Hi guys. I hope I'm not annoying anyone by posting here with questions. I'm a tattoo artist in Albany, NY and I recently opened a new custom studio. I know sign painting is different from what I do (I tattoo, of course, but also do alot with watercolors and such) and I know it will probably not be easy but I really have my heart set on hand painting my own sign. I've noticed alot of similarities between the crafts and I do know that tattooers are very hesitant to 'hand over' the information that it's taken them years to learn for themselves, so I respect your opinions if you'd rather me not post my questions here. i hate when people watch me work and say 'that looks easy. I could do that.'
I just don't really know where to start, I guess. I've learned a little bit about different brands and types of paints, but I just don't know what would be the best for the type of sign that I want and the weather out here, and really I don't know of anyone else to ask.
I have to do a double sided hanging sign, and I'm thinking about using plywood but is one-shot going to hold up the best and what kind of primer and sealers should I be using? I was hoping maybe someone could maybe point me in the right direction. I appreciate any advice I could get. Thanks for your time.
-cindy
Posted by Bobbie Rochow (Member # 3341) on :
Cindy, I handpainted a sign for a tattoo shop that my son works in, nearby. I cut it out of MDO signboard, which is overlaid plywood, & I sealed the edges & used One Shot on it. I used a black foam roller to roll the paint on it.
I know what you mean about the tattoo artists not sharing their how-to's. That is because so many tattoo shops are popping up, & many without good work. My son & others I have talked to have the point of view that they should "pay their dues" working as an apprentice somewhere for a while, first.
Don't worry about the people here, that is what we are here for mainly, even if we get off the sign topic now & then, for fun! But I had gotten the same same results when I first started out making signs, calling another sign shop for advice, & they did NOT want to share! That was way before I found this site.
You can email me or call if you want to.
Posted by Cindy Rae Maxwell (Member # 5453) on :
Thank you very much. That's exactly the kind of response I was hoping for. What kind of sealer would you recommend?
-Cindy What shop does he work in btw?
Posted by Jill Marie Welsh (Member # 1912) on :
Another type of paint you might want to try is Ronan water based paints, which might be easier for you to use if you are used to acrylics at all.
Make sure to prime the MDO with a good exterior primer and seal the heck out of the edges. I would use signpaint as a base coat too.
Remember that signs are not the same as a tattoo. Good layout is essential. You might want to get a copy of Mastering Layout by Mike Stevens.
...at least if you mess up on the sign you can re-do it, unlike a tattoo! Love.....Jill
Posted by Jim Upchurch (Member # 209) on :
You'll get a number of different responses but I would use any good alkyd (oil base wood) primer on MDO plywood and edge seal with wood filler. Two enamel coats with a foam roller, like Bobbie says and One Shot is made to order for this. I would also get a good sign painter brush (usually grey sqirrel hair but you could get by with a good quality long haired synthetic brush since you probably won't be twirling it or anything.
Getting the right thickness of paint thinned with paint thinner will decide how much trouble you'll have. I pallet the brush on a magazine, usally dropping some thinner next to the paint like with oils. I do a bit of watercoloring myself, and would say this will be less challenging, as mistakes are easy to correct. Don't clearcoat it but an occasional waxing will keep 'er looking sporty.
Posted by Bobbie Rochow (Member # 3341) on :
Wow, Jim, you watercolor too? I have always found watercolor tricky. I used to oil paint on slates & saws, tho.
Cindy, he tattoos at Jaded Heart tattoos in Greenville, PA. They have a website.
I checked out your homepage, & your shop. Beautiful shop! You do good work, too, kind of old school style. I like that B&W of you looking out the window!
I like the smell of green soap.....
