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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.

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by Kent Smith
Sat Feb 17, 2007 3:32 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Gold Leaf Techniques Basics
Replies: 0
Views: 2901

Gold Leaf Techniques Basics

I have been having some computer problems and it appears that my earlier post did not go through and I have not been able to check until today. I am teaching a Gold Leaf Techniques beginners class on March 17 here at my shop, with practice and folowup on the 18th if desired. We may advance further t...
by Kent Smith
Sun Nov 26, 2006 5:50 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Interesting Ebay Items
Replies: 10
Views: 6122

catalogue

Congrats Jeff.

I can confirm that Mike Butler has one in excellent condition as I have seen it.

A special thanks to Robare for sharing with me at the Zoo.
by Kent Smith
Sun Nov 26, 2006 5:45 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Gilding/Leafing as a component in calligraphy- questions.
Replies: 10
Views: 5994

the gold too

No one mentioned yet that I saw but you have in your hand some very old books of what I have always considered the top of the line in gold leaf. It is no longer manufactured and I would save it for special, personal projects. Others have given you good sources. "Illuminating" is adding gol...
by Kent Smith
Tue Nov 14, 2006 11:05 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Goodbye my friend....John Jordan passes
Replies: 10
Views: 6846

missing John

John was a teacher, humanist, philosopher, mentor, friend and international treasure. We will miss him sefishly but we will keep great memories in our hearts. So glad he was at the museum this summer.
by Kent Smith
Thu Aug 24, 2006 7:42 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: semi-gloss undercoats for better adheason?
Replies: 4
Views: 3814

semi gloss

Just because the appearance of the clear is semi-gloss, does not mean that it has a texture or roughness to the surface. Most clears now use a chemically altered resin or solution additive that gives the appearance of being low gloss without compromising the finished film with physical texture. Addi...
by Kent Smith
Sun Aug 20, 2006 2:00 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: metal gilding boxes
Replies: 3
Views: 3425

sign kits

you might also try McLogan in LA or Anaheim and closer to you, PSS might still carry some
by Kent Smith
Sun Aug 13, 2006 2:00 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Welcome Karen Souza
Replies: 8
Views: 5683

Welcome

Hi Karen and welcome from here too. Good to see you in Cincinnati. I understand you comment as it sure takes longer for me to get around anything anymore.
by Kent Smith
Wed Jul 26, 2006 11:34 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: making angel gilding more "yellow"
Replies: 8
Views: 5954

float glass

I guess I did not understand what you were really seeking. Try American Float Glass, afg.com they are the big guys and search for other sources of float glass. There are a few local small suppliers that could fill your need.
by Kent Smith
Wed Jul 19, 2006 8:42 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: 1915 Fire Engine - Gold Leaf on yellow?
Replies: 12
Views: 9479

more

Sure red and white combination is possible. It is possible that you are seeing the original finish under the leaf too although I think you might detect some tint in the size. Real gold has allways been the same standard size, established by the Egyptians about 1200BC. Rolls vary but usually were in ...
by Kent Smith
Wed Jul 19, 2006 12:05 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: 1915 Fire Engine - Gold Leaf on yellow?
Replies: 12
Views: 9479

and

I forgot to say that there is a possibility that the truck was two tone, painted yellow with some parts painted red over the yellow. The red would have gold leaf stripes and scrolls. It is also possible that the truck was done in one color, then later painted another color in enamel which is often s...
by Kent Smith
Tue Jul 18, 2006 11:47 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: 1915 Fire Engine - Gold Leaf on yellow?
Replies: 12
Views: 9479

fire truck

This is an interesting dilema. I would look under the fenders etc for a sign of the original finish color. Yes metal was often primed with zinc chromate in that era and through the '50's which is chrome yellow. I have seen some units in chrome yellow, aka, school bus yellow. Aluminum leaf would be u...
by Kent Smith
Tue Jun 20, 2006 10:23 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: making angel gilding more "yellow"
Replies: 8
Views: 5954

yellower angel gild

After talking with Sarah this weekend, a richer gild will result when angel gilding by backing with copper solution instead of silver or double gold. Just a suggestion, but copper has been used in leaf to make it darker and richer in color for years.
by Kent Smith
Tue Jun 20, 2006 8:16 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Tinted colors on Gold
Replies: 7
Views: 5268

transparencies

John, I would also consider the clear to be used. To get good suspension for clear transparency, gold size works well as does spar. You might also consider Mixol tints which are pure pigment, not already suspended in oil and are somewhat finer grind than most oil colors.
by Kent Smith
Tue Jun 20, 2006 8:10 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Brilliant Cutting
Replies: 13
Views: 10591

wheels

I know Pat has been working on recreating wheels too. Doug, I am in. Something I always wanted to learn.
by Kent Smith
Thu Jun 15, 2006 11:32 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: We're goin' to the Zoo,Zoo,Zoo
Replies: 7
Views: 6168

zoo

Sorry to not respond sooner, we are in Cincinnati today. Doug, call first to be sure I will be there. Steven, catch me in person, I'll be happy to talk but on you cannot tape the ceminar unless you take the class and are using it to be note taking. I have some contracts that reclude allowing anyone ...
by Kent Smith
Fri May 19, 2006 12:40 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: We're goin' to the Zoo,Zoo,Zoo
Replies: 7
Views: 6168

