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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 324 matches

by Dan Seese
Thu Jul 07, 2022 12:59 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Kathy Baronian
Replies: 0
Views: 8882

Kathy Baronian

I hope it's okay for me to take the liberty to let everyone know that Kathy Baronian (Danny Baronian's wife) died in her sleep last Saturday - June 2. She used to attend the Conclaves with Danny until she suffered a stroke. She's been bedridden for many years and Danny has continued to love and care...
by Dan Seese
Tue Dec 10, 2019 5:32 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Artwork for United Cigar Store sign
Replies: 1
Views: 11294

Re: Artwork for United Cigar Store sign

Just a quick update on this:
Gary Godby sent the digital file to my friend, so we're no longer in need of the artwork.
thanks!
by Dan Seese
Thu Dec 05, 2019 2:31 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Artwork for United Cigar Store sign
Replies: 1
Views: 11294

Artwork for United Cigar Store sign

I have a friend who would like to do the United Cigar Store sign on glass. He drew some artwork in Illustrator based on a photo he took at Dave Smith's place. His vectorization looks pretty good but it seems like it would be good to use the artwork which someone has previously prepared. I think at o...
by Dan Seese
Tue Mar 27, 2018 9:50 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: My letters scratch away when i try copper glassgilding
Replies: 11
Views: 10164

Re: My letters scratch away when i try copper glassgilding

I'm coming in late on the conversation but I'll just confirm (from my experience) what you've already concluded: You can't really apply copper leaf with a water gild. Even if you increase the amount of gelatin in your size, it's just too heavy. Andrew's suggestion to use red gold is a good one. I re...
by Dan Seese
Sat Feb 03, 2018 6:41 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Tinting the gold leaf size
Replies: 1
Views: 2970

Re: Tinting the gold leaf size

Robert, I'm not sure I've ever heard of tinting gold leaf water size, nor am I convinced it could be done - at least evenly. The majority of the water size is going to run down the glass. What remains of the flooded size will hold the gold to the glass but I tend to think that pigments added would s...
by Dan Seese
Sat Dec 09, 2017 12:12 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Changing Tastes
Replies: 4
Views: 5557

Re: Changing Tastes

Oh my, Doug. There's simply no comparison. While I agree with Vance that there's a certain attraction to the clean starkness of the newer design, even that is executed poorly. The panel shape doesn't arise from the design so it's an obvious retrofit inside the panel from your previous design. And if...
by Dan Seese
Wed Apr 26, 2017 12:28 pm
Forum: Letterhead Events
Topic: California Conclave 2000
Replies: 6
Views: 11450

Re: California Conclave 2000

Wow, ain't that the truth, Doug.
Great photos and great memories. I especially like the twinkle in Rick's eyes as he imparts some nugget of information.
by Dan Seese
Wed Apr 26, 2017 12:28 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: California Conclave 2000
Replies: 6
Views: 6925

Re: California Conclave 2000

Wow, ain't that the truth, Doug.
Great photos and great memories. I especially like the twinkle in Rick's eyes as he imparts some nugget of information.
by Dan Seese
Fri Mar 17, 2017 4:49 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: glue chip drying
Replies: 9
Views: 7332

Re: glue chip drying

Several years ago I had a 6 ft. by 6 ft. piece of laminated glass and I was chipping a pattern throughout most of the panel. It was a cold January and, while most of it had chipped there was a section on an edge which hadn't done so. I put some heat on it and when I returned a couple of hours later ...
by Dan Seese
Thu Mar 09, 2017 1:32 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Thorn Tip
Replies: 3
Views: 4017

Re: Thorn Tip

Hey Robert,

I've never used the Thorn Tip but have heard some good things about it. Doing a search on the forum, I did see it mentioned here: https://handletteringforum.com/forum ... f=2&t=3947

Hopefully someone who has used one can give you some feedback.
by Dan Seese
Thu Mar 09, 2017 1:28 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: wipe out tool
Replies: 3
Views: 3415

Re: wipe out tool

Hi Rick, This forum is a largely untapped treasure of information. Unfortunately, it doesn't have as much traffic as some other sites which tend to receive the near-immediate feedback we've come to expect in our communication fast-lanes. Though I've profited immensely from discussions in the past, I...
by Dan Seese
Sat Jan 07, 2017 1:13 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Hello fellow Sign Painters! Thanks for adding me.
Replies: 5
Views: 5334

Re: Hello fellow Sign Painters! Thanks for adding me.

Welcome, Kelly. I'm afraid I'm of no help as to what the original color was. I concur with Tim that the background was likely the original concrete color - not painted. I've seen this type of thing from a similar period where the incised letters were gilded, but you would likely still find traces of...
by Dan Seese
Tue Jan 03, 2017 11:04 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Smith's Cream experimenting
Replies: 2
Views: 3380

Re: Smith's Cream experimenting

Robert, Definitely do it while the initial application is still wet. If it begins to set up, it will defeat the purpose. I also like to add just a bit of Japan Drier to the mix so it doesn't take quite so long to dry. Experiment with it to get an idea of how long your open time it. Post a photo when...
by Dan Seese
Tue Dec 20, 2016 12:06 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: base coat for gold size...
Replies: 9
Views: 7187

Re: base coat for gold size...

