but Doug, why two different clears? Is there a reason for the order ?

Lee, The carved mahogany sign in front of my shop has been untouched for 27 years. I sprayed many coats of Nason automotive clear on it and then did the gilding and outlining. The clear still has plenty of integrity. That dark Philippine mahogany is now very blond from all these south facing years. ...

Is the Sikkens a urethane? And is the acrylic that you put over the Sikkens water based?
Seems there is much to learn about the new paint technology. Some might argue that these clears aren't paint?

I got a note from a friend yesterday reminding me of years back at letterhead gatherings at our shop where we had a tray of water and floated lettering enamel on it and could swirl the colors on the top of the water and roll objects onto it getting a very interesting marble effect. Kids were paintin...

What are the acrylic clears that you're speaking of? Are they automotive products? Are they sign products? Do they require spraying? Can they be applied with a brush or roller? Do they have the UV protections?

Timi Barrow near Winston Salem

This sign was in Rick's shop when cleaning it out and is in the possession of Gary Rhodes. We'd like to find it's origin.

This was someone's contribution to the Conclave in '87 and we can't remember who.

Louise called and delivered this news. With deepest regrets I'll head out to my truck at daylight and examine the lines Harry put on it and remember the wonderful moments together.

Bob's dad wanted Bob's friends to know about his passing and that a memorial will be announced as soon as a time and location are decided.

I don't get it???
Is there something wrong with the tool Danny makes?
If not, why look or talk any further?

Do you notice any significant loss of effectiveness doing a gold job on an insulated store front window as compared to a single plate glass?

I was wondering why I hadn't heard from him for a while now.
Thanks for the update.
Many of us will miss him in differing ways.
May he rest in peace.

Doug, on that carved abalone shell I wanted a clear finish and had intended to just oil it. I decided that I didn't want the wood to darken so I gave it a couple coats of Smith & Co. penetrating epoxy and then used the Epiphanes over that . It has a very high gloss and looks real good. Much bett...

I learned about it from a friend that visited the place where they build Chris Craft boats and found they use it and he was rather impressed.

Robare, did Robert Frese use that varnish on window gold?
On glass that gets sun and cold?
I'd love to find something that works.

Any of you have any long term experience with this finish? I've been using it just the past couple months and wonder if it is as good as claimed. Some furniture makers I know are using it as well as small boat makers. I think it is from Holland and I know it is expensive and it doesn't smell like th...

Condition 4 34
6
Ready 4
CB15Ux 0

It was around '73 or "74 when Isie Posner was getting several of the younger letterers together for Saturday workshops. That's when I met Dean. I remember him pinstriping a VW bug and asking for help pulling the lines across the top next to the rain gutters. It was an amazing process watching h...

Ah...I remember that day. We were not posing for that photo, but a local business person was walking by and had her camera at the right second from across the street. The photo was a wonderful gift.

Jerry, Weld On bought out the old recorcinal product. Almost the same stuff, different label.

Hey guys, thanks for all the feedback. I've been using the gorilla snot for many years without any failures. Somehow I had this notion that the West Systems epoxy was better and wanted to use the best product rather than the good enough product. It sounds like what was the best twenty five years ago...

When laminate stacking redwood boards using West System epoxy,
do you apply to both surfaces or a single surface?
Do you apply liberally or a thinner layer?
Do you use a tight clamp pressure or just snug?
Do you find this a better method than the urethane adhesives such as Gorilla glue?

Doesn't Percell sell the varnishes?
Letterhead Sign Supply

Forgive my confusion, but if I'm understanding this correctly the only board oriented as Joe described is the one with the problem?

Kelly, can you show this to us with photos please????

Thank you Joe. In the fifth photo, the one with your unfinished glued up panel, am I understanding you right that the side up would be the one to face the sun? Why would that side absorb more moisture? If the board is well enameled, How would the moisture get in there? I've seen well sealed panels w...

Most of my signs remain flat, however, I've had a couple over the years that I turned around to bring them back to the original intent. I also find it interesting that in New England a sign can be carved from sugar pine and it will last. I've made a few here and in five years they were punky and rot...

Joe, if you have something to say, I'll read it. I don't read everything everyone has to say, but you've earned my respect over the years. Thanks for the article. I'm awaiting your reason for what you do. Ciao

I was reading in Sign Craft where Joe "Chips" said he glued up a panel with the cup in the grain in each board aiming toward the sun to prevent warping. I've always tried to alternate the grain directions, and usually find the sun to hit one side in the early day and the other side late da...

Although the vertical grain old growth blasts with more uniformity and speed, and I still have access to it, I prefer some of the flatter cuts with birds eye. I enjoy following the grain and the curves and bumps and trying to exaggerate what happens in nature. I enjoy reading the grain and going wit...