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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 52 matches

by Rich Hawthorne
Sat Mar 31, 2018 11:48 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: My letters scratch away when i try copper glassgilding
Replies: 11
Views: 10166

Re: My letters scratch away when i try copper glassgilding

Water gilded copper leaf is nearly impossible in my experience. Here is a piece I water gilded copper on about three years ago. It is a lousy gild with lots of cracks and areas which would not burnish flat because the copper leaf is so thick. To get a smooth mirror finish I had to get a leaf down wi...
by Rich Hawthorne
Tue Apr 25, 2017 11:16 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Desperate for info!
Replies: 3
Views: 4335

Re: Desperate for info!

Better yet, try a cerium oxide paste and scrub the gilding surface with it. IMO that will work as well or better than Bon Ami - I still use BA though! Otherwise, it is likely that there is some vapor trapped under the backup which is trying to release to the surface and is blocked by the backup. Hen...
by Rich Hawthorne
Mon Feb 20, 2017 1:17 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: 1 shot thinning
Replies: 6
Views: 10173

Re: 1 shot thinning

I use the 1-shot low temp reducer whenever I thin 1-shot paint for air brushing. I've also used mineral spirits but I find that white spirits works very well to break up clots and thin the paint. I never put it into the can unless it has turned to sludge and I am attempting to save some of the paint...
by Rich Hawthorne
Thu Jan 14, 2016 11:35 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Flashed Glass
Replies: 2
Views: 2964

Re: Flashed Glass

I agree with Vance, the only real way to tell is to look from the edge. I have a stash of flash glass and after careful examination I found that one side was smooth and the other had some texture to it. I examined every piece and found that the smooth side was always the color side. I got all this g...
by Rich Hawthorne
Tue Nov 03, 2015 12:10 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Spray On Copper Mirrors
Replies: 5
Views: 5703

Re: Spray On Copper Mirrors

I like the idea. What about gilding/painting a design and then spray on over that. If it could be done without effecting the gild, etc.

Rich
by Rich Hawthorne
Mon Aug 17, 2015 11:14 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Glue chipping question
Replies: 12
Views: 12866

Re: Glue chipping question

Love to see your pictures of the cabinet, Terry. For me, one of the critical things is to be able to fold up and store the cabinet out of the way as floor space is critical so it cannot take up much room when not in use. So I am always interested in what people come up with for a chipping cabinet an...
by Rich Hawthorne
Sun Apr 05, 2015 12:53 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Le Franc 3hr tac time
Replies: 12
Views: 11662

Re: Le Franc 3hr tac time

Hi Lee, When I screened the 50-50 mix of 3/12 hr Lefranc I also brushed a test strip on the clean glass next to the drop shadow. I waited approximately 8 hr and examined the test strip. I observed a smooth layer yet it had a sort of off-white cast to it. I didn't care for that at all and almost clea...
by Rich Hawthorne
Thu Apr 02, 2015 10:11 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Le Franc 3hr tac time
Replies: 12
Views: 11662

Re: Le Franc 3hr tac time

I finally got around to taking a picture of the piece I did the experiment with screen printing a 50-50 blend of 3-hr and 12-hr Lefranc gold size (mentioned way back at the start of this thread). Below is a close up of that effort. I screened the gold size, waited for it to tack and then used a coup...
by Rich Hawthorne
Sat Mar 21, 2015 10:43 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Le Franc 3hr tac time
Replies: 12
Views: 11662

Re: Le Franc 3hr tac time

My experience with Lefranc 12-hr size is that it seldom sets in anything less than 24 hours I have found that my 12-hr Luna size set reliably in 12 hrs. It also goes on very smooth and drys clear. I like it much better than the Lefranc. I do note that the only way I can get Lefranc slow size to set ...
by Rich Hawthorne
Sat Feb 07, 2015 12:37 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Le Franc 3hr tac time
Replies: 12
Views: 11662

