Smaltz

Does anyone know where I can buy Smaltz from? I'm not sure if I am spelling it right or not, but its the small glass beads that you can get in a lot of colors, most people use them in backgrounds. Please let me know something I am looking to use it in an upcoming project.

Not quite as brilliant but Black Beauty sandblast media is a good substitute, cheaper too. Northern Tool retail stores carry it. I actually like it better because it's not quite as twinkley and doesn't distract from the main copy.

I think you can still get "real" smaltz from esoteric sign supply... but it been years since I have ordered there. They used to carry the Smith's Creme you will need to stick it too. We used to mix the creme 50/50 with black one shot paint to make a decent black, sticky substrate to drop the smaltz on.

I havent done it for a couple years. But it is a great way to make a really nice "period" sign.

I'm sorry, I have only used black.. so the Black Beauty is only a good substitute for Black Smaltz obviously.

Letterhead Sign Supply

I think that the gold leaf guys have smaltz...

YUP!! http://www.letterheadsignsupply.com/...232984377.1449

That link courtasy of Joe Crumley in this thread: http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/messages/315/41521.html

Glass smaltz comes in lots of colors and sizes.

I realy like Black Beauty, which is nothing more than sandblast media. However it should be kept in mind this product is refined slag. It's the leftovers from steel mills. It's a handsome and a good cheap alternative to glass smaltz. A 50lb. bag costs about thirty dollars. Everyone should know, outside, it turns colors with age. Usually lightens up to gray.

I buy everything I can from Letterhead Supply.

Joe Crumley

If you have a hammer, some old colored glass and a little rock tumbler, you can make some neat smaltz.

Thanks for all of the responses it was very helpful.

Just found this site. Seems like a lot of information is shared.

Try http://www.artisan-signs.net/Glass_Smalt.php

Esoteric Sign Supply is no longer in business. The founder/owner, Rick Glawson, passed away several years ago and his brothers attempted to keep the business going, but did not succeed.

Letterhead Sign Supply would be my first recommendation.