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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 251 matches

by BruceJackson
Tue Dec 04, 2012 8:24 pm
Forum: Hand Lettering Gallery
Topic: Signs From Sydney Australia
Replies: 33
Views: 22407

Re: Signs From Sydney Australia

Hmmmm........Mike, That's very diplomatic of you. I must say, I had a somewhat different reaction to the possible hijacking of the topic to get some incoming links for . purposes, but perhaps i better say nothing because your response is far more mature than mine...hahaha I agree some explanation of...
by BruceJackson
Tue Dec 04, 2012 8:24 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Signs From Sydney Australia
Replies: 33
Views: 23005

Re: Signs From Sydney Australia

Hmmmm........Mike, That's very diplomatic of you. I must say, I had a somewhat different reaction to the possible hijacking of the topic to get some incoming links for . purposes, but perhaps i better say nothing because your response is far more mature than mine...hahaha I agree some explanation of...
by BruceJackson
Tue Dec 04, 2012 8:06 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: some interesting sign-related videos
Replies: 1
Views: 1946

some interesting sign-related videos

Here's a collection of short videos of some interesting old signs...a lot of them using motion of one type of another to catch your eye.

http://www.youtube.com/user/MrPackerdude?feature=watch
by BruceJackson
Tue Dec 04, 2012 8:02 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Gold Leaf Backing Paint Issue.
Replies: 2
Views: 3148

Re: Gold Leaf Backing Paint Issue.

sounds mysterious. next stage, I would probably try a couple of tests strokes using some other types of paints just to see if the problem lays in the glass or with the paint. For another suggestion, it might be worth giving it a chemical clean using strong solvent such as acetone, then give a Bon am...
by BruceJackson
Sun Oct 28, 2012 6:53 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Black Velvet On Gold?
Replies: 11
Views: 7559

Re: Black Velvet On Gold?

that's a really fascinating story Lee, Who'd have thought!...I would never have imagined needing to be concerned about mircroflora or lichen on gilding...but it does make a lot of sense. As for your observation about whistling tack and quick size....yes, normally, I gild on quick size mixed with ena...
by BruceJackson
Thu Oct 25, 2012 10:03 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Black Velvet On Gold?
Replies: 11
Views: 7559

Re: Black Velvet On Gold?

Interesting to see the time intervals between gilding..20 years, 26 years, 16 years I wonder what other experiences we can share about exterior gilding. It would be very illuminating to add to our collective knowledge about the longevity of different methods and materials. In my own case, Mostly, it...
by BruceJackson
Sat Sep 01, 2012 9:15 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: lettering enamel over wood grain
Replies: 4
Views: 3824

Re: lettering enamel over wood grain

I'd put a clear coat on first...lettering it will be smoother and faster. Also, if you write with enamel over the raw timber, it will soak in a little, so it will not look as solid, and the edge probably won't look as crisp. Best clear?....i think you mean...least worst....hahaha...... In fact, any ...
by BruceJackson
Fri Aug 24, 2012 3:40 am
Forum: Hand Lettering Techniques and Step by Steps
Topic: "ageing" letters on glass
Replies: 6
Views: 9859

Re: "ageing" letters on glass

Sven, The one I posted above was just normal water size. You'll notice a matt centre in the letters. This was done by painting the matt first onto the glass with clear gold size. After it had got to the end of it's tack window and surface-dried but was still soft, give it a light scuff just to kill ...
by BruceJackson
Fri Aug 24, 2012 3:40 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: "ageing" letters on glass
Replies: 6
Views: 5324

Re: "ageing" letters on glass

Sven, The one I posted above was just normal water size. You'll notice a matt centre in the letters. This was done by painting the matt first onto the glass with clear gold size. After it had got to the end of it's tack window and surface-dried but was still soft, give it a light scuff just to kill ...
by BruceJackson
Wed Aug 22, 2012 6:37 am
Forum: Hand Lettering Techniques and Step by Steps
Topic: "ageing" letters on glass
Replies: 6
Views: 9859

