Antique Tag Restoration

Every antique license plate is restored by hand using techniques refined over decades. No shortcuts. No mass production. Just authentic craftsmanship.

Step 1

We begin with a set of license plates.

Two rusty Maryland 1931 license plates, one white and one faded red, with embossed numbers and letters.

Step 2

The original plates undergo our glass bead blasting process. This removes all paint and rust off the plates and helps identify any imperfections in the plates.

Two embossed metal Maryland 1931 license plates stacked, one face up and one upside down.

Step 3

Next, we use a PPG Epoxy Primer to fill in any imperfections such as pits or dimples that occur because of old age.

Two black Maryland license plates from 1981 with raised white characters on a white background.

Step 4

Then the plates are sanded down using a 3M Imperial P600 sand paper.

Step 5

Next, we use a PPG Urethane Primer to coat the plates to prepare them for painting.

Two blank yellow Maryland 1981 license plates, one showing front and the other back side.

Step 6

The plates again are sanded down, this time using a 3M Imperial P800 sand paper.

Step 7

The plates are then wet sanded down using a 3M Imperial P1000 sand paper.

Two white embossed Maryland license plates from 1931 with the number 3-712.

Step 8

The plates are then wet sanded down using a 3M Imperial P1000 sand paper.

Step 9

Then the background of the plates are painted.

Two red embossed metal license plates with reversed text and numbers visible.

Step 10

The plates are then again wet sanded down using a 3M Imperial P1000 sand paper. They are now ready for Clear Coat.

Step 11

The final step: we apply two coats of PPG Select Clear Coat to give that amazing look and long-lasting durability.

Red 1931 Maryland dealer license plate with white numbers 3-712 and dealer label below it.