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..