Recently, there have been thread inquiries posted about where to find things that were once commonly available to most signshops. Things like flourescent banner paper, paint additives, brushes, substrates etc. I can easily understand why those queries originated, since I've begun to notice that my major supplier is tending to stock less and less of the items that I once purchased regularly. Some items have unquestionably gone the way of the Dodo bird, and it's unlikley that they'll ever regain the importance they once held in the stock and trade of signshops. Muslin banner material is one such item, and showcard board is a genuine rarity.
I'm wondering just how long that an item like 1-Shot paint will continue to be available, or good quality lettering quills and brushes.
There is no denying the impact that vinyl has had on this trade, and the huge share of the market it has taken. I'm wondering just how long a "niche market" manufacturer will find it economically realistic to continue serving a diminishing market
I can forsee that those who wish to pursue the "traditional methods" of signcraftsmanship may have to consider stocking up on those items that may become or have already become an "endangered species" in the signmaking trade.
Posted by Brent Logan (Member # 6587) on :
Back in the mid 90's my local hardware store in Iowa had a great big stack of Bon Ami cakes on the shelf. I kick myself for not buying the entire inventory.
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
I've found that to be true lately when trying to buy HDU and DiBond. My usual supplier only stocks some cheap imitations of the good stuff and has no plans to order quality materials.
Their excuse is that "everyone wants whatever is cheapest".
Well...not everyone.
Posted by Ian Stewart-Koster (Member # 3500) on :
Downunder, getting decent signwriting paint is much more difficult than it used to be. The digital print industry has really affected the speciality sign paint industry. Mnay stores just do not carry now what they used to- the turnover & freight & profit is not there for the few of us still wanting to use these 'old' things!
Of course there are other suppliers, but you have to go further afield to find them.
Posted by stein Saether (Member # 430) on :
Staniol (tin) rolls, fish bladder glue, decent gold, none of this can be had, so we have to work around it somehow, masking with vinyl, laying 2 layers of gold and working with ordinary gelatin. They told the thin thin foil was never to be made again, gold is only machinebeaten on plastic and the dear caviar fish is illigal to catch
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
Tell me about it. But it's not just affecting old fashioned sign supplies. I just had to drive 5 hours round trip to get a spoil board for my router table. When I bought the router 2 years ago, I simply ordered one from my local lumber yard. when I needed a new one they informed me that all their suppliers stopped handling it. They only want to carry products that they can move an entire pallet's worth within a week or two.
Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
Funny thing though, in a few of the surounding Seattle areas, they are starting to ban plastic grocery bags. I'd like to start a nation wide campaign of educating the masses about the plactics (Vinyl, corrugated plastic etc) used in the sign industry. Where's them Green folks when I need them?
Posted by Darcy Baker (Member # 8262) on :
I'm depressed now.Think I'll retire or go on disability like every one else.....
Posted by Dennis Kiernan (Member # 12202) on :
Not especially for sign painters but the local Safeway supermarket has quit stocking wooden matches. Half a year now. I have no idea what the reason could be. They still sell giant wooden fireplace matches, and all sorts of butane BBQ lighters. Maybe the gvmt feels that children wd be able to light cigarets with the wooden matches and has banned them.
Posted by Carl Wood (Member # 1223) on :
Try to buy a glass fever themometer...
Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
Carl ... Just be happy to use the new digital thermometers!
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