class="tag"Posts Tagged ‘finishing’
No Comments Custom Painting And Creating One Of Kind Artistic Signs
Are You Unique?
Being a custom sign shop we are always looking for unique ways to create custom artistic signs. Many of our signs have custom paint finishes to make them a one of a kind sign. Custom painting is something that has had a cultural impact throughout history and is still carried over to modern day.
Custom Sign Painting
The crew here at The Sign Depot had the opportunity to view the film Sign Painters, which was glimpse into the world of handpainted signs. (FYI there is a swear word or two in this trailer- don’t say we didn’t warn you).
SIGN PAINTERS (OFFICIAL TRAILER) from samuel j macon on Vimeo.
The film showed how historic sign painting techniques are still used today, but the real star of the film is 1 Shot Paint, something we use almost daily here in our workshop.
But I am sure all of our expert sign makers will agree with what the painter in the trailer said “I want to make signs that turn into art”
Spray Painting With Airbrush Techniques
Another great custom painting technique is airbrushing. We often use it for backgrounds on our custom wood signs. This paint finish can provide overall coverage or colour fades just like the skyline in this cottage sign below.
Airbrush techniques are often used in several variations of street art as well.
From the Las Vegas Strip
To a very popular graffiti artist
To learn more about how street artist Bansky pranked passers-by in Central Park take a look at the Colossal post about the Unannouced Art Sale (a big thanks goes to Unmarketing’s Scott Stratten for bringing this amazing post to our attention!)
Even we have taken to spray painting techniques outside the shop. Below is a time lapse of stencil and spray paint sign technique (you can see it happening mid-way through the video) and although we don’t get many opportunities for this kind of sign work we always jump at the chance to try something new.
Creating A Custom Look
The expert sign makers here at The Sign Depot have several other custom sign painting techniques to ensure your sign has a unique finish and creates an impact. If you are looking for something vintage and weathered, or modern with a high gloss finish, they can achieve a one of kind look for your artistic sign. Once you have an idea of your sign project be sure to visit our Contact Us page in order to receive your quote. Looking for more ideas? Search around our website, blog, facebook page, and pinterest boards for some inspiration.
Gold Leaf And Custom Artistic Sign Making
Go For The Gold
One of the custom sign making techniques that we get a lot of inquiries about is the application of gold leaf. There is no substitute for the shine achieved by 23K gold leaf. It is multiple step process which requires a lot of expertise in order to properly apply the gold leaf to a sign or artistic sculpture. The best example of well known gold leaf application recognized worldwide would be the Queen’s Flotilla. To learn more, you can read our post Fit For A Queen, to see how The Royal Barge was sculpted using many of the same techniques that we use right here in The Sign Depot Workshop.
See The Sign Making Steps
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First Gold Size Oil is applied. Gold size is an adhesive that is applied to the surface of where you want the gold leaf to be.
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Next the sheets of Gold Leaf are separated to ensure even application.
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The Gold Leaf is applied with a specialty brush
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The last step is letting it set. In order to ensure the longevity of the finish, you must make sure the Gold Size Oil and Gold Leaf are completely dry before moving the sign.
Below you can see a quick recap of how we apply gold leaf to our custom signs. It adds quite an artistic touch to the finishing process.
Custom Sign Making Techniques
Curious about other custom sign making techniques? We have a fix for that! Be sure to RSVP to the upcoming Sign Depot Demo Day by clicking the image below. There you will get a behind the scenes look at what goes on in our sign manufacturing workshop. Peter Moir and the staff of The Sign Depot will be on hand to answer any questions and you’ll be amongst some of the top marketers in the business industry.
Click The Image Above To Register for The Sign Depot Demo Day
Artistic Signs Late Nights and Blue Collar Mornings @ The Sign Depot
Artistic Signs Start With Artists
Next week is the February Long Weekend. Since it’s been too cold to do anything outside we decided to host something indoors. Our first Art Show is happening on Saturday Feb 19th from 6:30pm to 11:30pm here at 51 Borden Ave S. Kitchener. All details can be found at this link OR click the pic at the bottom of this post to see an enlarged version.
OR follow the hashtag on twitter #sdART Some fantastic artists make Kitchener Waterloo their home and we hope this region will support all that they do enrich the artistic culture here.
They are many ways the community can get involved to support local artistic talent. Attending a local art show is just one of the ways our artistic sign makers find inspiration for the unique sign work that they do. Finding different ways to sculpt signs, produce stand out memorable landmarks and experiment with finishing techniques such as distressed rust finishes or gold leaf guilding are just some of the artistic ways they create custom signs.
As you can see some of these artistic sign techniques have crossed over into the art world and are now being used to create artistic pieces for the masses. You are never sure how your work can influence others, but in this case sign work inspired a full scale art show.
Sign Up To See The Art
See what The Sign Depot looks like after dark. It may just surprize you. We want our custom signs to be part of the artistic landscape of our community. Come by and see what you would like to see more of when it comes to artistic signs. We appreciate your input and look forward to hosting you in our Sign Depot workshop. Perhaps you will see a piece that speaks to you.
