joe
08-03-2013, 09:39 AM
Giving letters a little spunk is fun. Not only is it easy and fun but makes for a special looking sign. Here are the steps. The photo's below are of a panel done by my good friend Mark Yearwood. This is an old sign about twenty years and still looking like new. The letters are bright and shiny because they have aluminum leaf surfaces. This is a inexpensive material that's available to everyone. This sign wouldn't be nearly as attractive without the extra bling.
Leafing with aluminum is similar to regular gold gilding except its cheap and can be purchased at most hobby and craft stores. It comes in 5”X5” packs and is several times thicker gold leaf. Not too fussy to work with. This material is a substitute for silver and works better all round because it doesn't tarnish.
If you're interested in giving this a try you'll need to purchase some regular gilding varnish known as “Gold Size” Check your local sign supply and go with what they have on hand. After brushing a nice even coat of the size you 'll need let it stand for several hours until it becomes tacky. Aluminum doesn't require as an exact tack as does gold but it shouldn't be liquidy. That is to say you want it to feel like it's setting up. After applying your aluminum you can smooth it down with a soft brush. I use a mop. A woman's facial brush is perfect. Watch out if you get caught. Then you're on your on.
The other technique that makes for a “Spunky” look is the use of either a Brad Point Round Over or a 110 degree V bit to surface the top of the letters. That will give them increased viability. I'll post on that later. Please not how much brighter the chamferred letters appear. It's all in the router bit and the aluminum.
Joe Crumley
Leafing with aluminum is similar to regular gold gilding except its cheap and can be purchased at most hobby and craft stores. It comes in 5”X5” packs and is several times thicker gold leaf. Not too fussy to work with. This material is a substitute for silver and works better all round because it doesn't tarnish.
If you're interested in giving this a try you'll need to purchase some regular gilding varnish known as “Gold Size” Check your local sign supply and go with what they have on hand. After brushing a nice even coat of the size you 'll need let it stand for several hours until it becomes tacky. Aluminum doesn't require as an exact tack as does gold but it shouldn't be liquidy. That is to say you want it to feel like it's setting up. After applying your aluminum you can smooth it down with a soft brush. I use a mop. A woman's facial brush is perfect. Watch out if you get caught. Then you're on your on.
The other technique that makes for a “Spunky” look is the use of either a Brad Point Round Over or a 110 degree V bit to surface the top of the letters. That will give them increased viability. I'll post on that later. Please not how much brighter the chamferred letters appear. It's all in the router bit and the aluminum.
Joe Crumley