Repainting Vintage Mohawk Sign

     Vintage metal signs.....especially six foot, galvanized coated steel ones, how do you repaint them to weather the elements outside? That was the question that Sis and I faced recently. So we sought out some expert advise from Bill Clark, owner of Clark's Collision Center in Pearland, TX. 
     After showing him the sign, he explained that we needed to clean it well, sand down all flaking paint and rust with 3M automotive sanding pads, and apply a single stage, self-etching metal primer, making sure that all previous rusty areas were well covered. We, also, asked him about paint, and he suggested Best Rust Coat Enamel, which he felt was a very good oil base, enamel paint. So with this information, Sis and I got busy.

SUPPLIES: PRIMER, PAINT, SANDING PADS AND "A LOT" OF TAPE

   
     Below is a picture of the project as it progressed: 1950s Mohawk Carpet sign. Interestingly, Walt Disney Studios designed the "Tommy Mohawk" character for a series of animated commercials for Mohawk Carpet.

     If you plan on tackling a similar project, be prepared to use a LOT of tape and buy some extra X-acto Blades as well. However, after many hours, Sis and I are happy with the results..... Sandy