I have a new client that wants a wall lettered. It's on the back of a historic building and they want it to look 100 years old. 6' letters. I seem to recall an article in Sign-Craft about this subject but I can't remember when or what it was called. Can someone direct me to it or let me know a technique I can use to accomplish this look? Thanks
Posted by Joe Rees (Member # 211) on :
Craig - that sounds like it could be a real fun job. I achieved a nice result once by thinning my one shot out with spirits to almost water thin - transparent. You could see right through it. You didn't mention what the surface was, but if it's rough, like brick or stucco, the thin paint will actually make the job easier. Just keep that brush moving fast and have a rag ready if you get a run. I could see skiping parts of certain letters too - to make it look like peeled areas.
As for layouts that would be accurate for your area of 100 years ago, the library or historic society may have photographic reference. In reality, the lettering from that "golden" era wasn't always exciting. In the end, they may not really want something historically accurate, but a romantic interpretation of what everybody imagines signs must have been like "back then". For that, past issues of AMAL would be tefrrific! (A Magazine About Letterheads). Have a ball - take pictures.
Posted by John Lennig (Member # 2455) on :
Craig, looks like you've got a great job coming up!
Here's a book that I prmote whenever I can, it's all about what you're up to.
Ghost Signs: Brick Wall Signs in America By William Stage 1989 ISBN:0-911380-84-1 Published by ST Publications Inc. (Signs of the Times Publishing Co.) Ph. 513.421.2050
A beautiful book about the lost world of wall signs.
Happy Painting / John BIG TOP Graphics
Posted by PKing (Member # 337) on :
I remember the article also,the "antique" look being accomplished via a course wire brush to scratch over freshly painted letters in order to expose the background to create the FADED effect. I agree with Joe on his idea of using the (transparent look)to cut down on the DOUBLE WORK of going back over what you have alredy painted! I use clear varish mixed with my paint to achive this look. Adding thinner when and if needed. The book being promoted sounds good for referance along with the "Romantic" Letter style useage. Sounds like fun Good Luck
Hope this helps
Posted by Robert Thomas (Member # 1356) on :
Another way to get the aged, transparent look, is to use an oil based glaze for faux finishes and use a flat or nearly flat paint.
Posted by AdrienneMorgan (Member # 1046) on :
Craig, it does sound like a lot of fun!!
I've been wanting to do something like this....
If you can forgive me for flaking out on you before, I'd love to help!!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)