posted
I need a little advice on a project. I have a 12" square fire dept shield I'm working on. It's on clear plex and will have gold letters. The letters range from 2" down to 3/4". Is there a way that I can dome these letters. I remember something regarding gorilla glue and also the more traditional methods. This needs to remain nice and tight. Also, what kind of height can be obtained by doming?
-------------------- George Perkins Millington,TN. goatwell@bigriver.net
"I started out with nothing and still have most of it left"
I saw Kent Smith demonstrate a doming technique wherein he first laid down vinyl and then domed over that. You won't get a lot of height but you don't need much to get a cool effect.
You might want to practice first if it's your first time.
-------------------- Brian Oliver Paxton Signs Fort Collins, CO paxton@peakpeak.com www.paxtonsignsofcolorado.com Posts: 237 | From: ft. collins, colorado,usa | Registered: Mar 2001
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The height of the dome if using the resin is dependant upon the weight of the letter stroke. The larger the letter or the heavier the stroke, the thinner and flatter the dome will be. The smaller letters will show off the dome effect more because the surface tension of the resin in the smaller area allows it to "stack" up higher, plus the diffraction caused by the resin where it rolls down to the edge of the vinyl shows more of the shape.
Large flat expanses you might get 1/16". You could try going higher by adding more resin but then the mass of the resin can break its own surface tension sending it spilling over the edge of the vinyl. Letters with small strokes, you could conceivably hit 1/8" high if you're very careful.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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posted
I've messed with the Gorilla glue -a little- I don't think it's what you want for that project. It has a cool effect, but not even enough. I also did some redneck doming, where rather than buying the special made tool dispenser McDeal, I mixed some epoxy and spread it on the letter with a piece of wood, or something. GREAT result, but probably way more time consuming than the "right tool for the job". I only did one small letter.
Come to think of it though, for the cost of a veterinary siringe at the co-op.......
Do a search here at Letterville, if I recall, lots of great info.
-------------------- James Donahue Donahue Sign Arts 1851 E. Union Valley Rd. Seymour TN. (865) 577-3365 brushman@nxs.net
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what's for lunch, Benjamin Franklin Posts: 2057 | From: 1033 W. Union Valley Rd. | Registered: Feb 2003
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posted
I've tried that doming thing on 2 projects now. I purchased the kit and everything. All works well for the most part, but on both jobs, I have ONE letter that won't cure. After 2 months, it's still wet (I left it in the shop just to see how long it takes...) I'm sure I'm doing something wrong, but I'd say all in all, you'll get good results from the kit, and I think it was only $100 or so...
-------------------- Denny Smith 2 B Personalized Marion IN Posts: 52 | From: Marion IN | Registered: Sep 2006
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posted
When you use RDS Accuflow, you need to dispense some resin into the garbage. You need to make sure it's mixing completely in the swirl tip. It's not mixed at the very beginning.
Also, the stuff has a very short shelf life. You need to order it as you need it.
-------------------- Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 sherwoodsign@sbcglobal.net Posts: 5403 | From: Crystal Falls, MI USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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posted
I have used the RDS product several times. It is great. Henry is a great guy also and will help you anyway he can. I've enjoyed using it. I just wish I could get more people to let me use it on their jobs.
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