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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 1076 matches

by Doug Bernhardt
Mon Jun 13, 2005 8:05 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Copper Mirror questions
Replies: 18
Views: 10485

Hi Goldie and Sarah....I haven't tried any of the copper yet although have found for the most part everything is just as Sarah describes. So more to the point...... I stumbled on an old post some months ago while you were loading all the old in with the new. There was a post by Scott Rowan about how...
by Doug Bernhardt
Thu Jun 09, 2005 8:29 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: mirror making question
Replies: 7
Views: 3977

Hi Russ...does the cloudy swirl have a colour to it...as in a bluish-red rainbow...or just a mucky appearance? In my own work the clouds are usually from the sander-polisher and not a good rinse at the end. The above (or below for that matter) conversation on angel gilding applies to this as well. A...
by Doug Bernhardt
Thu Jun 09, 2005 8:22 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Angel Gilding/Mirror silvering questions
Replies: 20
Views: 15572

Tosser...okay I lied , another final addition. All the advice "since" is good. Our pal in Torquay also uses amonia and whiting as a cleaning agent. Also cerium comes in different grades and there is some very expensive stuff out there which is used to polish things like telescopic lenses.....
by Doug Bernhardt
Wed Jun 08, 2005 8:25 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Angel Gilding/Mirror silvering questions
Replies: 20
Views: 15572

Petit...you tosser...you got the instructions right and are gonna love the results!!! Angel gilding in chips is amazing....One addition however...if you are using aluminum oxide to blast with, give a real good scrubbing with lye in advance that all Lawrence has said. That will keep the silver from t...
by Doug Bernhardt
Tue Jun 07, 2005 8:59 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: On Keepin Clean
Replies: 6
Views: 4323

Okay....just an aside, Ray, you've seen me in the/my old days (or better old Daze) as the young apprentice, but at that time, everything that was handy was an eraser for that "stray" bit of a letter and became a rag.....t-shirts included. There was alot of uses for "erasers" All ...
by Doug Bernhardt
Sun Jun 05, 2005 11:35 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: size update
Replies: 8
Views: 6653

Well certainly deserves a closer look. Where and etc etc did you get this? Thanx again
by Doug Bernhardt
Sat Jun 04, 2005 10:02 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: size update
Replies: 8
Views: 6653

Hi again Dan.....Thats actually adding silicone to the size if my info/guess is correct.....it's one of those things I hate having arround the shop as once you got it in the system everything seems to get contaminated.
by Doug Bernhardt
Sat Jun 04, 2005 5:36 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: size update
Replies: 8
Views: 6653

Dan...am using Clearstar and Mann Bros. These are in no way similar to frogjuice or the 1 shot. They aren't an issue here. These are similar to a crosslinked acrylic laquer. ....and don't ask me the chemistry! Now it did stay open longer but not as cool a gild as the 24hr. Am getting the idea to put...
by Doug Bernhardt
Sat Jun 04, 2005 2:48 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: size update
Replies: 8
Views: 6653

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by Doug Bernhardt
Fri Jun 03, 2005 9:03 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: On Keepin Clean
Replies: 6
Views: 4323

When I worked for Harry Koffman I always kept a set of work shoes and shirt at the shop and changed into them each day (sort of). It was during this time I walked into the back to view something I was asked to look at just as I was about to leave for the day and blonk...stepped straight into an open...
by Doug Bernhardt
Fri Jun 03, 2005 8:49 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: size update
Replies: 8
Views: 6653

size update

Well...followed all directions below and the results were better but not as good as I had hoped. In the past I've used a 50/50 mixture of 24hr and 12hr size with great open times and an excellent gild...no patchy appearance here!! The problem was the 24 hr size is hard to get and the last few times ...
by Doug Bernhardt
Wed Jun 01, 2005 6:14 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: gold size question
Replies: 6
Views: 3749

Hi Seegar and Studdley....sized one of the many 24"HDU letters with a 50/50 mix today although I did use chrome yellow one shot to tint. I do have a set of the universal tints and will put that in the next batch. Tony....I need that vacation RIGHT NOW!! not next week or next year...but am looki...
by Doug Bernhardt
Tue May 31, 2005 9:30 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: gold size question
Replies: 6
Views: 3749

Dan...will try a test tomorrow and post results asap. Question??? and right off topic... Have you made the change to digital cameras? Am looking at a couple right now but the criteria is.....low light not too menu driven. The Konica Minolta has my eye right now as it has the image stabilizer built i...
by Doug Bernhardt
Tue May 31, 2005 8:58 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Hanging glass
Replies: 4
Views: 2872

Have seen a few with same attributes (nipped edges) hung in frames with a clever set of brackets. Not being an engineer myself,I would drill and screw this to it's surface. Glass drill bits are easy to find and the appropriate sized screws with decorative rosettes look teriffic!
by Doug Bernhardt
Tue May 31, 2005 8:37 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: gold size question
Replies: 6
Views: 3749

gold size question

Okay....have heard of and used different mixtures of size for different uses although my standard is 12hr and gild in the morning. Who has and what are your experiences with using a 50/50 mixture of lefrancs and what is the set up time like in relation to straight 12hr. Have a job to gild in the nex...
by Doug Bernhardt
Tue May 31, 2005 8:01 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: IE Explorer and Outlook Express acting up
Replies: 6
Views: 3588