Re: "ageing" letters on glass

Here's one simple way to approach it when doing a gilded letter....just rubbed back prior to backing up...and then back up with clear instead of black.
by BruceJackson
Wed Aug 22, 2012 6:37 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: "ageing" letters on glass
Replies: 6
Views: 5324

Re: "ageing" letters on glass

Here's one simple way to approach it when doing a gilded letter....just rubbed back prior to backing up...and then back up with clear instead of black.
by BruceJackson
Tue Aug 07, 2012 8:23 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Gilding a cast aluminum plaque
Replies: 5
Views: 3662

Re: Gilding a cast aluminum plaque

I would like to know what type of clear coat it is before giving a definitive answer. Only because I would want some confidence that the clear is a good long-term proposition, otherwise, it will end up being the weak layer. Assuming the clear is good for outside use, you could simply do the gilding ...
by BruceJackson
Wed Jul 11, 2012 8:27 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Prismatic Copper Leaf on Glass
Replies: 11
Views: 7749

Re: Prismatic Copper Leaf on Glass

Beautiful effect. I really like the brushed patina.

Thanks for the step by step info too...i wondered how you protected each side while burnishing. Using acetate sheet, very clever.
by BruceJackson
Wed Jul 11, 2012 7:55 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Toronto Restroom Sign
Replies: 3
Views: 3522

Re: Toronto Restroom Sign

Earlier this year I did the windows and some internal lettering for a bar in Prahran (Australia). It was done out in a club atmosphere, with hunting paraphenalia, dark timber panelling and some early 20th century fittings. The door to the toilets had this nice ripple glass, so i wrote "water cl...
by BruceJackson
Tue Jul 03, 2012 9:55 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: glass etching
Replies: 9
Views: 7283

Re: glass etching

I'd like to get some additional comments from people about using vinyl for light sand-blasting. I don't often need it, but sometimes i need to get some etching done (I've given up doing it myself because I don't have a proper cabinet) I've got some really good sand-blast mask that works very well, b...
by BruceJackson
Thu Jun 21, 2012 4:15 am
Forum: Hand Lettering Gallery
Topic: Signs From Sydney Australia
Replies: 33
Views: 22407

Re: Signs From Sydney Australia

Hi Dave, It's an interesting subject for me too. I have always simply painted straight onto the glass, so my knowledge on the methods of transferring pictures onto glass is mostly based on what I learn from signwriting...Any knowledge of other methods or overseas examples comes from reading rather t...
by BruceJackson
Thu Jun 21, 2012 4:15 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Signs From Sydney Australia
Replies: 33
Views: 23005

Re: Signs From Sydney Australia

Hi Dave, It's an interesting subject for me too. I have always simply painted straight onto the glass, so my knowledge on the methods of transferring pictures onto glass is mostly based on what I learn from signwriting...Any knowledge of other methods or overseas examples comes from reading rather t...
by BruceJackson
Wed Jun 20, 2012 7:56 am
Forum: Hand Lettering Gallery
Topic: Signs From Sydney Australia
Replies: 33
Views: 22407

Re: Signs From Sydney Australia

Yes, nice find...Which shop is it? I'll go and have a look next time I am in Sydney. $9000 is hitting pretty hard, but i suppose the days of finding bargain prices on old mirrors is going to disappear completely, if it hasn't already. Incidentally, for non-Australian readers, the Tooth's KB lager wa...
by BruceJackson
Wed Jun 20, 2012 7:56 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Signs From Sydney Australia
Replies: 33
Views: 23005

Re: Signs From Sydney Australia

Yes, nice find...Which shop is it? I'll go and have a look next time I am in Sydney. $9000 is hitting pretty hard, but i suppose the days of finding bargain prices on old mirrors is going to disappear completely, if it hasn't already. Incidentally, for non-Australian readers, the Tooth's KB lager wa...
by BruceJackson
Sat Jun 09, 2012 9:35 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: old photo
Replies: 4
Views: 3640

Re: old photo

wow. This is really extraordinary. It really takes you straight into a world 100 years ago. Seeing these old streetscapes them in black and white is great, but seeing color....you suddenly realize the scale of the industry doing hand-crafted and gilded signs. The entire ambience of the city and espe...
by BruceJackson
Sat Jun 09, 2012 4:13 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Album cover critic
Replies: 16
Views: 10067

