Hard finish for HDU

[magic]

Is there any way we can get a sticky or compile all the info on finishing?

My head spins every time I do a search.

[joe]

Magic,
It's a wide topic and deserves a heading all it's own. For example: "HDU" has a dozen or so finishing techniques and some of are unique. It's important to keep in mind, finishing of signs is in a class all it's own. Cabinets, furniture, and common wood finishing has almost nothing to do with exterior sign finishing.

Most of my work involves lettering brushes, foam rollers, spray guns, latex, enamels, vinyls, and someitmes gold or Sculpt Nouveau, all on a single sign panel. Not mention texturing materials. It's common for me to have a half dozen, or more, techniques involved. The major, #1, factor is longevity. They need to last for years. You've prompted me, to take the liberty, to show a panel or two that involves multipal finishing techniques.

I admire your desire to gather information on the subject. Let us know how you do. And thanks for posting on the topic. It's one of my favorites.

Joe Crumley
www.normansignco.com

[magic]

All I know is that the critter paint gun works exactly the same way as my 1050's sears paint gun. The cups were mason jars. I finally tossed then when the salesman convinced me that HVLP was the new king.

Why do i listen to salesman?

As far as finishing... I'm sorry but I'll just need to gather info one project at a time. It would take two lifetimes to compile correctly.

[joe]

OK M.

I get your drift. Lets see what you have in mind. Please be more specific and I'll see if I can help. There's nothing as good as a step by step. Lets do something!

There are few carvings or shapes which can't be enhanced by proper finishing. The single most difficult is masking. That topic deserves more posts to save people lots is misery.

One final word. You may see and read about a painting technique, but it's no good unless you acutally do it. There's something about using your hands which makes it indellable to the mind. Otherwise you won't remember.

Joe Crumley
www.normansignco.

[graphixgarage]

Here is the first one... still working on the other. I moved the sign back off the road where it wouldn't get damaged.

[COBOB]

That sign is a knockout. Nobody could miss that one. Nice work.

[joe]

Good on you Jennifer,

It's a beautiful sign with lots going on. I also like th massive posts. Would you be so kind to tell us about your process and problems as you went along?

I have more technical information about hard coating for G. Campbell, Bil P. Magic, and others. I didn't want to Hi-jack your topic so I'll open up another thread. Keep up the good work and please post more often.

Joe Crumley
www.normansignco.com

[graphixgarage]

Thanks guys! I did the whole sign out of HDU and cut the letting and glued in on. The boat and swirls are Pro Cast vinyl. I also used a acrylic paint to finish the HDU parts. I did not finish coat it. I used over sized posts in order to make the sign seem larger. The city would not allow for a larger sign so I make it 'look' bigger!

JEN