbers. It would be a pity to accidentally clean them off.
Hi @hellohello
If the dial is enamel, a traditional cleaner used for old clock faces is would you believe milk but you have to thoroughly wash it off with water to prevent souring. I used it myself almost 50 years ago when reassembling a Major Scholfield Grandfather clock which is now in a museum.
Hi @R4addZ thanks for the tip about milk. I would never have thought to try that but will at the next opportunity. I assume it's full cream milk you use?
Hi @TedBear
That was all that was available when I used it back then :-)