Re: Le Franc 3hr tac time

I understand Lee. I have read your wonderful post on the tests with LeFranc. I mixed them after talking with Noel Weber who I knew had done some of this kind of application. I screened it on reverse glass and used my dehydrator to reduce humidity. It did not dry clear, but had more of a milky cast t...
by Rich Hawthorne
Fri Jan 09, 2015 1:33 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Le Franc 3hr tac time
Replies: 12
Views: 11662

Re: Le Franc 3hr tac time

I have a pretty fresh (less than 1 yr) can of LaFranc 3-hr. It looks beautiful and flows nice and smooth. And almost never dries to tac in anything under 12 hours. It appears to be really sensitive to humidity, and to some extent temperature. When I put a dehumidifier near it I can get it to tac in ...
by Rich Hawthorne
Fri Jul 04, 2014 12:23 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Thinking of venturing into the sandblasted sign business and
Replies: 7
Views: 6083

Re: Thinking of venturing into the sandblasted sign business and

Another thing to consider, in addition to what Larry has laid out, is the type of substrate you will sandblast. Metal. glass, wood, plastic, tile, granite, rock of various ilk, etc. are all common and used for sandblasting. The substrate can have a big impact on your equipment needs from forklifts t...
by Rich Hawthorne
Wed Jun 11, 2014 1:43 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Original Dead Men
Replies: 686
Views: 2082253

Re: Original Dead Men

Ya think maybe he's been in the saloon? Looks like the kinda place that swallows up a fella. I bet that sign blinds em on the way in an they can't find the door out ... not that they'd wanna leave ....

very nice sign by the kid. especially like the crackle finish
by Rich Hawthorne
Sat May 31, 2014 3:04 pm
Forum: Letterhead Events
Topic: California Conclave 2014!
Replies: 15
Views: 15675

Re: California Conclave 2014!

Finally got around to finishing the Cal-Oro butterfly. It took me a while because I became absorbed in finishing this dragon which was in flight during the Conclave. So, here is a picture of the dragon; carved and gilded kanji (Power and Chaos), Demar varnish with screen ink coloring and backed with...
by Rich Hawthorne
Sat May 31, 2014 3:04 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: California Conclave 2014!
Replies: 15
Views: 16210

Re: California Conclave 2014!

Finally got around to finishing the Cal-Oro butterfly. It took me a while because I became absorbed in finishing this dragon which was in flight during the Conclave. So, here is a picture of the dragon; carved and gilded kanji (Power and Chaos), Demar varnish with screen ink coloring and backed with...
by Rich Hawthorne
Fri Apr 18, 2014 9:55 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Wednesday April 16 Changeover
Replies: 12
Views: 9200

Re: Wednesday April 16 Changeover

Amen!!

You guys rock.

Rich Hawthorne.
by Rich Hawthorne
Wed Apr 02, 2014 2:36 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Glue chipping question
Replies: 12
Views: 12866

Re: Glue chipping question

It is just a small electric heater with a fan. I like the small one because I can easily position it in the opening of my box. Nothing special. I think it cost me $25 at a home depot or something.
by Rich Hawthorne
Fri Mar 28, 2014 11:16 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Glue chipping question
Replies: 12
Views: 12866

Re: Glue chipping question

Here in Oregon we have relatively high humidity and for much of the year cool temperatures. I tried numerous times to glue chip in that condition but it just did not work well. So, bought a dehumidifier and put a little heater in place with the glass partially enclosed in a cardboard box. Works like...
by Rich Hawthorne
Tue Mar 04, 2014 10:49 pm
Forum: Letterhead Events
Topic: California Conclave 2014!
Replies: 15
Views: 15675

Re: California Conclave 2014!

A couple more pictures. First up the the sign some fella's made for Daine.
CC201400-w.jpg
CC201400-w.jpg (51.25 KiB) Viewed 25597 times
As noted by Blake, we also did this cool little piece. My attempt now hangs in my shop.
CC201413-w.jpg
CC201413-w.jpg (54.45 KiB) Viewed 25583 times
After that, guess I'll work on the Buttlerfly!
CC201414-w.jpg
CC201414-w.jpg (64.95 KiB) Viewed 25595 times
Rich
by Rich Hawthorne
Tue Mar 04, 2014 10:49 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: California Conclave 2014!
Replies: 15
Views: 16210

Re: California Conclave 2014!

