I was reading about this in Sign Painting Course by E.C. Matthews. He mentioned a Krystal Kote from Dick Blick too but I could not find that on their site. I saw a picture of a surface treated with this in an old Popular Mechanic, too. It looked like when you saw ice crystals forming in the microsco...

Hats off to you for a job well done, Bob!

One question. Does step 4 mean the mat parts or are you doing some other process with the size?

Got it!

Both were visited by Winky!!!

Ohhhh... The suspense is killing me!

My experience is limited but here is my simple rules-of-thumb...

1. Don't use the same type of paint on top of each other(especially LACQUER).

2. Water based doesn't interact with anything that has dried.

Plenty of exceptions I am sure, but works for me.

I like the flow of your lettering, Roderick.
Is Paua Brocade same as mother of pearl? What do you use for size?

I like E. C. Matthews's books cause they are simply written and he makes you feel like you can do it. This might be a no-no but I found these free downloadable books: How to Paint Signs and Sho Cards E. C. Matthews http://www.archive.org/details/howtopaintsignss00matt The Master Painter (1907) http:...

Some of you fellas set up a dvd recorder and make some extra$$$!

Let's hope they do it, Bill.

Cooool!
Were you inspired by something in particular? They all look familiar. Maybe just similar to carnival signs...

I'm goin ta call it finished... It is not up to the standards of the Letter Heads but I have learned a lot! I notice more people turning their heads to look at it since doing the stippled silver. It kind of glows :D :cry: I don't have any software for resizing pictures so I had to take the lowest qu...

Beautiful!
Does it say "gilding and silvering"?
Is the silver done chemically or leaf?
What did you use for your stipple on the gold?

Thanks for your indulgence,
David Slade

Now the VW pic came up! Slow internet... Sorry!
David
And I am looking forward to the French view point on thing Jean!
Welcome from Japan!

That looks like a nicely lettered 32 Ford rear end to me!
FLATHEADS FOREVER!!!
David

Well, I finally got around to doing this sign last week. I still plan to add a stipple silver outline to set it off against the dark background.
Thank you to all of the great fellas that gave me advice!!!
David Slade

You got me scared now, Scott. I better try the blue silver today. I got it from a place called Sankichi.
Did you buy the Rolco over here?

I appreciate the help fellas! Doug, could you explain a little more... Use surface size for the stars??? I wanted a better mirror like finish than size can give. I probly missed your point completely... Kent, the blue silver IS very brittle. I double triple checked that it is real silver tho. I was ...

Kent, Sorry about the confusion. BLUE SILVER: The blue silver leaf is silver leaf that has been heated so it turns blue. I bought it here in Japan. I am attaching a picture of it. CUT OUT STARS: After water-gilding the glass with blue leaf, before backing up, I plan to use a razor and stencil to cut...

I am planning to gild a glass door with the pattern of the blue part of the US flag. The sign will be 3 big Japanese characters, not letters, lined up vertically. Nice fat lines. I plan to water gild with blue colored pure silver then cut out the stars and guild plain silver over the cut outs. After...

This one bubbled up through the murk... What if you put clear varnish on the back of the plexiglas. Spray silicone, or Scotch-guard onto a piece of sandpaper. About 80 or 60 grit?? When the varnish gels, press the sandpaper onto the varnish with a roller. Remove the sandpaper and allow to dry. Paint...

I stopped using Outlook because you are downloading programs into your computer with that kind of mail editing software. I check, write and send all e-mails from my server's site or use the Yahoo mail. Just to be sure I also went back to using my old G4 Apple for the internet! What do you-all do for...

Living overseas I have imported gobs of stuff; a car, motorcycles, Atkinson Sign Painting...
1. I do not usually buy if I cannot contact the seller directly on the phone.
2. I always ask lots of questions.
These two simple steps can save a lot of sorrow.

David Slade

That's classy! You will probably see some flattery copies of that idea pretty soon.
Pieces of brass or thin coper plate trimmed to style and tacked over the corners with small round head nails might give a nice old fashioned look...
David Slade

Looks like you were a pretty good bike rider before you stopped! Tour de France???
I can't answer your question because I am new...
Nice work on the car though!
David

Both are equally beautiful! I agree with Mr. White.

Is it all carved from wood? What kind? By hand??

Begging your indulgence,
David Slade

Thanks Sarah,
Did not know it was brass.
Gold is so expensive.
Is there a good, cheap, gold-like alternative for hobby projects?

David

This looks to be metal, not vinyl, and comes in books just like genuine gold.
Has anyone used it?
Any opinions?

David Slade

Hi Mike, The duel saw is impressive on the site! with wood I think you would not have a problem with it. Seems like the teeth might clog up after a while though. That aside, for the slot shown, I would try a small diameter router bit. Clamp a piece of wood as a guide and that would make a nice strai...

Hi Mike and Mark, What is MDO? As for the carbide wheel, cut against the rotation and start slow so it can heat the metal a little first. It can kind of melt its way through the cut. David PS The first thing my machine shop teacher told me was, "Everything you can do with those machines you can...

Looks like the same aluminum box but a little cheaper (149 usd) here: http://www.pacificcoastsignsupply.com/catalog/paint_accessories.htm These wood boxes might be usable?? This one has a slide out work surface. (79.99 usd) http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94538 This ...

There is an origami paper cup on this site: http://www.origami-club.com/fun/cup/index.htm Click on the purple oval to the right to see an animation of how to make it. The orange oval to the left shows the instructions for how to make it. I have seen people make and drink out of these but I have neve...