Posted by Cindy Rae Maxwell (Member # 5453) on :
wow! thanks a ton! you're really all helping alot. Jill- I'll have to pick up that book. I was looking for a good one to help me out. The layout really is very different. Tattoos are drawn to flow with muscle and body shape, so it'll be nice to a book to refer to for a sign. Bobbie- I've heard of Jaded Heart. I'll have to check out the website. Thanks for the compliments. The shop was gutted and we did the work ourselves and we're buying a new building soon so we'll have to do it again.
i love the smell of green soap, too, but it makes me sneeze.
Posted by Jim Upchurch (Member # 209) on :
Bobbie, watercolors aren't too tricky once you learn to loosen up and not worry about making mistakes. I use a bigger brush now and just go for it. The faster you work the better they come out, it seems. Terry Madden is a great teacher, he's on PBS out here and has some books out that are very helpful. "You can do it" is his motto.
Posted by John Deaton III (Member # 925) on :
Hi Cindy. You also might do a search for Tattoo signs on google, just to get an idea of what others have done. Its a good idea starter for sure. Bout time tattoo artists started getting pretty too. The days of the big hairy guys is gone...You do good work too. Posted by Frank Smith (Member # 146) on :
Cindy- Hi neighbor...I'm not sure what to tell you specifically, but I have an idea that if you give me a call tomorrow you might get me going with some free advice, one artist to another. Lower Madison could use a lively sign.
Good luck,
Frank
Posted by Cindy Rae Maxwell (Member # 5453) on :
Thanks John! Funny...The man who taught me through my apprenticeship was named Don Deaton.
Frank-I'm emailing you right now.
Posted by Barb. Shortreed (Member # 1730) on :
Welcome to Letterville Cindy. Our Son is doing tattoos partime. We're even thinking of letting him do a job on good ole Dad.
I glad you found your way here. I've always thought Tattoo artists would make a wonderful addition to the gang here at Letterville. Looking forward to getting to know you and your business.
[ March 15, 2005, 01:32 AM: Message edited by: Barb. Shortreed ]
Posted by Artisan Signs (Member # 3146) on :
Hi Cindy, and welcome.
I am just about 2 hours north of you (south of Plattsburgh)
Like others have said, MDO (medium density overlaid) would be a good choice.
As far as paint, it's probably 50/50 on water base versus oil based. I personally prefer water based, like Benjaman Moore Impervex. Lots of colors, and after using it for years now, it has never failed, and I have not noticed any fading.
Lettering could be done with One Shot.
Seal the edges by taking some quality ($4-$5) latex caulking (not silicone), and running a bead around the outside (fresh cut edge) of the sign, and rubbing it in with your fingers to a nice thin coat (not too thick). Let it cure for a day or two. Then prime and paint.
Like Jill and others have said, the layout will be more important.
A well designed sign is just as important as a well built sign.
Any questions? Please feel free to call, I will gladly answer any questions.
Good luck, Bob K.
[ March 15, 2005, 06:10 AM: Message edited by: Artisan Signs ]
Posted by Michael Latham (Member # 4477) on :
Hi Cindy, Just want to reiterate a few things. MDO and MDF are not the same thing! You can get MDF at Home Depot and other building supply stores. MDO is a little harder to find. Plywood core with paper type finish. Wonderfull board! Time is your friend. Time for chaulk to set, primer to dry, coats of paint to set...on and on. Be prepard for the time outlay, a few hours here and there but alot of sitting time! Good luck
Posted by Randy Campbell (Member # 2675) on :
Barb do you think Steve is old enough to get a tattoo???? Posted by Bobbie Rochow (Member # 3341) on :
Cindy, I showed my son your work, & he was very impressed. He said that your line work was really good, & your shading. He said you were brave, getting the one on your neck, as he has been thinking about getting one there for awhile.
You are quite an artist, yourself! It is really great when we can have artists of different kinds on this site.
Posted by Rovelle W. Gratz (Member # 4404) on :
Cindy, unlike many Sign folks of years gone bye.....the folks here are more than willing to share their knowledge.
I saw a Tatoos and Signs shop somewhere near here the other day, so I guess there are some who streth their arms and try new tools.
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