We've never had a problem with the Coastal Primer/filler in all the years we've been using it...but then we don't paint and then apply sandblast mask. Our procedure is to apply the mask directly to the unprimed HDU, blast, and then paint everything. Now, we just put it into our ShopBot router and do...

I've always used a mahl stick...even for show cards, which gave many an old card writer heart failure. The man who taught me most of my lettering skills was left handed but did not use a mahl stick, except for gold leaf work. He said it was a crutch....but I used one anyway. In my opinion, it doesn'...

Way back in the horse and buggy days (well, almost) there was no one doing gold leaf in the little town where I lived. I bought that book and began teaching myself to do gold. It was really an experience....read a little - do a little, read some more - do some more....wipe everything off and start o...

It occured on three separate jobs - all on dark brick walls. Some were small 6" x 48" (four panels for a dentist directory), largest was 18" x 96".

It could be that the brick was absorbing so much heat that the backing (or the HDU) was just expanding more than the other layer.

Danny - with our heat in Texas we found that MDO worked well as a backer for HDU unless the sign was long and narrow. It was perfect for free standing panels between posts, but when we used it for some 18" x 8' dimensional signs that were mounted flat against a brick wall, they warped and pulle...

I called Butch on Saturday but he was not at the shop. The person that I talked to said that they were on the highest point in Moorehead and had no problems with the flooding. The chemo has destroyed Butch's immune system, so he has to be careful about catching everything that comes along. From my r...

I'll join in with congratulations, too. Unless you have written some articles you don't know how much work it is. Mike has been producing these jems for the last 112 years (well, maybe a little less) and does a fantastic job with every one. I don't know how he keeps coming up with something to publi...

OK Doug....I tried some and the joints failed. What's the secret? Now, I admit I didn't read the directions, so that was probably my first mistake. How long does it take to completely cure? I let my samples set up about 18 hours, but I may have put too much adhesive on. It did pretty good with bare ...

Great information. We have been using West System to glue DiBond to Corafoam with good results but would like to try the PL Premium. Have you done any tests with HDU to aluminum or DiBond? What about aluminum to aluminum? The Lords adhesive is great, but expensive and uses up a lot of those little s...

Hey, Mike and I will be there and you know me. You won't be disappointed. There will be a lot of gold on display and probably a lot done while you are there. It will be good to see you again. The short guy in the first photo is my son Mike. Lots of folks show up that are not even connected with the ...

Outstanding! Just beautiful shots of your paradise.

Thanks to Kent and the Denver group for putting their money where their mouth is. This is a most unusual site - loads of information without all the garbage that usually goes with a open forum. And thanks also to Mike for being the "face" of this site. Many others take part in keeping ever...

Good grief, Dave....what have you gone and done now? I'm locking the door and going home. No need for me to do any more signs. Maybe Wal-Mart could use a new greeter. You've left the planet, Mr. Smith. But it really looks nice (what an understatement). What a fantastic piece of art! You're setting t...

Great job by Tyler, too. Very nice presentation.

I can here the neighbors now...."That Jackson family is at it again!".

Congratulations to all. Tyler and Corey are both very talented young men. Wonder where they got it? They have some very special parents.

Mike Jackson writes articles?

No snow here, Doug. Right now it's 82 F.

Oh yea, I forgot about the hills.

See, that's that advantage of living in Texas. You can stand on a coffee can and see all the way to Oklahoma. You never have those pesky mountains and trees getting in the way.

Great photos Mike. Looks like everyone else stayed home around the fire.

Kind of looks like Christmas here in Texas.....except for the snow.

Great looking site...and artwork Mr. Jackson. But then, I'm not all that surprised since what Mike does is always first class.

(Just drop a check in the mail for the endorsement fee)

You are right. I wasn't paying close enough attention. My apology.

Billy Bob - I think Mike is talking about a glue chip cabinet rather than a sandblasting booth.

Amazing...simply amazing. I wish I could write the words down that would express my awe over this piece, and everything else that Dave does. Mark Oatis probably said it best....although I have no idea what all those words mean. You are simply in a class by yourself, Mr. Smith. No one else even comes...

Well...Fred and Marilyn are going to host us for another year! March 13-15 in Oklahoma City. The Letterhead gathering at Fred's has become a tradition. For over 20 years (I'm not sure of the number...maybe 24?) Fred and Marilyn have hosted one of the premier gatherings of sign and pin striping artis...

Well...Fred and Marilyn are going to host us for another year! March 13-15 in Oklahoma City. The Letterhead gathering at Fred's has become a tradition. For over 20 years (I'm not sure of the number...maybe 24?) Fred and Marilyn have hosted one of the premier gatherings of sign and pin striping artis...

This is a great workshop. Last month I was fortunate enough to be a part of Dan's gathering and it was filled with information and lots of laughs. Just seeing inside Sawatzky's creative workshop was well worth the money and effort.

You have a really sharp memory there, Billy Bob. In fact, a little too sharp....you see, I wasn't at the Memphis meet, but I do remember the story about lettering the motel windows. And if I had been there, I'm sure I would have been a part of it. Ellis was another of those rare, unique individuals ...

There are not enough words to describe what a very special weekend we had at Dan's. Certainly all of us came home with tons of new technical information but the still greater advantage of taking Dan's workshop is the association of so many talented folks. You see from the photo that just a bunch of ...

Well, now...let's see...the movie is about Old Men and it's bloody and brutal and that somehow is connected to me? I'm not sure if Jackson was giving me a compliment or slapping me in the face. But, I'll see the glass as half full and that somehow Mike was saying something positive....so, thanks. Ha...

See...I told you he knew what he was talking about.

Explain it to him, Jackson. This discussion has been around for years and I've yet to understand it.