I've been messing with a method of applying gold to vinyl and then putting it on windows.
This one was done last fall.
Yesterday I installed my second project.
The words Certified General Accountant don't stand out as well as I'd like. I will probably return to the scene of the crime and change that, just not sure how... Perhaps a fine gold outline?
In a nutshell here is the process.
Before cutting all vinyl I cleaned it well with Rapid Prep. I cut the gold colored lettering from a gold vinyl (on one I used metallic on the other I didn't). Before weeding, I sized with 1-shot fast size. Once it had set up to tacky stage I weeded the excess vinyl. When the size was ready I gilded with 23K leaf. I allowed the gild to set for a couple of days and then masked with TransferRite Ultra, Medium Tack clear transfer tape. I cut the background (outline) of HP vinyl and applied the gilded lettering. I then applied the lettering/ striping to the window wet.
I discussed the pros and cons of clearing with the clients and both chose not to clear.
The jury is still out on these, I'll feel alot more confident after a year or two. I gave both clients a heads up that this was a new idea and hadn't been really tested. I think the clients got an option to a high priced product with good results and I have said I would warantee the work for three years.
I love the look of this complete with the imperfections of hand gilding, it doesn't have the machined or plastic look of some of the alternatives, and it is a good option for tinted, frosted or double paned windows.
I plan on doing one of my shop windows ASAP so I can monitor the durability.
Posted by Steve Racz (Member # 4376) on :
Kelly,
Those look beautiful! I agree that a gold outline on the Certified... would bring out those letters very well.
This is a great idea and sounds much simpler than doing glass gilding (which i have done but not well... )
I'm surprised that, even though you let the gild set a few days that the transfer tape doesn't damage the gild.
Question: What type of gold vinyl do you use? Do you use gold vinyl to cover any holidays (i assume any vinyl would work??
Thanks, Steve
[ April 26, 2005, 01:41 PM: Message edited by: Steve Racz ]
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Thanks Steve, I'm not sure what you mean by using vinyl to cover gold holidays? I used 23K Monarch Glass leaf. Because this is on a solid background, the holidays are not as apparent. I did some patching and I would suggest not doing that unless it is really bad, and then you should probably regild the entire letter. I might be tempted to double gild if the client is willing to pay. The next time I do it it will be an option. This can't compete with a real water gilded window, I doubt anything can. But for a middle of the road alternative I think it is great. As far as the masking - I confess the first job I didn't wait more than a couple of hours and it survived. If you want to try the process I would suggest making an extra sample piece that you can try your masking on first.
Posted by Suelynn Sedor (Member # 442) on :
What a neat idea Kelly, with fantastic results....hmmm...now I'm eyeing up my glass shop door!!
Suelynn
Posted by Barry Branscum (Member # 445) on :
As long as you didn't put the gilded vinyl in a place where it needed to stretch or be distorted...that is a pretty cool Idea!!!
Posted by Steve Racz (Member # 4376) on :
Sorry Kelly - i meant the other way around i.e. if you apply real gold to the gold vinyl, the gold vinyl will hide any holidays. Does that make sense?
Thanks, Steve
Posted by Lotti Prokott (Member # 2684) on :
It looks great on the pictures!
I'll be watching for your "reports" on the durability of this method. I'd be most worried about damage when the window gets cleaned.
Posted by Artisan Signs (Member # 3146) on :
Very shnazzy (is that how you spell shnazzy?).
I did a vinyl job for someone recently with yellow text, and I am not pleased with how well the lettering stands out.
I have been thinking about gilding the vinyl to make it stand out more, and now I just might do it.
Thanks for sharing.
It looks very classy, and professional.
Peace out, Bob
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
Great job, Kelly!
It is nice to see people trying something different. It certainly did take the sterile edge of cut vinyl.
Posted by Kissymatina (Member # 2028) on :
Thanks Kelly. Like I needed more projects to experiment on... Posted by Ken Holden (Member # 5653) on :
I haven't a lot of experience with gold leaf other than leafing plastic letters. What are the advantages to this process over Signgold and are the letters on the door durable enough to withstand the touching that will occur? ken
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Thanks folks,
Ken, I'm not in any way knocking SignGold. The method I used produced a different look in my opinion, the finish is a softer more satin look. That is a personal preference of mine. I tend to favour rich metallic glow looks over shiney ones. If cleared I would probably use a mat clear.
SignGold isn't a product I have in stock, whereas goldleaf is something I use a fair amount of. The cost of the gold amounted to under $70, I think the SignGold would have been considerably more, although with the added labour it probably would have been cheaper.
Plus I'm always wanting to try new stuff. I have this mad scientist streak in me and this beats the heck out of experimenting on small animals (just kidding I'd never do that).
As far as the door is concerned I know the client and this is on a rural property - it won't be a problem there.
I'm more concerned with the larger window, but I've been told that gold is very durable and so I gave it a go. It is good to have clients willing to take a risk with you. If it becomes a problem the lettering will be replaced and I will have learned something. Truth be told I have more confidence in it than a clear.
If I were to do this on a vehicle I would have an automotive clear sprayed over top. I've been thinking about making some scroll type ornaments and clearing them.
[ April 30, 2005, 12:46 PM: Message edited by: Kelly Thorson ]
Posted by Ken Holden (Member # 5653) on :
Thanks for the info..The signs look great and my brothers's flower shop door is gonna have gold on it soon..he just doesn't know it yet! Ken
Posted by Jill Marie Welsh (Member # 1912) on :
Kelly.... You are a krazy risk-taking-free-thinking Sign Chick! Woo Hoo! It sounds like a lot of work, but the results sure look purty. Love....Jill
Posted by Sid Besserman (Member # 5502) on :
Gotta love those pioneers. Great job Kelly and thanks for sharing.
Posted by Jeremy Paul Taylor (Member # 4441) on :
Wonderfull work Kelly & what a great idea
Posted by Murray MacDonald (Member # 3558) on :
Happened to be at Kelly's shop and saw the "experimentation"...looks even better in "real time"! Hey, Kel, I'm gonna try that on my van windows...whadya' think? MUR
Posted by Sheila Ferrell (Member # 3741) on :
Kelly! That is an awesome idea! It needs to be named after you! Mabey call it: 'Kelly Gilding'...no, wait.... 'The Thorson Vinyl-Gilding Technique'...I like it! Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Thanks again for the feedback.
Murray, what I think is you better not blame me if it doesn't work I think I'd clear it for a vehicle, but your shop vehicle is a good way to try it out.
Sheila that won't be neccesary, thanks
I'm going back this week to redo the secondary text with an outline or just gold with no blue behind it so it shows up. Any suggestions as to which would look better?
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