A couple more pictures. First up the the sign some fella's made for Daine.
CC201400-w.jpg
CC201400-w.jpg (51.25 KiB) Viewed 16649 times
As noted by Blake, we also did this cool little piece. My attempt now hangs in my shop.
CC201413-w.jpg
CC201413-w.jpg (54.45 KiB) Viewed 16635 times
After that, guess I'll work on the Buttlerfly!
CC201414-w.jpg
CC201414-w.jpg (64.95 KiB) Viewed 16647 times
Rich
by Rich Hawthorne
Sat Feb 15, 2014 1:34 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: La Belle Miette
Replies: 11
Views: 9327

Re: La Belle Miette

Wow, very nice indeed Bruce. Yep, you have very good reason to be biased. Few could do this imo. I have a quick question on the brightline with the dots. You mentioned everything was hand painted so that includes the brightline as well? I am thinking it would be very hard, if not impossible, to scre...
by Rich Hawthorne
Mon Dec 02, 2013 12:50 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: New Guy - Returning
Replies: 3
Views: 2580

Re: New Guy - Returning

Hey Rob, great to see you again.

Best

Rich Hawthorne
by Rich Hawthorne
Sat Oct 12, 2013 9:57 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Finished piece
Replies: 5
Views: 5208

Re: Finished piece

Indeed, very fine piece. Great to see your work Charlie.
by Rich Hawthorne
Thu Sep 26, 2013 1:51 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Studio Glass with the help of David Smith & Larry White
Replies: 2
Views: 2550

Re: Studio Glass with the help of David Smith & Larry White

Very nice Charlie. Looking forward to seeing that signature on it.
by Rich Hawthorne
Tue Aug 27, 2013 12:12 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: It's Been Awhile
Replies: 7
Views: 6187

Re: It's Been Awhile

Nicely done. I've used W&B for years and enjoy working with Urban and Urban Jr. What a great tradition in their family and wonderful products for us. Thanks for posting. I too would love to do that piece for my private collection. I echo what Roderick has said.

Cheers!
by Rich Hawthorne
Tue Aug 20, 2013 9:41 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: One from Me
Replies: 3
Views: 3226

Re: One from Me

Nice one Tyler. Stipple etched with variegated gold looks like to me. Is that right?

Nice shading job on the ribbon.
by Rich Hawthorne
Fri Apr 19, 2013 5:58 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Sandblasted Letter Gilding
Replies: 12
Views: 8652

Re: Sandblasted Letter Gilding

What kind of abrasive are you using? If it is anything other than silicon carbide it is probably dull and hence not cutting well (i.e., quickly).
by Rich Hawthorne
Tue Apr 16, 2013 10:12 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Sandblasted Letter Gilding
Replies: 12
Views: 8652

Re: Sandblasted Letter Gilding

I've done it many times and normally use slow size and loose leaf rather than patent. Keep in mind that the texture of the sandblasted glass will impact the look of the gild. As Larry said, water gilding it going to be brighter but because of the sandblast texture you will not get a bright mirror fi...
by Rich Hawthorne
Wed Apr 10, 2013 11:31 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Lefranc original gold size.
Replies: 35
Views: 33296

Re: Lefranc original gold size.

I don't know anything about the L&B 3 hour, have always used Rolco. But I did a test in May 2012 with my "new" L&B 12 hour [sort of a tan label, "Mixtion (gold size) - 12 hours (lead free)" bought in 2010] against my "old" L&B 12 hour (yellow label) from '0...
by Rich Hawthorne
Tue Feb 26, 2013 1:04 pm
Forum: Letterhead Events
Topic: Memorial Conclave 28
Replies: 8
Views: 11255

Re: Memorial Conclave 28

Does anybody have anything different to say other than, "I haven't finished my project...and I don't know what Whitfield's talking about"? Well, I haven't finished my project but I did use the film positives to burn new screens. Since then I have gilded new glass, repaired the messed up s...