Welcome to The Hand Lettering Forum!
This is an interactive Bulletin Board on the topics of Sign making, design, fabrication, History, old Books and of coarse Letterheads, Keepers of the craft. The Hand Lettering Forum features links to resources, sign art history, techniques, and artists profiles. Learn more about Letterheads at https://theletterheads.com. Below you'll see Mchat has been added as a live communication portal for trial, and the Main forum Links are listed below.
This is an interactive Bulletin Board on the topics of Sign making, design, fabrication, History, old Books and of coarse Letterheads, Keepers of the craft. The Hand Lettering Forum features links to resources, sign art history, techniques, and artists profiles. Learn more about Letterheads at https://theletterheads.com. Below you'll see Mchat has been added as a live communication portal for trial, and the Main forum Links are listed below.
Search found 52 matches
- Sat Mar 31, 2018 11:48 am
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: My letters scratch away when i try copper glassgilding
- Replies: 11
- Views: 11919
Re: My letters scratch away when i try copper glassgilding
Water gilded copper leaf is nearly impossible in my experience. Here is a piece I water gilded copper on about three years ago. It is a lousy gild with lots of cracks and areas which would not burnish flat because the copper leaf is so thick. To get a smooth mirror finish I had to get a leaf down wi...
- Tue Apr 25, 2017 11:16 am
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: Desperate for info!
- Replies: 3
- Views: 4918
Re: Desperate for info!
Better yet, try a cerium oxide paste and scrub the gilding surface with it. IMO that will work as well or better than Bon Ami - I still use BA though! Otherwise, it is likely that there is some vapor trapped under the backup which is trying to release to the surface and is blocked by the backup. Hen...
- Mon Feb 20, 2017 1:17 pm
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: 1 shot thinning
- Replies: 6
- Views: 10873
Re: 1 shot thinning
I use the 1-shot low temp reducer whenever I thin 1-shot paint for air brushing. I've also used mineral spirits but I find that white spirits works very well to break up clots and thin the paint. I never put it into the can unless it has turned to sludge and I am attempting to save some of the paint...
- Thu Jan 14, 2016 11:35 pm
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: Flashed Glass
- Replies: 2
- Views: 3093
Re: Flashed Glass
I agree with Vance, the only real way to tell is to look from the edge. I have a stash of flash glass and after careful examination I found that one side was smooth and the other had some texture to it. I examined every piece and found that the smooth side was always the color side. I got all this g...
- Tue Nov 03, 2015 12:10 pm
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: Spray On Copper Mirrors
- Replies: 5
- Views: 5971
Re: Spray On Copper Mirrors
I like the idea. What about gilding/painting a design and then spray on over that. If it could be done without effecting the gild, etc.
Rich
Rich
- Mon Aug 17, 2015 11:14 pm
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: Glue chipping question
- Replies: 12
- Views: 14170
Re: Glue chipping question
Love to see your pictures of the cabinet, Terry. For me, one of the critical things is to be able to fold up and store the cabinet out of the way as floor space is critical so it cannot take up much room when not in use. So I am always interested in what people come up with for a chipping cabinet an...
- Sun Apr 05, 2015 12:53 pm
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: Le Franc 3hr tac time
- Replies: 12
- Views: 12198
Re: Le Franc 3hr tac time
Hi Lee, When I screened the 50-50 mix of 3/12 hr Lefranc I also brushed a test strip on the clean glass next to the drop shadow. I waited approximately 8 hr and examined the test strip. I observed a smooth layer yet it had a sort of off-white cast to it. I didn't care for that at all and almost clea...
- Thu Apr 02, 2015 10:11 pm
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: Le Franc 3hr tac time
- Replies: 12
- Views: 12198
Re: Le Franc 3hr tac time
I finally got around to taking a picture of the piece I did the experiment with screen printing a 50-50 blend of 3-hr and 12-hr Lefranc gold size (mentioned way back at the start of this thread). Below is a close up of that effort. I screened the gold size, waited for it to tack and then used a coup...