Re: Album cover critic

I don't mind playing "devil's advocate". The critic actually makes some perceptive observations on the album covers. He is reacting to the images and explaining his impression. All of us react to art, any kind of art, but being able to articulate that reaction is a skill in itself. The ver...
by BruceJackson
Sat Jun 09, 2012 2:59 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Toughened glass
Replies: 8
Views: 5865

Re: Toughened glass

I'm curious about why you are using an epoxy? I can only assume it's because you intend to do some chemical silvering for a mirror background afterwards. Is there another reason for choosing this material? (for any new readers who aren't familiar with mirroring/epoxies....if you want to make a decor...
by BruceJackson
Fri Jun 08, 2012 6:27 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Toughened glass
Replies: 8
Views: 5865

Re: Toughened glass

My most recent project was on toughened glass and I had an interesting conversation with a glass specialist recently about it. He does a lot with kiln-work as well as sand-blasting. He told me that toughened actually scratches more easily than float. I always assumed the toughening process caused lo...
by BruceJackson
Thu Jun 07, 2012 7:50 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: very nice work mr. seese.....!!
Replies: 10
Views: 6595

Re: very nice work mr. seese.....!!

Yes, beautiful work. A really fine selection of photos. I especially like the fact that every photo has a reason to be included. Each one is worthy of some study as they reveal a lot of thought has gone into their design and in the detailing. I love the way you've done the lettering in the stork clu...
by BruceJackson
Thu Jun 07, 2012 3:48 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Learning Hand Lettering in Melbourne, Australia??
Replies: 3
Views: 2536

Re: Learning Hand Lettering in Melbourne, Australia??

Hi Spencer, I am in Melbourne, in Warrandyte. You are welcome to come out and visit my studio. Learning to use a brush simply takes time...Like learning a musical instrument, in requires practice. I'll give you some pointers and instruction to get you started. Dan, you'd be pleased to know that sign...
by BruceJackson
Mon Jan 16, 2012 12:12 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Introduction, and of course, a few questions!
Replies: 9
Views: 5519

Re: Introduction, and of course, a few questions!

I would avoid red chalk. For some reason, that particular color can stain a white background and is impossible to remove. As for the chalk hills....after you've pounced it, lightly brush over it with a soft brush. This will knock off all the excess chalk but will leave enough for you to see the layo...
by BruceJackson
Wed Dec 21, 2011 1:01 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Brush oil
Replies: 22
Views: 18234

Re: Brush oil

i've been using neatsfoot oil for the last 10-12 years. Mainly because I bought a tin of it over a decade ago and it has taken that long to use it. But the tin is nearly empty, so i guess I will soon be looking for another one soon and I don't know if the supplier still has it these days. It has one...
by BruceJackson
Sun Dec 11, 2011 7:52 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: The Art of Gold Leaf Glass Signs
Replies: 40
Views: 22056

Re: The Art of Gold Leaf Glass Signs

Erik is right about the this. To name a handful of practitioners in this particular way gives a false impression of the scope of the art. I have no problem with citing a few key leading artists if you feel it's important, but it's also good to be aware of not falling into a trap of cult-like exclusi...
by BruceJackson
Fri Dec 09, 2011 8:06 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: The Art of Gold Leaf Glass Signs
Replies: 40
Views: 22056

Re: The Art of Gold Leaf Glass Signs

Some of the phrasing seems familiar to me. I'm sure I've read something very similar before in the same style... Anyway...I wanted to chime in with a correction. Erik already noted correctly the thing about "a few gilders". And there is a related point about Rick Glawson. Now, first let me...
by BruceJackson
Fri Dec 02, 2011 1:45 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: 2 tables and query on 6kt leaf
Replies: 7
Views: 4727

Re: 2 tables and query on 6kt leaf

Nice work Jeff, Good to see. I assume you etched the lines in the back of the gold and backed it up with black. It's a nice techniques, but I found it quite time-consuming. Also, I found you need to take a lot of gold off to get visual strength into the engraved image. When you're working on the bac...