Goldie...am having also with outlook express. As you can imagine I'm at a loss here especially as my wife (tech support) is out of town visiting relatives! Will let you know whatever (if anything) happens here. Till then I think there's no e-mail.
by Doug Bernhardt
Fri May 27, 2005 1:44 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: probelms with silver leaf
Replies: 1
Views: 1800

Hi Roderick...have never tried what you are doing but what I do is use the acrylic clears Mann Bros. or Clearstar to protect 12k, 16k for outdoor use. They work well (so far) Hope this was of some help.
by Doug Bernhardt
Tue May 24, 2005 6:21 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Latest Tobacco sign....
Replies: 8
Views: 5925

...and just keep sharing these little "ditties" Beautiful stuff and you are truly on to something of your own!
by Doug Bernhardt
Sat May 21, 2005 10:54 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Breaking in Brushes...
Replies: 5
Views: 4498

Personally...I always just work it in naturally. It goes sort of like...in need of a new brush...wash out all the size in thinners with a rag....dip it into the paint.... Work it out for a moment or 2 and let it find it's edge, if it doesn't work well, start from washing it out again and then get to...
by Doug Bernhardt
Wed May 11, 2005 8:16 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Hardener in Dekor?
Replies: 14
Views: 10137

Hi all.....the magic brush is actually a jewellers brush. As to where to get them etc, haven't a clue. Jordan gave/sold me one last fall and use it everytime now. He uses whiting or calcium carbonate as a cleanser but I haven't actually noticed a difference (vs. bonami)...just smudge on a bit and pa...
by Doug Bernhardt
Tue May 10, 2005 7:20 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Intro & Questions (about Screen Printing) mj
Replies: 8
Views: 5560

Hi Doug...am sure you'll find by doing a quick search on this site that all you dream of doing in glass is BEST done with screens. All you need is some dekkor back-up and away you go!
Best of luck
by Doug Bernhardt
Sat May 07, 2005 11:41 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Spinnits
Replies: 4
Views: 3514

Hi...mine is a home made version from about 10 years or so back. Is a thimble with a stove bolt through it....foam rubber from a sft sponge attached to the end and jewellers velvet over all that. Have made quite a few others over the years, of different sizes and needing different effects and in the...
by Doug Bernhardt
Thu Mar 24, 2005 9:20 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: I've Waited Long Enough! (Angel Gild / tinning)
Replies: 4
Views: 3055

Have been having a ball reading some of the old posts....boy, there is a ton of great info here. I'm wondering, also, that if Robare's question was resolved. I have doubled tinned in the past with the "matt" or just a plain crappy gild resulting.
by Doug Bernhardt
Tue Mar 22, 2005 10:19 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Need help quick....(glass signs)
Replies: 10
Views: 5000

a quick P.S.

...should have added that I also "heard" that the clear is just non-pigmented medium/carrier.
by Doug Bernhardt
Tue Mar 22, 2005 10:16 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Need help quick....(glass signs)
Replies: 10
Views: 5000

Hi Mike and Jeff... Well, was thinking the same thing, that the one shot clear was a good idea...although again I ain't got a heap of experience with it. Have used all the products Goldie has mentioned with good results. The hardener used carefully is very good stuff. At Memorial Conclave this winte...
by Doug Bernhardt
Tue Mar 22, 2005 8:54 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Need help quick....(glass signs)
Replies: 10
Views: 5000

Hi Doug and Mike
I also would concider a drop or 3 of hardner in the size although don't have any experience with air brush on glass. There was an article quite recently in sign business where Dave McDonald and John Studden screened a blend from colour to clear on glass...might be worth a peek.
by Doug Bernhardt
Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:22 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Memorial Conclave?
Replies: 12
Views: 8429

Hi Ray.....am just trying to get back into the swing and shake off a little of that jet lag. I also was hoping for a few photo's and news via others. All and all was a terrific weekend with a reasonably sized crowd...no fingers or lives were lost but lots of gold layed and many late nights spent. Se...
by Doug Bernhardt
Sat Jan 29, 2005 9:58 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Rick Glawson demonstrating Angel Gilding
Replies: 9
Views: 6352

Thanx for the video Mike....takes me back especially at this time of year.
by Doug Bernhardt
Sat Oct 30, 2004 11:07 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: PhotoShop Lettering
Replies: 6
Views: 5087

Hi John....I just finished taking the Butler workshop in Chicago and aside from being a blast the learning curve was huge. I wouldn't pretend to answer( or try for that matter) your immediate questions but only add that for a guy (me) that has almost no computer experience, these things are becoming...
by Doug Bernhardt
Thu Sep 16, 2004 8:02 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Frank Atkinson pages begun
Replies: 8
Views: 7085

Yes Ray....i also wonder what he might have thought.....and I wish he were arround to see it all. Not unlike Stephen Parrish and the pages Goldie has put together so well. I have only seen the repro books and never had my eyes let alone hands on any of the originals...and probably a good idea for th...