- Sat Mar 21, 2015 10:43 am
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: Le Franc 3hr tac time
- Replies: 12
- Views: 12198
Re: Le Franc 3hr tac time
My experience with Lefranc 12-hr size is that it seldom sets in anything less than 24 hours I have found that my 12-hr Luna size set reliably in 12 hrs. It also goes on very smooth and drys clear. I like it much better than the Lefranc. I do note that the only way I can get Lefranc slow size to set ...
- Sat Feb 07, 2015 12:37 am
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: Le Franc 3hr tac time
- Replies: 12
- Views: 12198
Re: Le Franc 3hr tac time
I understand Lee. I have read your wonderful post on the tests with LeFranc. I mixed them after talking with Noel Weber who I knew had done some of this kind of application. I screened it on reverse glass and used my dehydrator to reduce humidity. It did not dry clear, but had more of a milky cast t...
- Fri Jan 09, 2015 1:33 pm
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: Le Franc 3hr tac time
- Replies: 12
- Views: 12198
Re: Le Franc 3hr tac time
I have a pretty fresh (less than 1 yr) can of LaFranc 3-hr. It looks beautiful and flows nice and smooth. And almost never dries to tac in anything under 12 hours. It appears to be really sensitive to humidity, and to some extent temperature. When I put a dehumidifier near it I can get it to tac in ...
- Fri Jul 04, 2014 12:23 am
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: Thinking of venturing into the sandblasted sign business and
- Replies: 7
- Views: 6408
Re: Thinking of venturing into the sandblasted sign business and
Another thing to consider, in addition to what Larry has laid out, is the type of substrate you will sandblast. Metal. glass, wood, plastic, tile, granite, rock of various ilk, etc. are all common and used for sandblasting. The substrate can have a big impact on your equipment needs from forklifts t...
- Wed Jun 11, 2014 1:43 pm
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: Original Dead Men
- Replies: 686
- Views: 2118242
Re: Original Dead Men
Ya think maybe he's been in the saloon? Looks like the kinda place that swallows up a fella. I bet that sign blinds em on the way in an they can't find the door out ... not that they'd wanna leave ....
very nice sign by the kid. especially like the crackle finish
very nice sign by the kid. especially like the crackle finish
- Sat May 31, 2014 3:04 pm
- Forum: Letterhead Events
- Topic: California Conclave 2014!
- Replies: 15
- Views: 16066
Re: California Conclave 2014!
Finally got around to finishing the Cal-Oro butterfly. It took me a while because I became absorbed in finishing this dragon which was in flight during the Conclave. So, here is a picture of the dragon; carved and gilded kanji (Power and Chaos), Demar varnish with screen ink coloring and backed with...
- Sat May 31, 2014 3:04 pm
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: California Conclave 2014!
- Replies: 15
- Views: 16948
Re: California Conclave 2014!
Finally got around to finishing the Cal-Oro butterfly. It took me a while because I became absorbed in finishing this dragon which was in flight during the Conclave. So, here is a picture of the dragon; carved and gilded kanji (Power and Chaos), Demar varnish with screen ink coloring and backed with...
- Fri Apr 18, 2014 9:55 pm
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: Wednesday April 16 Changeover
- Replies: 12
- Views: 9971
Re: Wednesday April 16 Changeover
Amen!!
You guys rock.
Rich Hawthorne.
You guys rock.
Rich Hawthorne.
- Wed Apr 02, 2014 2:36 pm
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: Glue chipping question
- Replies: 12
- Views: 14170
Re: Glue chipping question
It is just a small electric heater with a fan. I like the small one because I can easily position it in the opening of my box. Nothing special. I think it cost me $25 at a home depot or something.
- Fri Mar 28, 2014 11:16 am
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: Glue chipping question
- Replies: 12
- Views: 14170
Re: Glue chipping question
Here in Oregon we have relatively high humidity and for much of the year cool temperatures. I tried numerous times to glue chip in that condition but it just did not work well. So, bought a dehumidifier and put a little heater in place with the glass partially enclosed in a cardboard box. Works like...
- Tue Mar 04, 2014 10:49 pm
- Forum: Letterhead Events
- Topic: California Conclave 2014!
