Properly cleaning and protecting printed metal surfaces

[skeer]

So I'm cleaning up an old 60# scale and doing the typical electrolysis on everything but I'm scare to further damage the dial face. It's not pitted but does have some light surface rust.. and I' not investing money into this guy but merely wanting to prevent further rust damage.

I'm not sure what cleaners are safe, and I did not put it into the tank with the other parts.. in my head I could see rust particles lifting away from underneath the painted/printed surface..

What do you folks suggest?

 

[PWC Repair]

I wouldn't be scared to soak it with some CLR and work it with a paintbrush.

 

[skeer]

Ran it through the CLR gauntlet last night.. sadly it didn't change much. But at least it wasnt made worse, lol.

 

[racecougar]

I use WD40, a rag, and a gentle touch when trying to bring parts like that back to life.

 

[4x4Pete]

I can't help besides to say be careful with the soaking solvent if the gauge face has rust on it. I used some evaporust on the rusty tach gauge face for my old 8N. It dissolved all the lettering off completely. Fortunately I was able to get a replacement face via a sticker. You I doubt will be so lucky. Good luck, looks like an awesome project.