This is topic Could I get some clarification regarding SMALTS? in forum Old Archives at The Letterville BullBoard.


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Posted by Barry Branscum (Member # 445) on :
 
I have seen a few signs in the trade mags using this technique....it looks great, but:

WHAT THE HECK IS SMALTS actually ANYWAY?

Where do I get it?

How do you adhere it?

HELP? Please?

Barry

------------------
Master's Touch Signs & Screenprinting
Clinton AR
5017456246
ICQ 17430008
Signs of Excellence!!!


 

Posted by Jerry Mathel (Member # 526) on :
 
Hi Barry,

If you can find a copy of the March 2000 issue of "Sign Builder Illustrated", it has a rather detailed step-by-step article that I wrote on making smalts signs.

Anyway, to quickly answer your questions, smalts is either crushed glass or painted sand. Originally it was adhered with white lead and varnish, but since white lead is no longer available, the most common product for adhearing smalts is either Jack's Cream or Smith's Cream mixed with lettering enamel.

A good source for everything you need in the way of smalts and supplies is Rick Glawson at Esoteric Sign Supply. They are Letterhead merchants. Just click on thier banner on the supplier page. E-mail me if you would like more info.

Jerry Mathel
Jerry Mathel Signs
Grants Pass, Oregon
signs@grantspass.com

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Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
 
Jerry is right and his article was a big help. Its not really difficult and the results are cool especially when the sun hits it. As you move past the sign you get a nice subtle sparkle off the glass smalts.

Esoteric is the place to go for smalts. My first batch of glass smalts (black) was from another supplier and though it was a little cheaper, Esoterics smalts was much cleaner and richer looking. The colors he carries are awesome but pricey for a large sign.

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Dave Sherby
"Sandman"
SherWood Sign & Graphic Design
Crystal Falls, MI 49920
906-875-6201
ICQ: 21604027
sherwood@up.net


 

Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
 
For a few years we used Holfast oil marketed by Quill Hair and Ferrule for adhering smalt. Short life span. Major failures. The SmithCream/1-Shot mix seems to be holding up. but has not proven the testing of two winters. I know someone that has had no failures yet using fiberglass (polyester) resin.

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The SignShop
Mendocino, California
"Where the Redwoods meet the Surf"



 

Posted by Doug Bernhardt (Member # 1568) on :
 
have used the smiths cream mixture quite a number of times and the oldest is about 4-5years. no probs so far and yes.....esoteric sign supplies is the place for it in the usa...in canada, canadian signcrafters supply. both, also will have smiths cream.

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Posted by Michael Boone (Member # 308) on :
 
Rick,
Isnt the sun bad news for polyester resin?Maybe the smalts will hide the cured resin from ultraviolet rays...
How about that "Pelican" stuff Pierre is talkin up...would that work for "smalts size?"

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Michael Boone
Sign Painter
5828 Buerman Rd.Sodus,NY 14551
Ontime @localnet.com



 



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