Silk screening is way too big a topic for this and maybe someone else can point our man here to some good reading material and help.

I gotta say you're a luckey devil to still have clients for that type of work....I'm green as all I did for many years was showcards and I do miss it. The last few years I was using rich art colours which were beautiful and worked well although I know glycerin is often used by artists to help mainta...

Hey Smitty....I sometimes wonder if this time of year is the culprit. Over here we seem to hybernate and not really look too far into the future. It might be worth blending Larry's and Noel's if that could work...it would be a shame to only be able to make the one stop. Hope you keep us posted!

oh it makes sense alright and I didn't reply earlier as I would never take this approach in the first place....and don't have an answer for you from where you're already at. By pva glue, you used Titebond? I would have started by silk screening the whole thing....or at least the first 2 colours. So ...

Dave, This looks like you'll have your hands filled. I wonder if your wife and kids will let you disappear for so long or are they going to join you? Larry's comments are well noted. I took Noel's workshop back in the 90's and it was a life changing experience....and it changed things I would never ...

That this pops back up to the top "Right Now!" is so apropos. Just yesterday I saw a design of mine in the newspaper. Several...about 4 or 5) years ago I did a sign for a local pub. First time I dealt with these folks and actually the last as well. Since that time I have seen a reproductio...

My first reaction.....is Sarah has the right idea. When I approached Rick "the Boss" Glawson about this idea quite a few years ago ,his reply was "why bother?" and offered up a gold leaf with almost the same colours. He was of course right as the leaf...(still have some at the sh...

Rod....I've seen many of these also but I have to say that colour descriptions can be somewhat obscure. An example...dark Maroon, quite a few years ago a client that also happened to be a museum, asked for 2 signs with a backgnd of "tuscan red". a colour that is mentioned often in old text...

I'd hate to not see you get a quick reply for this one and I'm also sure there are quite a few different methods but some of the best guys I know are using the 2 part automotive clears. There is an article a month or 2 back in Sign Business and the author Mr. Brat (sp?) mentions this. Good luck

Beautiful piece...and why Mr.D wants to remain "a craftsman from the shadows" I can't imagine. If you can would love to see another shot of the ornaments. You're a Lucky Guy too!

I do beleive you have it right and....silver is just silver. Everything else must be optics.

Silicone is what I was worrying about. And thanx....will do a msds on it, However, it doesn't act like the old fisheye eliminator I used in the past. Thats why the post....more to come

Does anyone here know exactly what this stuff (Smoothie) is/contains? I know it is used to "marry" paints that crawl when applied to certain surfaces, but what is actually going on when this happens? The one thing I can say is "it works" and I'm thinking that it isn't silicone ba...

Yup...both feet. I have a question for ya Goldie. Do miss the sign biz? I mean as in the high end things you were up to. Fancy millwork and your lathe? You know the stuff I mean. I have been into a small but involved wood sign these last couple weeks and it got me to "thinkin' on you"

So....how is the fishing? Something tells me you've found a new avocation. Gorgeous stuff and I have a HUGE softspot for the shots of the tree with the Tetons in the backgnd. Saw several of that subject in different light.

Thats better Smitty. I think this would have gotten lost down under all the chipping info. Keep me on your mailing list as I'd love to get over to see all the action.

a Beautiful chip Dave. Is this actually better in the kiln than on your light table, or just easier to control. Me thinks there's alot of skill and experiments at work here too. Also...was talking to a friend today and he said you're going to be up this way...(or better down) this spring doing a wor...

A quick addition....I have done this a couple of times and used a quick drying varnish like Bulletin spar as opposed to the shellac. Went like a dream.

another great read! Thanx

Hi Bobbie and welcome. I would think that you should concider this the same as anything else you do. Add material costs (with mark-up of course) add your labour rate (which includes shop etc) and you got it. It's worth bearing in mind that at first it takes alot of experimentation to gain the experi...

Is not Brunswick Black just another name for asphaltum?....as is bitumen. I've noticed these "discrepancies" many times...especially while reading old formulas or concoctions for paint in art supplies. All the same an interesting find. Rick Glawson had many such books.

I had a good read also, and saved the pages to boot! Thanx for the heads up

Agree with Mike with the slight exception of "photo-flow" instead of soap. Am sure it will work well but in the past I have had cloudy results from time to time....with photo-flow, never a hitch!

Well....what happens when I don't check in for a day or 2? Yes...thats the Ames feller that I think so Highly of. I brought home the book I have...my 'pooter is there/here....and Mike has posted a few things from his "Compendium" which I have had for too many years. Never-the-less I will s...

Well...this HAS been interesting. Danny, I never actually watched the "Boss" mix his his silvering gear but he also used photoflow over damar centres...wouldn't surprise me if also used in this process. Next time I mix up some crystals and also a sample of the liquids I'll give 'em a shake...

Okay...Tims it is, although this way Country Style is still a better cup of coffee. BUT...before I give in completely I'll bring home an Ames piece and show you why I thought so. So...are you a Double Double?

Yup...thats covered only to add the reflections are inverted (upside-down)...I have a clock face sitting at the shop and am waiting for the right project to put it into. I think I'd lean towards the UV glues instead of super glue or frog juice for one that size though.

and a Merry Christmas also from one of the Canadians enjoying warm temperatures and no snow. Also a quick aside...thats a beautiful piece..."compliments of the season" and am willing to bet dollars to donuts it's by a fella named Ames.

This is all good advice and as always interesting to see others handle it. It would be good to see to what extent you guys design to. ..and therefore the charges that are related. For me to even price a job I do a quick sketch for myself....and very often thats all the client see's...no copies given.

That's an old post and where I'm at is....The wheels are available from specialised shops in Bavaria but the thing is, you need to go in person and order what you need....English is a problem I gather. Our buddy Smitty has offred some help in these matters and is in fact needing to order a few for h...