Tip for very easy interesting sign lettering.

[TIADave]

During my prototyping for some plaques, I wasn't getting the look I was going for so I tried something different. After the plaque was cut, using centerline text and a 60deg V bit, I mixed some black paint with drywall mud and filled up the letters. After sanding and staining, the letters almost look inlayed. The stain soaks up much more into the letters, producing the high contrast i was looking for.

Just thought I'd pass this along, as I always love to read little tips and tricks in the forum.

Happy Carving.......

Dave

[Capt Bruce]

Good tip Dave,
You've got me interested enough that I have to give it a try. Thanks for sharing.

[ladjr]

Please post some picture. Sounds interesting


Leo

[crfahy]

I think I'll try that! I was thinking about colored epoxy, but this sounds much easier.

[b.sumner47]

It's worth a try, Thanks for sharing.


Capt Barry

[badbert]

I anyone has tried this yet, I would really like to see pictures! I will try it when I get caught up.

[unitedcases]

I did it on my last project but when I went to touch up stain it got in the letters staining them. They were still off color but it worked. Everyone thought that was the effect I was going for.

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[TIADave]

Agreed, don't think you are going to stain around it. Not gonna happen, the stuff is like a sponge for stain. When I originally posted this a couple of weeks ago, it was my intent to have the stain get soaked in to make the letters show darker.

Since my original post I have also used some modelers clay. It comes in infinite different colors and works very well also. You can get it at any Hobby Lobby or art supply store. The good thing is that it doesn't soak up the stain so the colors will still be perfect.

Try it out, the stuff is cheap and it's kinda fun experimenting....

Hope someone finds this useful.

[unitedcases]

That is an excellent idea! So just gloss over it when finished?

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[TIADave]

Yep, some of the clay is bake dry some air dry. Just dry it (or not but will take longer for the gloss to dry) and put your finish.

[unitedcases]

Yep. This modeling clay will work. This is by far the best letters I have ever done. And the best part is once I was done filling them with clay, then they are done. No sanding, no repainting. Best idea ever!

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