posted
The recent post on smalt adhesive methods got me thinking about the use of the stuff throughout the industry’s history. Frank Atkinson had this to say about smalt:
“ Smalt is stained or colored Sea Sand and is manufactured expressly for sign painters’ use, in producing the dull velvety backgrounds so popular in Raised Letter and Surface Black and Gold Facia Sign. Also made in various colors, viz.: Red, blue, royal green, purple, etc.”
Now, this sort of smalt is very attractive but it seems to me that most of the smalted signs being made these days use the lager grit crushed glass smalt which, though undeniably handsome in its own right, is quite sparkly. My question is; When did the large grit crushed glass smalt become the method of choice? Was the sparkly sort of smalt in use back in 1909 when Frank wrote his “complete manual”? If so why does Mr. Atkinson omit it? If not, does anyone know of any similar documentation, i.e. a sign-painters manual, that tells us about the manufacture and use of crushed glass smalt?
Just curious I guess. I now return you to your regularly scheduled postings.
-------------------- Jon Androsky Posts: 438 | From: Williamsport, PA | Registered: Mar 2002
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