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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Posts: 916 | From: Grants Pass, OR USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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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.
------------------ Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 ICQ: 21604027 sherwood@up.net
Posts: 5397 | From: Crystal Falls, MI USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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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.
------------------ The SignShop Mendocino, California "Where the Redwoods meet the Surf"
Posts: 6718 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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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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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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