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I'm just starting to paint signs, and I've chosen SignFoam as my substrate. My medium has always been acrylic. What is a good covering, lightfast acrylic? Acrylic requires a top coat. Any suggestions there?
I've seen lots of info on 1-Shot, but that's oil-based. Must I resign to oils for outdoor durability? Do I clearcoat that as well?
Can somebody please give me some paint product names and suppliers so that my signs are beautiful and long lasting? I already have two signs orders placed and I want them to be as professional as possible so that my customers will talk me up and my business can grow.
Thank you so much for helping me get started.
-------------------- Stephanie Harding Bryarpatch Artistry Winchester, VA Posts: 6 | From: Virginia | Registered: May 2004
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I'm not a sign painter but I wanted to welcome you to Letterville. We gotta' have two Harding posts here.
After I tell people my last name, I tell them "No relation to Tonya that I'll admit."
I graduated from high school in McLean, Virginia. You live in a beautiful part of the state.
There will be plenty of people to jump in with paint suggestions. Much will also depend on the type of work you are doing. I'll let the experts handle that.
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 5099 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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...The premere paint for backgrounds is (as far as I am concerned) is... PORTER brand, gloss exterior house paint. No clear coat needed, no fading, 25 yr. lifespan.
... Don't limit yourself to "sign foam" for substrate. Plan on using whatever is appropriate for the job. And there is nothing wrong with MDO if it's prepped correctly.
... Good luck if you have never worked in a signshop... a job in a cool / good / busy one would be your best bet for learning the biz.
...Oh, and try to NOT use clear coats EVER ! ...That is, unless you want a pain in the ass.
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haha that is funny the town I grew up in (Milwaukie, Oregon) is where that nasty beast Tanya Harding is from and she went to my high school.....on with the show, WELCOME TO THE PARTY, and Mr Pickett has pointed you in the right direction I don't think any of us use one material...how nice that would be for inventory though, we all use a multitude of materials to create whatever we are working on for whatever the environment may be, I know that sounds broad AND IT IS, every product that we all make is custom, and usually for a somewhat custom application, buildings all very etc., get yourself a subscription to signcraft magazine, call Pacific Coast Paint at 800-752-0028 and order a catalog and get yourself some decent starting brushes, dont skimp here if you invest a little upfront they will last you a lifetime, they also have a website at http://www.pacificcoastpaint.com and more importantly they are a merchant here so make sure to tell them that you heard about them here so that they know that there advertising dollars are at work (and I referred them here so they don't get mad at me for making a investment and no one ends up contacting them for info lol) but really they have a AMAZING inventory. Of course get to a meet and everyone will tell you that, there are a multitude of paints for a multitude of applications and we could all probably right a huge book on the subject, just make sure that the paint you use is compatible with the substrate you are using and is appropriate for the final purpose and location of the sign.
-------------------- Dan Streicher Slidell, LA Posts: 445 | From: Slidell, LA | Registered: Feb 2004
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My curiosity, is getting the best of me; Why have you chosen to use SignFoam as a substrate?
Are you sandblasting, carving? Just curious...
I choose to prime HDU before painting, because I prefer a smoother finish. Some here, will tell you it isn't necessary to prime at all. And, they're right! As for primer; I've used Flex Bon (local dealer) 100% acrylic latex primer, FSC-88 WB - water based, filler/primer from Coastal Enterprises and Jay Cooks primer. For a smoother finish, I would suggest using the later two. Read the directions.
It is suggested, that you apply coats of paint evenly on both sides of the board, (HDU) to prevent warp.
For top coats and finishes, I use either latex or OneShot enamels. If you use both on the same project, just make sure the enamels go on last. Latex, won't stick to enamel. FYI, vinyl doesn't stick to latex...
Please enlighten us, tell us about yourself and what you're into...
Sign Chix Rule! Cher.
-------------------- Co-Host: SANDCASTLE Panel Jam 'a Dixie Letterhead Reunion' Fort Myers, Florida
Cheryl Lucas a/k/a "Shag" on mIRC Vital Signs & Graphics, Etc. Cape Coral, Florida 239-574-4713 VSignsNgraphics@aol.com Posts: 987 | From: Cape Coral, FL USA | Registered: Aug 2000
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Hi Stephanie. I was wondering the same thing as Cheryl. You live in an antebellum town, right? Is that why you have chosen SignFoam? For an old-style look? I mean, it's great for carving & sandblasting & such, but I don't really care for it as a substrate for a plain flat-painted sign. Have you ever considered using a Super Stock Sign blank? Super Stock Signs, Greenwood, DE, (800) 551-7440 or (302) 645-6565 They are moulded HDU* and look real nice. I have no clue who would sell them in your area. You might want to check out a Letterville merchant, Hartco. They sell sandblasted-looking sign blanks made out of HDU* that have a flat area for painting. They come pre-primed, (at least the SS ones do) and I have painted them mainly with 1-Shot as a background and for lettering. I suppose the other paints that have been suggested would work well too. I usually never clear-coat a painted sign, unless it has been specifically requested. Do yourself a favor and get the book "Mastering Layout" by Mike Stevens, also available somewhere on this site, and try to get yourself to a live meet someday too. Love...Jill *at least I think it's HDU! haha and sign chix DO rule!
