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.

Search found 569 matches

by Kent Smith
Mon Apr 30, 2012 9:24 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Sign supplier in Denver
Replies: 12
Views: 7388

Re: Sign supplier in Denver

No one carries Ronan that I know of in the Denver area, mostly 1Shot. Try Midwest Sign & Screen Printing Supply, Denco Sales or HR Meinninger Art Supplies but brush selection is minimal.
by Kent Smith
Sun Apr 29, 2012 8:57 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Rawson & Evans Railway & Steamship Catalog
Replies: 1
Views: 2125

Re: Rawson & Evans Railway & Steamship Catalog

Our railroad museum could use one of these to ensure accurate restorations. It sure is interesting how much glass was used for so many different purposes and so much of it is now lost and broken. Too bad so much plastic is used now instead.
by Kent Smith
Fri Feb 10, 2012 12:01 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Thanks again to the Denver Chapter of Letterheads!
Replies: 1
Views: 1643

Re: Thanks again to the Denver Chapter of Letterheads!

It is an honor to support this important site.
by Kent Smith
Wed Jan 25, 2012 11:13 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: thinner for slow size to airbrush ?....
Replies: 6
Views: 4630

Re: thinner for slow size to airbrush ?....

There are many grades of mineral spirits commonly called thinner. Pure "white" spirits are rarely found for sale in the US and to my recollection only produced here by Union 76 although it would appear that Shell might be making it again. Since 76 is part of Conoco-Phillips now they may ha...
by Kent Smith
Tue Jan 17, 2012 12:16 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Kick off event for KCLAX - Kansas City Letter Arts Exchange
Replies: 1
Views: 1717

Re: Kick off event for KCLAX - Kansas City Letter Arts Exchange

Thanks for posting. Keep us informed. KC has always been a great handlettering town.
by Kent Smith
Sat Jan 14, 2012 12:17 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Big Daddy ED Roth
Replies: 2
Views: 2427

Re: Big Daddy ED Roth

The last paragraph says it all. I am glad to see an interest in preservation too.
by Kent Smith
Sun Jan 08, 2012 8:14 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Silvering with Hand Held Triger Sprayers
Replies: 67
Views: 48679

Re: Silvering with Hand Held Triger Sprayers

One issue we isolated some years ago at Chromatic was a consistent source of tarnishing with clears and other coatings. The variable is in the solvents. Many petroleum based solvents such as mineral spirits contain significant quantities of sulfur. Most automotive grade two component urethanes and m...
by Kent Smith
Wed Dec 14, 2011 11:47 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Miniature Signs in HO Scale
Replies: 2
Views: 2261

Re: Miniature Signs in HO Scale

Nice.

Also check out the Greeley Freight Station Museum here in town, many youtube videos available. They have the longest HO mainline anywhere with great scenery and signs too.
by Kent Smith
Sun Oct 30, 2011 9:46 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Who Made This ?
Replies: 3
Views: 2961

Re: Who Made This ?

Boy, I don't even remember the piece.
by Kent Smith
Sat Oct 15, 2011 10:29 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: No news?
Replies: 87
Views: 86688

Re: No news?

The news is that with the slow economy here in Northern Colorado, we have been barely getting enough small, boring jobs to keep the bills paid. The reality is that in order to have enough income, we have taken on an over-abundance of tiny jobs which keeps us more busy than when we have a few good pr...
by Kent Smith
Wed Oct 05, 2011 2:01 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Gilding incised lettering in stone
Replies: 5
Views: 4194

Re: Gilding incised lettering in stone

The cuttle bone technique works very well and does not leave a scratch in the polished surface. A blade does not always scratch but it can. Seal with size is preferable as it will soak into the porosity where enamel will bridge.
by Kent Smith
Tue Sep 06, 2011 9:39 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: A Few Photos
Replies: 10
Views: 7375

Re: A Few Photos

I agree and it would be nice to share some of the methods used on these.
by Kent Smith
Tue Sep 06, 2011 9:39 pm
Forum: Hand Lettering Gallery
Topic: A Few Photos
Replies: 10
Views: 11007

Re: A Few Photos

I agree and it would be nice to share some of the methods used on these.
by Kent Smith
Thu Aug 18, 2011 9:54 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: How and where to sell gold leaf skewings?
Replies: 4
Views: 4163

Re: How and where to sell gold leaf skewings?

