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 337 matches

by joe cieslowski
Wed Nov 20, 2013 10:24 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: New guy here
Replies: 2
Views: 2816

Re: New guy here

Welcome Eric from the other coast.

Joe
by joe cieslowski
Thu Nov 14, 2013 9:53 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: 40th Annual International Letterheads Las Vegas NV 2015
Replies: 9
Views: 8667

Re: 40th Annual International Letterheads Las Vegas NV 2015

That's one I won't miss!

Let me know if there is any way I can help.

Joe
by joe cieslowski
Thu Nov 14, 2013 9:53 am
Forum: Letterhead Events
Topic: 40th Annual International Letterheads Las Vegas NV 2015
Replies: 9
Views: 11120

Re: 40th Annual International Letterheads Las Vegas NV 2015

That's one I won't miss!

Let me know if there is any way I can help.

Joe
by joe cieslowski
Mon Sep 09, 2013 10:16 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Advice
Replies: 6
Views: 4893

Re: Advice

When I worked in a pattern shop we always used bees wax for fillets.......and then the pattern was coated out with lacquer. No problem.

And you can use enamels over lacquer.

Of course lacquer isn't an exterior coating.

This advice is worth what you paid for it. :wink:

joe
by joe cieslowski
Sun May 19, 2013 6:43 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Wood prep
Replies: 1
Views: 2194

Re: Wood prep

The wood prep would depend on what kind of finish you are looking for? Paint? Stain? Clear?

The kind of wood matters too. Pine? Redwood? Cedar? Mahogany? Plywood?

If it's a flat sign, metal or plywood would work best.

Joe
by joe cieslowski
Mon May 13, 2013 8:03 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Surface gild failure.......any ideas??
Replies: 5
Views: 4582

Re: Surface gild failure.......any ideas??

Kent,

The brand is Golden..... "made with 100% Acrylic Dispersion Polymer"

Thanks,

Joe
by joe cieslowski
Fri May 10, 2013 11:23 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Surface gild failure.......any ideas??
Replies: 5
Views: 4582

Re: Surface gild failure.......any ideas??

I suspect you are right Doug. I believe the hardner is the culprit. Bill, the size seems to be sticking well to the 1shot......it's the 2 together that is causing the shrinkage (I think you can see the wrinkled paint in the picture.....I tint my primer gray) Now that I typed that, it may be that the...
by joe cieslowski
Thu May 09, 2013 10:03 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Surface gild failure.......any ideas??
Replies: 5
Views: 4582

Surface gild failure.......any ideas??

I'm getting this failure all to often........... This is 20lb HDU primed with Jay Cook high build primer.......3 coats.....6..6..and 12 hrs dry time between coats with a de-humidifier blowing air over it. I then sand with 220 grit paper (the primer never "balls up") and then I scuff with a...
by joe cieslowski
Wed Apr 24, 2013 10:28 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Is this gold or what?
Replies: 2
Views: 2806

Re: Is this gold or what?

Thanks for the tip........it burned right up = composition.

It is pretty stuff tho.

Thanks again,

Joe
by joe cieslowski
Tue Apr 23, 2013 4:04 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Is this gold or what?
Replies: 2
Views: 2806

Is this gold or what?

Out of the blue, I was sent a book of 23k patent leaf (Manetti) and a half book of something that looks like gold......there are no labels. It measures 5 1/2"x5 1/2" and it's thicker......it can be handled easily in my hands. Both are quiet old but there is no signs of tarnish in the large...
by joe cieslowski
Mon Apr 01, 2013 10:03 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Jameson Whiskey Limited Edition Bottle and glass
Replies: 11
Views: 9804

Re: Jameson Whiskey Limited Edition Bottle and glass

Thanks Dave!

Just as awesome as usual.

Joe
by joe cieslowski
Sun Mar 03, 2013 1:11 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: St. George Lighthouse Project.
Replies: 8
Views: 6187

Re: St. George Lighthouse Project.

Glad I was able to help in some small way Bob! We'll talk at the Bamma meet.

What a great looking project.......one to be very proud of!!!

Hope you can reel in a few more like it.

Thanks for sharing.

Joe
by joe cieslowski
Mon Feb 11, 2013 1:46 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Insurance Rant
Replies: 5
Views: 3926

Re: Insurance Rant

Nope.......i never thought of it that way.

Hmmmmmmmmm

Doesn't UPS insure your package for $100 for free?

Joe
by joe cieslowski
Mon Feb 11, 2013 12:50 pm
Forum: Letterhead Events
Topic: Memorial Conclave 28
Replies: 8
Views: 11255

Re: Memorial Conclave 28

How does one get an invitation to this meet?

Joe
by joe cieslowski
Mon Feb 11, 2013 12:50 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Memorial Conclave 28
Replies: 8
Views: 7418

Re: Memorial Conclave 28

How does one get an invitation to this meet?

