off topic question

[eightsandaces]

I know this thread is going to get moved faster than an outed federal witness so before it does weigh in:

I have an old ESSO sign from my father's business, I wanted to light it up for my shop. the inside is coated with some sort of gray/aluminum color/silver coating. I wasn't there when it was torn down I'm not sure of the lighting behind, I'm guessing a bank of fluorescent bulbs. I held said sign up to two, high power, quartz bulb work lights and if anything, the inside surface prevented ilumination...

OK board members, what's up with that? what is that coating, what bulbs will work, what can I google to learn about said coating..

[JTP]

I would contact a sign making shop.

[Steve Tinker]

I worked for Esso Australia for 10 years, and it was only in the 1970's that the Esso signs were illuminated internally here - usually by fluorescent tubes.
Previous to that (especially in rural areas) the signs were illuminated externally - usually by a remotely mounted floodlight. Thus it was the retailer who paid for the illumination while Esso supplied a cheaper non illuminated sign. The silver coating probably reflects light from an external source, not an internal one.
Of course, Esso signage may well have been different in the US, so I could be wrong.....

[eightsandaces]

Originally Posted by Steve Tinker

I worked for Esso Australia for 10 years, and it was only in the 1970's that the Esso signs were illuminated internally here - usually by fluorescent tubes.
Previous to that (especially in rural areas) the signs were illuminated externally - usually by a remotely mounted floodlight. Thus it was the retailer who paid for the illumination while Esso supplied a cheaper non illuminated sign. The silver coating probably reflects light from an external source, not an internal one.
Of course, Esso signage may well have been different in the US, so I could be wrong.....

If I recall correctly, this was one panel of a two panel display which was lit between the two panels, at least that's how I remember it. However, your explanation makes sense too, otherwise why would it be so resistant to powerful back lighting?