Check with W&B Gold Leaf, at least they are in US.
by Kent Smith
Sat Aug 13, 2011 5:59 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Keith Knecht's Farewell Celebration
Replies: 5
Views: 4753

Re: Keith Knecht's Farewell Celebration

Keith and I traveled together many times and shared a lot of history. He is a man of honor and dignity who has brought joy to all who have spent time in his aura. I will sit down this evening to pen some thoughts to send to Bruce to share. I hope everyone will do the same. By the way, the cobbled to...
by Kent Smith
Fri Jul 29, 2011 6:53 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Harry Malicoat
Replies: 12
Views: 9993

Re: Harry Malicoat

So sad and shocking. Saw Ric and Harry in April. Often came by when he was in Colo. He was the best.
by Kent Smith
Sun Jul 24, 2011 10:12 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: A flash from the past: Pencil Hardness Scale
Replies: 7
Views: 5846

Re: A flash from the past: Pencil Hardness Scale

Ah, drafting class with Mr. Landon. Lining pens and Speedball for our lettering, no templates allowed. Good thing I had some background with Dad's pens and Speedball book. I still have my board, t-square, triangles, scale, compass and liner set, and most of the harder lead pencils. I also have in my...
by Kent Smith
Fri Jun 24, 2011 12:24 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Glass Gilding Freezer Window
Replies: 8
Views: 5218

Re: Glass Gilding Freezer Window

As I think about it, the other concern would be to have all of the size and paints/varnishes totally dry before cranking up the freezer.
by Kent Smith
Sat Jun 18, 2011 4:30 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Glass Gilding Freezer Window
Replies: 8
Views: 5218

Re: Glass Gilding Freezer Window

Once done, the temperature should not be an issue any more than windows subject to sub-zero temperatures from outside. The issue I would be concerned about would be condensation migrating under the gild and freezing it off like any high humidity situation such as a beauty shop. Waterproof sealing wo...
by Kent Smith
Tue Apr 26, 2011 8:28 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Applying abalone on a curved surface
Replies: 3
Views: 2788

Re: Applying abalone on a curved surface

Warm it up, best by dipping in boiling water. Quick Gel super glue so you can slide the pieces together. Dry fit them first and you can trim the pieces while warm with manicure scissors.
by Kent Smith
Mon Apr 25, 2011 10:16 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Bob Fitzgerald
Replies: 1
Views: 1867

Re: Bob Fitzgerald

While I don't actually know the current status, the last time I visited Bob and Helen, he planned to just fade away. He felt at the time that since he had built up a particular business and clientele, no one could take over and keep his legacy alive. He had been scaling back for many years but I was...
by Kent Smith
Mon Apr 25, 2011 10:11 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: abalone train
Replies: 5
Views: 3887

Re: abalone train

Rarity seems to boost the price someone will pay beyond any realistic intrinsic value.
by Kent Smith
Sun Apr 03, 2011 5:27 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Light Box chipping table
Replies: 26
Views: 23567

Re: Light Box chipping table

Makes me think of the racks at Western Sandblast that had a gas burner under a metal reverse pan at the bottom. Warm all the time.
by Kent Smith
Tue Mar 08, 2011 1:11 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Question about Fine Gold Sign Co.
Replies: 6
Views: 4425

Re: Question about Fine Gold Sign Co.

An we lost him 8 years ago on March 10
by Kent Smith
Tue Mar 08, 2011 10:07 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Question about Fine Gold Sign Co.
Replies: 6
Views: 4425

Re: Question about Fine Gold Sign Co.

F.Glawson Studio De Lettres was started on May 4, 1972 which later became Fine Gold Sign Company. Esoteric grew out of there and although Rick was selling supplies when we met in 1983, he formed Esoteric with Lola in 1986.
by Kent Smith
Sat Mar 05, 2011 10:08 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Another newbie
Replies: 16
Views: 8546

Re: Another newbie

Welcome. Nothing has been planned for this year yet. We try to get together at least every other year, typically Memorial Day or Labor Day, either at my place, Denver or Ft. Collins... or at Joe and Ingrid's in Conifer. I have done a couple jobs in Montrose in the past year and have cousins there as...
by Kent Smith
Sun Feb 13, 2011 11:12 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Steve Parrish Video
Replies: 2
Views: 2614

Re: Steve Parrish Video

We were all younger then. I have more footage of Steven from Moore in '82 and KC in '83, just most on old VHS and have had trouble transferring. Much of it did not have clear sound due to the many onlookers. Mike would remember but Kuralt's crew shot many more hours of film. I have a friend who was ...
by Kent Smith
Sun Feb 13, 2011 10:57 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: GoldLeaf workshop Feb 2011 Noah Moore
Replies: 14
Views: 8783

Re: GoldLeaf workshop Feb 2011 Noah Moore

It is always great to work one-on-one and learn as much as you teach. Classic style.
by Kent Smith
Wed Jan 26, 2011 5:47 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Are you an S-Corp.
Replies: 4
Views: 2772

Re: Are you an S-Corp.

Remember that the self-employment tax is the same percentage as employer (corp) and individual added together so you have no savings there. According to my accountant, LLC's are audited less than S-Corp's and ours functions as a corp. We also are a multi-member though all family, not just one indivi...
by Kent Smith
Wed Jan 26, 2011 12:10 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: WHERE TO ORDER LEAF?
Replies: 8
Views: 4903

Re: WHERE TO ORDER LEAF?

I agree, Sepp, W&B, Easy Leaf and Art Essentials are all small family owned/operated and care about their customers. I don't have enough info or track record for Golden Leaf or imports from China to have an opinion. In the past, I have had calls about how to fix leaf that has dark spots or strea...