Joe
by joe cieslowski
Sat Feb 09, 2013 6:59 pm
Forum: Hand Lettering Gallery
Topic: Photos from Readers
Replies: 8
Views: 10821

Re: NEW!: POSTING PHOTOS on this new Forum

OK, I think I have this resizing thing together.......

I'll try a step x step soon.

Joe
by joe cieslowski
Sat Feb 09, 2013 6:59 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Photos from Readers
Replies: 8
Views: 14907

Re: NEW!: POSTING PHOTOS on this new Forum

OK, I think I have this resizing thing together.......

I'll try a step x step soon.

Joe
by joe cieslowski
Sat Feb 09, 2013 2:29 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Once again, THANKS to the Colorado Letterheads
Replies: 12
Views: 8980

Re: Once again, THANKS to the Colorado Letterheads

Big thanks to Kent and the Denver Letterheads (Mike Jackson and the mods. too).

This site does make a difference.

Joe
by joe cieslowski
Wed Feb 06, 2013 9:26 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: "Flash Time"??
Replies: 4
Views: 3643

Re: "Flash Time"??

"ALL" ???????? :(

Joe
by joe cieslowski
Tue Feb 05, 2013 10:43 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Lincoln Highway mural number 27 - Mokena, IL
Replies: 8
Views: 5529

Re: Lincoln Highway mural number 27 - Mokena, IL

Jay,

I've followed all of these and I continue to be blown away with the quality of design and workmanship you exhibit.

Congratulations my friend!

Joe
by joe cieslowski
Tue Feb 05, 2013 10:35 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: "Flash Time"??
Replies: 4
Views: 3643

Re: "Flash Time"??

Thanks Noel,

In practice, I've done exactly what you describe. However, this is the first time I've heard the term "flash" used to describe the time when the size reaches the correct tack.

I guess I'm still learning.......Thank You!

Joe
by joe cieslowski
Mon Feb 04, 2013 3:42 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: "Flash Time"??
Replies: 4
Views: 3643

"Flash Time"??

In a previous thread, it was stated that the "Flash time was overnight" in refrence to size drying. I've been gilding (in the dark?) for about 35 years and never heard this term. Does "Flash" mean the size is ready for gilding? On the other hand, I recently followed a thread on a...
by joe cieslowski
Thu Jan 31, 2013 3:15 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: The Future of Hand Painted lettering with Gold Leaf
Replies: 16
Views: 12283

Re: The Future of Hand Painted lettering with Gold Leaf

Excellent points Mike. There are a lot more skill sets doing glass work as well. I've never contemplated even trying it, never mind selling it. Except for an occasional street number on an old building, gold on glass is non-existant around here. Tough to sell something people are not familiar with. ...
by joe cieslowski
Thu Jan 31, 2013 10:21 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: The Future of Hand Painted lettering with Gold Leaf
Replies: 16
Views: 12283

Re: The Future of Hand Painted lettering with Gold Leaf

In New England, the carved and gilded sign is a part of everyday life. It has been throughout our history.

I don't see that changing at all. 90% of the signs I carve are gilded.

On the other hand, window work is rare. It's not the cost. If people don't see it, they don't ask for it.

Joe
by joe cieslowski
Wed Jan 23, 2013 2:39 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Current clients looking for Gold-leaf signs
Replies: 9
Views: 6714

Re: Current clients looking for Gold-leaf signs

I make hand carved home and property markers. All incised numbers and letters. I make about 200+ of these signs each year and almost all are gilded with gold and a small percentage want aluminum leaf. I also make about 20 different decorative ornaments for the signs. All are pierced reliefs and they...
by joe cieslowski
Fri Jan 11, 2013 2:32 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: New brush quality?
Replies: 5
Views: 4821

Re: New brush quality?

I removed my incorrect advise.

Joe
by joe cieslowski
Thu Dec 20, 2012 11:32 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Price of Gold Leaf
Replies: 14
Views: 10915

Re: Price of Gold Leaf

Here is my invoice from my last order from Weights of Lymm....prices in pounds...10/16/12 20 23.5ct Extra Thick Gold Leaf Transfer unit price 19.45 net 389 2 23ct Loose gold Leaf unit price 16.15 net 32.30 Carriage and packing charge 35.00 Total net Amount 456.3 Then they gave me a 56.40 refund?????...
by joe cieslowski
Sat Dec 15, 2012 4:04 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Fast Gold Size
Replies: 19
Views: 14746

Re: Fast Gold Size

I've posted this on other threads and I'll do it again. To keep your size or any other paint from skinning over..........don't open it!!!! :) I just put a sheet metal screw in the lid near the edge (use one with a hex head). Tilt the can over in one hand and remove the screw and squeeze out the amou...