Exterior Keg Cleaning

[nealperkins]

OK, I searched the forums and cannot find the answer to my question...but, I bet it's here somewhere.

I just bought 6 cornies that need a major exterior cleaning - U G L Y.

So, what technique is best for cleaning and hopefully removing that damn ownership tape?? (even if it scars the metal)

Thanks

 

[MultumInParvo]

I just use a painter's scraper and that'll chew through anything. If you use it right, you won't even scratch it at all, I haven't even after cleaning 5.

If you really want a shiney clean I would buy a 'mothers power ball' for 20 bucks at your local auto store, then pick up some stainless steel metal polish for 6 bucks, and you're on your way to a mirror finish.

 

[thehines]

I would first try GOO GONE, make sure you get the liquid type not the gel. That shoudl rub most of the old tape and scarring off. Then polish it with a buffing pad for your drill and some buffing compound.
Shawn

 

[mplutodh1]

Soak that end of the keg in warm water and your favorite brewing equipment cleaner. Then take a sharp razor blade and slowly, and patiently scrape away the label. Then follow the whole process up with some Bar Keepers Friend, a scotch brite sponge and some elbow grease.

 

[samc]

Fill keg with hot water, that will help soften the glue and then use blade and/or citrus based solvent to remove whats left. It would be nice to soak the keg in Oxyclean but sometimes that will mess up the black rubber handles and increase the chance of black coming off every time you touch it.

 

[Yuri_Rage]

I do basically everything mentioned so far (at least for the kegs I bring to parties):

Heat the keg (hot water or VERY carefully with a gentle torch flame).
Scrape the labels.
Use Goo Gone to eliminate any remaining adhesive.

Many times you can stop here. If you're still not happy:

Scrub with Bar Keeper's Friend and a scrubby sponge.

If you don't like the brushed look:

Polish, starting with 320 grit wet/dry paper. Use increasingly fine paper, (go all the way to 2000 grit if you want a real mirror finish). Finish with polishing compound and a buffer of some sort.

 

[nealperkins]

Thanks guys.

Sounds like, after a little work, I'd better buy some shades to protect from the glare.

 

[Ohio-Ed]

I use many of the methods mentioned, but I also bring a heat gun to the party.

When cleaning a bunch, I have a big rubbermaid container. I mix up about 15 gallons of oxy-clean and soak them. I usually let one soak while I'm "detailing" the previous one that came out of the oxy bath.

Ed