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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 68 matches

by Rick Sacks
Sat Jan 28, 2017 9:12 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: base coat for gold size...
Replies: 9
Views: 7240

Re: base coat for gold size...

but Doug, why two different clears? Is there a reason for the order ?
by Rick Sacks
Fri Jan 27, 2017 9:45 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: base coat for gold size...
Replies: 9
Views: 7240

Re: base coat for gold size...

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. ...
by Rick Sacks
Thu Jan 26, 2017 9:22 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: base coat for gold size...
Replies: 9
Views: 7240

Re: base coat for gold size...

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?
by Rick Sacks
Sun Jan 22, 2017 4:33 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: that dipped marble we used to do....
Replies: 2
Views: 3179

that dipped marble we used to do....

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...
by Rick Sacks
Sun Jan 22, 2017 1:16 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: base coat for gold size...
Replies: 9
Views: 7240

Re: base coat for gold size...

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?
by Rick Sacks
Wed Feb 22, 2012 8:49 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Sign Painters in North Carolina
Replies: 7
Views: 4633

Re: Sign Painters in North Carolina

Timi Barrow near Winston Salem
by Rick Sacks
Mon Oct 31, 2011 3:24 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Who Made This ?
Replies: 3
Views: 2960

Re: Who Made This ?

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.
by Rick Sacks
Thu Oct 27, 2011 7:52 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Who Made This ?
Replies: 3
Views: 2960

Who Made This ?

This was someone's contribution to the Conclave in '87 and we can't remember who.
Image
by Rick Sacks
Wed Jul 27, 2011 7:43 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Harry Malicoat
Replies: 12
Views: 9988

Re: Harry Malicoat

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.
by Rick Sacks
Fri Aug 06, 2010 7:12 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Bob Iverson
Replies: 5
Views: 4199

Bob Iverson

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.
by Rick Sacks
Thu Jan 14, 2010 4:54 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Scalloping tool
Replies: 9
Views: 6779

Re: Scalloping tool

I don't get it???
Is there something wrong with the tool Danny makes?
If not, why look or talk any further?
by Rick Sacks
Thu Jan 14, 2010 8:55 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Dual Pane WIndows
Replies: 1
Views: 1560

Dual Pane WIndows

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?
by Rick Sacks
Sun Jan 03, 2010 10:35 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Danny Bussell 1942-2009
Replies: 9
Views: 5250

Re: Danny Bussell 1942-2009

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.
by Rick Sacks
Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:48 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Epiphanes Varnish
Replies: 7
Views: 5014

Re: Epiphanes Varnish

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...
by Rick Sacks
Sun Dec 20, 2009 9:34 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Epiphanes Varnish
Replies: 7
Views: 5014

Re: Epiphanes Varnish

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.
by Rick Sacks
Sun Dec 20, 2009 10:16 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Epiphanes Varnish
Replies: 7
Views: 5014

Epiphanes Varnish

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...
by Rick Sacks
Fri Jul 24, 2009 9:09 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Graphtec plotter
Replies: 1
Views: 1717

Re: Graphtec plotter

Condition 4 34
6
Ready 4
CB15Ux 0
by Rick Sacks
Wed May 20, 2009 7:38 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: The Hensley Co.
Replies: 85
Views: 78509

Re: The Hensley Co.

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...
by Rick Sacks
Tue May 19, 2009 3:07 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Geuss Who / Most romantic sign painting photo
Replies: 6
Views: 5320

Re: Geuss Who / Most romantic sign painting photo

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.
by Rick Sacks
Mon Apr 13, 2009 9:27 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Epoxy Question
Replies: 17
Views: 9031

Re: Epoxy Question

Jerry, Weld On bought out the old recorcinal product. Almost the same stuff, different label.
by Rick Sacks
Fri Apr 10, 2009 7:39 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Epoxy Question
Replies: 17
Views: 9031

Re: Epoxy Question

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...
by Rick Sacks
Thu Apr 09, 2009 8:08 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Epoxy Question
Replies: 17
Views: 9031

Epoxy Question

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?
by Rick Sacks
Wed Dec 24, 2008 2:07 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: quick rubbing varnish
Replies: 5
Views: 3461

Doesn't Percell sell the varnishes?
Letterhead Sign Supply
by Rick Sacks
Sun Aug 03, 2008 5:19 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Laminating Wood Panels
Replies: 31
Views: 21894

Forgive my confusion, but if I'm understanding this correctly the only board oriented as Joe described is the one with the problem?
by Rick Sacks
Sun Aug 03, 2008 3:10 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Laminating Wood Panels
Replies: 31
Views: 21894

Kelly, can you show this to us with photos please????
by Rick Sacks
Sun Jul 27, 2008 9:18 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Laminating Wood Panels
Replies: 31
Views: 21894

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...
by Rick Sacks
Sat Jul 26, 2008 10:19 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Laminating Wood Panels
Replies: 31
Views: 21894

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...
by Rick Sacks
Sat Jul 26, 2008 8:39 pm
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Laminating Wood Panels
Replies: 31
Views: 21894

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
by Rick Sacks
Sat Jul 26, 2008 9:55 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Laminating Wood Panels
Replies: 31
Views: 21894

Laminating Wood Panels

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...
by Rick Sacks
Sat Jul 26, 2008 9:47 am
Forum: The Hand Lettering Forum
Topic: Sandblasting sample redwood sign/ have questions
Replies: 10
Views: 7244

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...