Mica Powders

[joe]

Howdy Everyone,

We botters are allways on the lookout for less complicated methods of finishing V-letters. Here is a little used method which I like. It's Mica Powder.

These are very beautiful, deliclate micro ground metal powders. They are UV resistant and perminent when applied correctly. Often used in womens make up as blushes.

Here's how I use them on V-letters:
Prior to routeing, apply your favorite mask, and burnish it down with a rivet brush. Any stiff brush will do. After routing, burnish the mask again and apply a thin coat of 3 hour gold size. When this is allmost dry, it's time to apply the Mica. I use a soft dry brush. Dip into the powder and apply. That's it.

If some of your size has drifted under your mask, it can be easily remover with a soft cloth. I'm not too fond of top coating these deliclate powders as they look so soft and glittery. The sample kit has Coppers, Golds, Brass, Etc. Also you can vary the powder color from top to bottom of a letter.
www.letterheadsignsupply.com (http://www.letterheadsignsupply.com) They have a sample pack of a dozen or so colors that will last for years. I think it cost about $25.

What would we do without the Letterheads?

J
www.normansignco.com (http://www.normansignco.com)

[joe]

Woodps,

I checked on the Letterhead Sign Supply web page and the sample kit sells for $35 & which inculeds 24 samples.

They are a little hard to find on the site. It's under Mica Samples.

I should have done all this before I posted. Sorry

J

[artisan]

Hi Joe....another excellent addition to the arsenal is automotive metal flake...in the smallest size possible. The effect is magical to clients and they often stare like little kids when we use it. It is very different from glitter as the particles are too small to be detected casually by the human eye....but boy do they sparkle and twinkle in the sunlight. Simply add it to your topcoat for another nice letter effect....D

[edcoleman]

Thanks for the tip, Joe. I'm placing a sample order today. I searched the letterhead site for 3 hour size and got the following product hit:

Rolco Gold Size Quick-Dry

I assume that is the recommended size?!? I havent' used the stuff since I've not done any gold leaf work.

One other question: is there any "topcoat" required over the mica powder?

[joe]

Ed,

Good for you.

There are two gold size solutions made by LeFranc, 3 hour and 12 hour. These are my favorites. They are rather expensive and for this process Rolco would do fine. The big difference is timeing. LeFranc is like driving down an eight lane highway, with respect to available application times. Rolco is not so generious. It's a two laner.

It's helps to make a sample piece next to your project. Once you put down the first mica, your oblicated to continue on in order to maintain the same texture and gloss. So it's kind of necessary to have a test area.

If you apply a topcoat it will change the depth and color. Although it's not necessary, there are cases where it's needed. That's one of those judgment calls. Have fun.

Take your time with this stuff and please post your results.

J

[joewino]

Joe - when I have used mica powder it has been necessary to clear it...mainly because it has been on windows that would be cleaned often. When it wasn't cleared it didn't last very long.

Of course, if the sign is not going to be touched or cleaned there is no need for any clear coat.

As a general rule, the leaf or powder will be longer lasting than the clear. Unless it is a two-part automotive clear, you will often lessen the life of the sign rather than extending it.

And Joe is right (as usual) about the LeFranc size. The 12 hour has an open life of several days, not just twelve hours. Makes for a great gild also.

Letterhead Sign Supply is a great source for all those unusual items...and Ron and Kristy are very knowledgeable about every item. They are more than just merchants - they are sign folks themselves.

[joe]

Perhaps one of the main differences between automotive powders and mica's has to do with color fastness. The automotive powders are made to be part of painting solution. Many of them left uncovered will oxadize and change color.They're very attrctive however and should be considered as an option.

It's true, as Raymond states, there is a necessity to clear over these deliclate powders for protection. Since there is so very little of the microscopic granules taken up by a varnish, they are rather deliclate. In our display area we've left them alone because of a facile, subtle glitter they give off.

There are artists such as David McDonals,www.avaliasigndesign.com (http://www.avaliasigndesign.com) who use mica's to enhance his exterior sign. I am amazed at how neat he combines so many techniques. He's a router head like all of us.

Happy routing

J.