- Replies: 15
- Views: 16066
Re: California Conclave 2014!
A couple more pictures. First up the the sign some fella's made for Daine.
As noted by Blake, we also did this cool little piece. My attempt now hangs in my shop.
After that, guess I'll work on the Buttlerfly!
Rich- Tue Mar 04, 2014 10:49 pm
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: California Conclave 2014!
- Replies: 15
- Views: 16948
Re: California Conclave 2014!
A couple more pictures. First up the the sign some fella's made for Daine.
As noted by Blake, we also did this cool little piece. My attempt now hangs in my shop.
After that, guess I'll work on the Buttlerfly!
Rich- Sat Feb 15, 2014 1:34 pm
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: La Belle Miette
- Replies: 11
- Views: 9837
Re: La Belle Miette
Wow, very nice indeed Bruce. Yep, you have very good reason to be biased. Few could do this imo. I have a quick question on the brightline with the dots. You mentioned everything was hand painted so that includes the brightline as well? I am thinking it would be very hard, if not impossible, to scre...
- Mon Dec 02, 2013 12:50 pm
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: New Guy - Returning
- Replies: 3
- Views: 2657
Re: New Guy - Returning
Hey Rob, great to see you again.
Best
Rich Hawthorne
Best
Rich Hawthorne
- Sat Oct 12, 2013 9:57 pm
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: Finished piece
- Replies: 5
- Views: 5355
Re: Finished piece
Indeed, very fine piece. Great to see your work Charlie.
- Thu Sep 26, 2013 1:51 pm
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: Studio Glass with the help of David Smith & Larry White
- Replies: 2
- Views: 2626
Re: Studio Glass with the help of David Smith & Larry White
Very nice Charlie. Looking forward to seeing that signature on it.
- Tue Aug 27, 2013 12:12 pm
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: It's Been Awhile
- Replies: 7
- Views: 6339
Re: It's Been Awhile
Nicely done. I've used W&B for years and enjoy working with Urban and Urban Jr. What a great tradition in their family and wonderful products for us. Thanks for posting. I too would love to do that piece for my private collection. I echo what Roderick has said.
Cheers!
Cheers!
- Tue Aug 20, 2013 9:41 pm
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: One from Me
- Replies: 3
- Views: 3296
Re: One from Me
Nice one Tyler. Stipple etched with variegated gold looks like to me. Is that right?
Nice shading job on the ribbon.
Nice shading job on the ribbon.
- Fri Apr 19, 2013 5:58 pm
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: Sandblasted Letter Gilding
- Replies: 12
- Views: 8897
Re: Sandblasted Letter Gilding
What kind of abrasive are you using? If it is anything other than silicon carbide it is probably dull and hence not cutting well (i.e., quickly).
- Tue Apr 16, 2013 10:12 am
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: Sandblasted Letter Gilding
- Replies: 12
- Views: 8897
Re: Sandblasted Letter Gilding
I've done it many times and normally use slow size and loose leaf rather than patent. Keep in mind that the texture of the sandblasted glass will impact the look of the gild. As Larry said, water gilding it going to be brighter but because of the sandblast texture you will not get a bright mirror fi...
- Wed Apr 10, 2013 11:31 am
- Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
- Topic: Lefranc original gold size.
- Replies: 35
- Views: 34099
Re: Lefranc original gold size.
I don't know anything about the L&B 3 hour, have always used Rolco. But I did a test in May 2012 with my "new" L&B 12 hour [sort of a tan label, "Mixtion (gold size) - 12 hours (lead free)" bought in 2010] against my "old" L&B 12 hour (yellow label) from '0...
- Tue Feb 26, 2013 1:04 pm
- Forum: Letterhead Events
- Topic: Memorial Conclave 28
- Replies: 8
- Views: 11507
Re: Memorial Conclave 28
Does anybody have anything different to say other than, "I haven't finished my project...and I don't know what Whitfield's talking about"? Well, I haven't finished my project but I did use the film positives to burn new screens. Since then I have gilded new glass, repaired the messed up s...