"Back From The Archives"

 

I get asked a lot what's the best way to paint raised letters?

 

There are as many different ways to do it as there are old machines .... I have used an artist brush, made a stamp out of cork, used a sponge, paint marker, etc. but this is what I've found gives me the best results.

 

First thing is prep the raised letters for paint by going over it with a sanding block and fine sand paper.

 

Then take a paper towel and tightly roll it up, fold it in half and tape the halves together, then flatten the end at the fold.

 

 

Now dip the end into some paint and dab it on some paper to get the excess paint off of it.

 

 

Then start dabbing it on the letters.

 

 

The more pressure you push down with the more it will paint around the sides of the letters, just don't push to hard or you'll paint parts you don't want too.

 

I push hard enough so it just starts to roll over the top of the letters on to the sides.

 

Painting all the letters took maybe 3 or 4 minutes. A lot quicker than trying to do it with a brush.

 

And clean up couldn't be easier, ... just toss it in the garbage when you're done.

 

 

Shane

 

Shane,

 

That is a very good idea, and the the result looks awesome. Could find uses for this idea in different types of woodworking also.

 

 

Thanks for sharing,

 

 

Russ

Edited November 5, 20187 yr by Larry Buskirk

Now that is a Top Tip if I ever saw one.

You make it look soooo easy and that looks like a great way to do and you are correct, cleanup would be a snap.

 

Thanks!

Edited November 5, 20187 yr by Larry Buskirk

Shane,

 

Way cool!!

 

My kind of tip, on the cheap with excellent results.

 

I've also used Q-Tips with good results.

 

Edited November 5, 20187 yr by Larry Buskirk

Nice tip Shane.

What are you working on?

Edited November 5, 20187 yr by Larry Buskirk

Nice tip!

 

Thanks for sharing.

 

 

 

Edited November 5, 20187 yr by Larry Buskirk

Fantastic Shane, very good trick!

Edited November 5, 20187 yr by Larry Buskirk

Thanks for the comments guys, I appreciate them.

 

 

Ken, this is one of two doors off of a large boiler that I am fixing up for the gentleman that I restored the Crescent Universal Woodworker for. It used to heat the old saw mill that is now turned into his office/wood working museum.

 

 

Edited November 5, 20187 yr by Larry Buskirk

That's pretty awesome Shane, I hope you can post a picture of the boiler when it is finished. Your work is amazing.

Edited November 5, 20187 yr by Larry Buskirk

Great idea Shane! 

I can't wait to give it a try.

Edited November 5, 20187 yr by Larry Buskirk

Good info Shane........

 

As a side note ..... what brand is the gold paint in the picture? 

 

 

 

Thanks ~ Dan 

 

 

Edited November 10, 20187 yr by Larry Buskirk

Shane that is an awesome tip! Who ever would a thought? Is there a technique to this that takes some to time to feel comfortable with or can a person just go straight to painting the letters? Seem that the pressure is the key, and say the gold does overflow, what is the best way to handle this. Let it dry and touch it up with black?

Edited November 5, 20187 yr by Larry Buskirk

Thanks Dan,

 

The paint I used for this was just Rust-oleum Metallic Painter's Touch but what I found works the best for this type of work and for pinstripes is Sign Painters 1-shot.

 

 

Shane

 

Edited November 5, 20187 yr by Larry Buskirk

Thanks John,

 

Doesn't take much practice, just light dabs and you'll be an expert in not time. The main thing is don't try to apply to much paint at one time, dab the excess off on the paper first to prevent the runs.

 

 

But, if you do have runs then do like you said, let it dry and touch it up with the black, or keep a rag with some paint thinner on it and wipe off the gold and start over. 

 

 

Edited November 5, 20187 yr by Larry Buskirk

Hi Shane,

 

 

Thanks for the info.

 

 

 

 

Dan

 

 

Edited November 10, 20187 yr by Larry Buskirk

Shane,

You have the knack of making the difficult simple.

Thanks, I have a walker Turner cast lathe base that can benefit from your tip.

Ray

"Back From The Archives"

 

As you can see this tip/trick applies to more than just machinery. 

Thanks Larry!

Wow, another great "back from the archives". 

Thanks again Larry

Great tip.