I am not sure about new formulas, I know Rick was experimenting with opticlaly clear resins and adhesives, including UV cure, but with mixed results. The formula you are using is traditional and has some specific reasons for each component. The quick rubbing ovbviously is for curing the mixture. The...

I use GripGuard Clear with the Brush/Roll hardener, not spray, which helps with safety due to not atomizing. However, the fume is still isocianate and protection is needed. Not suited for a shop without safety ventilation or oxygen supplied respiration. The acrylics as good for most purposes althoug...

The ClearStar Coatings solvent based acrylic clear jet, not aerosol, is similar in formulation to the Chromatic acrylic. (ClearShield is waterbased) Actually an improvement to our original formula by Steve himself. One improvement is better brushability, still not the same as enamel or resin varnish.

yes

Nice fine work.

What I have had the best luck with is the clear acrylics as the solvents do not have sulfur in them. Two component urethanes also work well of course. While acrylics are not as brushable as varnish or enamel, not adding a tarnish agent is worth it.

I agree with Mike. We went through quite an experience getting permission to use a railroad herald for a long since defunct road. The issue was that Union Pacific now owns not only the right of way but the rights to all railroads, their images and their heralds that ever used the trackage. This was ...

Victor and her brother are taking care of arrangements. I would not be certain that they are getting her mail at this time. Once I hear more from Victor, Janice or John Eckman, I will post it here.

http://www.theletterheads.com/signphotos/lola.jpg Photo sent by Rick Sacks Photo inserted to this thread by administrator. Just got word from Yoder that Lola passed away this morning at 11AM. She had been in and out of the hospital for the last few weeks and had been in a private rehab home. Her br...

I agree with Dave, the blending looks best when done with a brush and you can work it on glass until it looks good. Besides, the final appearance is more traditional which is best for restoration or reproduction. For those who have not done this type of blend before, you can place a mirror so that y...

The mica ranges from powder to about 1/8" flakes specifically for acid etching. The stock I have is from Glawson but it is available from Letterhead Sign Supply too. I have also found it in old art stores. Note that it is reusable as it does not breakdown in the acid. The acid can become "...

Nicely worded instructions and warning. Thanks for that. Good clear photos of the process as well.

Setup depends upon the size of the dome. Last ones I did were relatively small and I could reach them from a work basket on a sign crane. I have worked on a large dome, many years ago from a boatswain's seat swung from the eye at the top, working around the dome instead of vertically. Although sq ft...

Sacrifice Saturday? Looks like Tuesday was sacrificed for sanity?

The HF interrupted looks good for 30 minutes.

You might explain the red as well as mica for the uninitiated.

Thanks for sharing.

Rick and I talked alot about the cast letters and I did some research which led me to the Rhona Company in NJ. They are long since gone but we experimented with kiln firing gold chloride onto flat glass with the same appearance, including color. My uncle used to do slump glass with gold chloride fir...

They are spectacular creatures aren't they? I can see why my grandfather liked them much better than the home bred horses.

Looks like you are getting the hang of Dreamweaver too, which so far is escaping me.

I don't know about scratching but I have chipped many times without blasting. I use a mask, pour then cut the glue to the mask if it happens to flow over. I consitantly get a great snail chip with this process. Sometimes I get a clear spot or two but I find that usually the glass has enough tiny scr...

I have had good luck using amonia and pumice or cleanser or Bon Ami. The amonia seems to be enough to lift the balance of the remaining resin, which is usually what you see, not color so much.

I agree with Danny and that was my point. As I said, I am all for using technology when you can. Dad was always experimenting with screens and maskants to make the work more profitable so I consider experimenting and inventing ways to make the work easier, tradition. My thought also was to mention t...

I might add that every project has steps that you follow to completion, even with vinyl; design, cut, weed, mask, apply. I cannot over emphasize the concept of mastering each of the steps in the process, completely and by themselves. Once you do that, you will clearly see which to do first in a more...

Did you use a mask when painting the black or cut in? It looks crisp and I am for using technology whenever possible.

Nice finished product.

Thanks Pat for sharing so much and clearing up some of my faulty memory. I really only met Dean a few times but could tell how great a guy he was. Much like Rick, he made everyone feel like they were his new best friends.

Great viscometer Pat. Mine has been the app bottle sometimes. I use medical irrigation bottles so the stem is consistant for flow. Also, I agree completely about the warm glass, especially superior flow-out. I find now with radient heat in the shop, all the surfaces are warm and consequently so is t...

The only time I had a mold problem was when I acciently left the heat on real low for a couple of days which obviously promoted the growth. I have even stored it in the application bottles I use with no problem.

That depends upon how dried out it is. I add small amounts and heat until it gets to a gelatinous state, then add just enough to gain liquidity. This only works in a pot, not microwave.

We all went up to Dean's home in the Pasadena Hills, straight up the 110 highway from Rick's, at a couple of the early Conclaves. He was a great and gracious host. He had raced motorcycles and had some classics to see, including an Indian racing bike in the living room and a shed full of others. He ...

And Happy New Year to you all.

Kelly, that is from the Ames Compendium which many of us have. What resolution do you desire?

Well stated Mike and Danny...and isn't it great to have such resources as a result of Letterheads. We all know each other and have met so many teachers because of the meets and our intercommunicating which is a direct result of the passion of the original 7.

Glad to hear of your visit and that you actually got to see her. I call periodically but don't leave a message if she is not there because I don't want her to feel obligated to call me. Except for the expected Rhumatoid Arthritis issues, she sounds well over the phone so I am glad to hear a first ha...

Whew that was long and I must admit I did not memorize all the points. However, I think there is a difference between an open Letterhead meet and a Letterhead hosted workshop/seminar. They define themselves and charging a fair fee for a workshop/semiar is reasonable and certainly not out of line to ...