-------------------- That is like a Mr. Potato Head with all the pieces in the wrong place. -Russ McMullin Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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It's wonderful to have such a supportive resource. You guys are awesome!
Actually, I am more of an artist than sign painter, though I'm only self taught on both. These sign orders came to me from my decorative painting and murals. I'm used to using any kind of acrylic paint and not having to worry about weather and uv. I made my own sign last year with those same paints and it looks great, but receives little sun. Since these signs are orders, I want to be sure that they are professional. Not to mention I enjoy them and they offer the chance to carve my designs into them if I choose, so the more sign orders I get the better.
I found HDU while I was surfing for sign blanks. I've seen what happens to wood in the weather and liked the benefits of foam. Sheets of HDU would be easier to cut into shapes than to have to glue and clamp wood together first, plus it has no grain to fight. To be honest, MDO never entered my mind. How does that carve?
I surf for resources, and thank God I found you! I so appreciate your information and expertise. With you guys behind me, I'm sure I'll get plenty more sign orders. Thank you!
-------------------- Stephanie Harding Bryarpatch Artistry Winchester, VA Posts: 6 | From: Virginia | Registered: May 2004
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MDO = Medium Density Overlay It's like plywood, with a smooth brown paper finish. It can be purchased with the finish on one side or both. My supplier offers boards that are 3/8" & 1/2" thick. By far, less expensive than HDU...
Cher.
-------------------- Co-Host: SANDCASTLE Panel Jam 'a Dixie Letterhead Reunion' Fort Myers, Florida
Cheryl Lucas a/k/a "Shag" on mIRC Vital Signs & Graphics, Etc. Cape Coral, Florida 239-574-4713 VSignsNgraphics@aol.com Posts: 987 | From: Cape Coral, FL USA | Registered: Aug 2000
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My wife is a "Decorative Artist " also.She LIKES the (tooth) provided from HDU for her acrylics. Porter/Rhino brands are best for backgrounds you desire!and can be found in SignCraft Magazine. Try to use the Merchants advertising here FIRST! Most of your FLAT synthetic brushes will work for your medium of lettering paint. If you belong to a Guild with access to Deorative Painting magazines,KEN BROWN has and excellent video on brush lettering! I LOVE your "thinking out of the box" approach to signs! Never let it be said that the 2 won't mix!
P.S. Alaways ask specific question to receive specific anwsers
hope this helps
-------------------- PKing is Pat King The Professor of SIGNOLOGY Posts: 3113 | From: Pompano Beach, FL. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Hi Stephanie....... I too am a self-taught artist and sign painter, self employed now for nearly 25 yrears. If you prefer acrylics, RONAN makes water based sign paints, DIAMOND VOGEL makes coat-out acrylics. If you do a sign that is just flat painted there are the wood substrates already mentioned but also Dibond and Alumilite which are sheets of Aluminum, so no breaking down in the weather. Get SIGNCRAFT magazine which, apart from suppliers contacts, will also open you up to various sorts of signage....with materials etc. all explained. Welcome to the world of hand-painted signs......it's good to see another person on board. I'm sure, as an artist, you will relish the thought of trying new paints and evolving new ideas to keep the world looking colourful. Good for you!!!!
-------------------- Brian O'Prey Brian O'Prey, Artist and Designer 5 Old Movilla Road, Newtownards County Down Northern Ireland BT23 8HH Tel. 028 9181 3517 email-brianlionzion@hotmail.com Posts: 91 | From: Newtownards, County Down, Ireland | Registered: Aug 2003
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I felt so comfident before I came here, now I feel completely ignorant. I'm learning, thanx to you! I will get SignCraft so I can learn all the things I thought I knew. LOL But for now, I need to get these signs done! So, one last question and I'll stop pestering y'all.
Using a piece of 4' x 6' x 3/4" SignFoamIII primed with Zinnsers Bulls Eye 123, and will ultimately hang in a sunny pasture, what paint would you choose: oil or water-based, and what's your favorite brand? Is that specific enough Pat? LOL
Thanks y'all, Stephanie
-------------------- Stephanie Harding Bryarpatch Artistry Winchester, VA Posts: 6 | From: Virginia | Registered: May 2004
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I already have two signs orders placed and I want them to be as professional as possible so that my customers will talk me up and my business can grow.
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