We're goin' to the Zoo,Zoo,Zoo

How 'bout you,you,you?
by Kent Smith
Wed Jan 04, 2006 11:49 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Carved signs under glass question?
Replies: 9
Views: 5742

standoff

Another thought is to remember that when making a sandwich of dis-similar materials, especially when one is non-pouris like glass or plastic, a spacing of at least 1/32" is critical. When the lateral dimension is more than 12 to 14 inches, either additional support is needed or more space to al...
by Kent Smith
Wed Jan 04, 2006 11:31 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: gold wipes right off glass
Replies: 9
Views: 5905

the size

In addition to what has already been said, I would suspect the Fibroseal. As a varnish, it tends to be more oily than quick rubbing which is why it has been used for a size in the past. The free oils will migrade with the gelatin. I have found that water gilding over a chip requires a much stronger ...
by Kent Smith
Tue Nov 08, 2005 11:37 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Gold Leaf Techniques Class
Replies: 0
Views: 2690

Gold Leaf Techniques Class

For those interested or who have procrastinated/forgotten, deadline to regiter for this year's annual class is Nov.15. Class weekend is second in December again, the 10th and 11th, early arrivals evening of the 9th too.
by Kent Smith
Tue Nov 08, 2005 11:28 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Clearing over Gold theory from Glen Weisgerber....
Replies: 1
Views: 2792

Clear

When we were experimenting with the resins that 1Shot had available, the ones most likely to work both as an adhesive and as a durable varnish, most were finish varnishes. Steve at 1Shot figured the best would to be a boat finish that had enough elasticity and extended dry time to be good for produc...
by Kent Smith
Sun Nov 06, 2005 11:25 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: A Gold "spinning" Issue
Replies: 7
Views: 5757

burnishing

Gold size cures over time, obviously fast and quick sizes cure sooner than slow size. Although optimum gilds do not include drowning the size, the gold itself is bonded to the surface of the size, more thoroughly overtime. The optimum condition for burnishing is when the gold has a good cushion. As ...
by Kent Smith
Sun Oct 09, 2005 1:14 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Fish Glue? Bake in oven at 800 degrees?
Replies: 4
Views: 3151

Handel Lamp shade

I caught the show too while waiting for something better to come on PBS. I agree with Pat but I also wonder if she was confusing slumping the shade to shape not to mention firing the colors with the chipping process. I have found that most people do not understand anything about the chipping process...
by Kent Smith
Mon Aug 01, 2005 11:46 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Help with a 1930's vintage Phillips 66 oil delivery truck
Replies: 2
Views: 1956

fuel delivery trucks

I have done a number of these but not Phillips. The industry magazine Check the Oil and their website have been helpful for vintage logos and lettering. Most of the trucks had the name large on the tank sides as the one in the photo. The sides also had the gallonage of the tanks listed and on the re...
by Kent Smith
Sun May 15, 2005 4:24 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Clear Overcoat: Sikkens now Aotocryl?
Replies: 1
Views: 1879

autocryl

Autocryl is much the same formula as the original Sikkens. I actually am not privy to their current formula since I am out of the game. I have heard there are other products in development but nothing announced yet. Both Grip Gurad clear and Matthews MAP have brush and roll additives that actually m...
by Kent Smith
Sun May 01, 2005 1:40 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Source for Gilders Tip
Replies: 5
Views: 3398

tips

I like the cardboard because it bends nicely although a plastic like thin Lexan would probably work as well and certainly last longer. I am just beginning to be concerned about that durability as my first tip is starting to show signs of wear after 50 years and needs replacement. The hairs are ususa...
by Kent Smith
Sun Apr 10, 2005 1:04 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Lola
Replies: 1
Views: 1658

Lola

Judi and I visited with Lola on Monday. We spent about 6 hours with her and took her out to lunch. She is doing quite well, doing a little yard work with everything blooming and she is getting around pretty well too. She has a new neighbor next door who keeps an eye on her. She wants everyone to kno...
by Kent Smith
Sat Mar 05, 2005 10:17 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Need an industrial revolution grinder and buffer?
Replies: 3
Views: 2925

glass equipment

Boy that would be fun to have but I don't think it would get much use for the price. Great memories of playing with it and those will have to do I guess.
by Kent Smith
Sat Mar 05, 2005 10:13 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Sign Museum wins nice Rawson and Evans piece on eBay
Replies: 1
Views: 1941

Rawson

Never seen this one before but sure am glad it goes to the museum.
by Kent Smith
Sun Jan 02, 2005 2:48 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Just Another Rant
Replies: 12
Views: 8221

ranting

What Mike, Ray and Cam said goes double for me. When I was first re-establishing my business in this town, over 30 years ago, I was hungry. We took on anything we could and gave the wrong impression to some customers who later became our lodest and best. One banker took a chance on me and had me do ...