Hi Vance, I've used gold size over acrylic paint MANY times. No problem. I think you just want to be sure the paint is cured - or at least dry, depending on how thick the acrylic paint is. I've applied gold size over top Matthews paint, which is an acrylic urethane - catalyzed so the curing time is ...
by Dan Seese
Thu Dec 01, 2016 8:43 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Appropriate thinner/solvent
Replies: 5
Views: 5596

Re: Appropriate thinner/solvent

Thanks for the compliment, Bob. There are so many very talented artisans who contribute to this forum, aren't there? Knowing that your health is a factor in the solvent you're looking for is helpful. Frankly, I find the odor associated with Edge to be fairly benign and somewhat pleasant, but that's ...
by Dan Seese
Tue Nov 29, 2016 7:15 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Base for painting
Replies: 6
Views: 5527

Re: Base for painting

Ditto on Wayne's suggestion. I'm not sure what the difference between Dibond and Alucobond is, but I think both are made by the same manufacturer. Alu Panel is made by a competitor, but is essentially the same thing. One nice thing is that they come in standard colors. You can paint them any color i...
by Dan Seese
Tue Nov 29, 2016 7:02 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Appropriate thinner/solvent
Replies: 5
Views: 5596

Re: Appropriate thinner/solvent

Just curious: Do you normally use a respirator when using 1Shot and Gilder's Black? Are you hand lettering, rolling or spraying? I sometimes use "Edge", which was originally a Chromatic product taken over by 1Shot when they bought Chromatic. It maintains the body of the paint pretty well w...
by Dan Seese
Tue Nov 29, 2016 6:32 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: The Forum vs Facebook
Replies: 13
Views: 12462

Re: The Forum vs Facebook

I've found a couple of groups on Facebook to be pretty informative, have "met" some terrific artists and have been helped by those connections. At the same time, sorting through some of the juvenile rants is not alway easy. Plus, I find myself engaging in time-consuming discussions and, wo...
by Dan Seese
Tue Oct 25, 2016 12:45 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Tiki bar sign
Replies: 4
Views: 4924

Re: Tiki bar sign

It doesn't look like an amateur job to me, Paige. Nicely done!
Thank you for sharing it.
by Dan Seese
Tue Oct 25, 2016 12:42 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Reference material
Replies: 3
Views: 4583

Re: Reference material

I love that piece, Doug. Stunning to see it in person at the bar on Manhattan Beach (I don't recall the name). I wonder if they still have Rick's work hanging in there.
Maybe Bill Hueg did the oil painting? Not sure.
by Dan Seese
Wed Oct 12, 2016 7:42 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Interesting Split Shade Technique...
Replies: 16
Views: 16370

Re: Interesting Split Shade Technique...

Thanks Tim & Larry.
Yes, that makes perfect sense. I've never done it that way but can definitely see how that works. When the opaque red backs up its complementary color of green, a nice natural shade results.
I likes it.
by Dan Seese
Sat Oct 08, 2016 8:50 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Interesting Split Shade Technique...
Replies: 16
Views: 16370

Re: Interesting Split Shade Technique...

So, Larry, the only thing I don't quite understand is the opaque red japan color for the split shade. Seems like it would need to be a transparent red ink. But are you saying you did the entire shaded area - the green and the red - with a transparent green glaze. Then when you painted the opaque red...
by Dan Seese
Fri Sep 16, 2016 3:11 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: for glass etchers...
Replies: 4
Views: 4952

Re: for glass etchers...

Hi Pat. Yes, I think they basically say it is recommended to spray it, but it can be wiped on. I've used it several times and there are a few steps involved. I prefer to wash it as opposed to blowing the sandblast residue. I also use a precleaner they sell. Once it's dry I apply the Sandblast Protec...
by Dan Seese
Thu Sep 15, 2016 4:19 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: for glass etchers...
Replies: 4
Views: 4952

Re: for glass etchers...

That's a touch one, Vance - especially once it's gotten dirty. If the glass is going to be in an area where it may be touched or get dirty, I give them the option of paying additional for me to treat the surface before it goes out my door. The product I've used several times is called ClearShield (h...
by Dan Seese
Tue Sep 13, 2016 4:34 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Whats keeping me busy
Replies: 25
Views: 20848

Re: Whats keeping me busy

Hi Tracy, Welcome to the forum! I would recommend that you start a new topic with your post since your YouTube video doesn't really tie in with this particular thread and Doug is planning to check back with updated photos at some point. It keeps things cleaner, as far as the forum being useful, if w...
by Dan Seese
Wed Sep 07, 2016 2:47 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Whats keeping me busy
Replies: 25
Views: 20848

Re: Whats keeping me busy

I'm still speechless, Doug.
Though I can't wait until it looks "a whole lot better" when you get the columns replaced. :wink:
Thanks again for your exemplary standard of blood, sweat, tears and soul! Very inspiring.
by Dan Seese
Thu Sep 01, 2016 10:56 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Whats keeping me busy
Replies: 25
Views: 20848

Re: Whats keeping me busy

Thanks for luring me back to the Hand Lettering Forum, Doug.
Your stunning work continues to inspire me and goad me forward.
I'm speechless.
by Dan Seese
Mon Aug 29, 2016 8:54 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: The Forum vs Facebook
Replies: 13
Views: 12462

Re: The Forum vs Facebook

Hey, Doug. I've certainly not visited or contributed to this site like I used to do. In fact, I think it had been weeks since I'd been here & I just happened to check it out several days after you started this thread. As much as I've been critical of the insidious nature of the internet & Fa...
by Dan Seese
Fri Oct 09, 2015 6:11 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: My First Reverse Glass Gild Sweetleaf Coffee
Replies: 13
Views: 14625

Re: My First Reverse Glass Gild Sweetleaf Coffee

Ditto on what Roderick said, Jen.
It looks great! Your research paid off. Hopefully this will generate more similar work for you.
by Dan Seese
Sat Aug 08, 2015 8:48 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Gold leaf on copper
Replies: 6
Views: 5814

Re: Gold leaf on copper

Welcome to the forum, Joseph (Joss), I've never applied gold leaf to copper but there are a couple of things in your question that I'll respond to: 1. First, if the sculpture will be handled, I think you need to protect the gold by clearing it. No matter how tough, flexible and long-lasting the size...