How you approach this type of job depends on the condition of the old letters. If they are not peeling and just faded, you may be able to wipe down the letters with a strong reducer to clean up the chaulked coating, then repaint with lettering enamel.
If the paint on the letters is peeling or otherwise deteriorated, you will likely need to sand, maybe with a scotchbrite pad to get around the contours. If the process exposes any bare wood, definately prime. If there is no bare wood, you could use lettering enamel successfully over the sanded surface.
No matter what process, I would expect to use two coats of finish.
Pricing such a job can be difficult. I would walk through the job in my mind to get a rough idea of how much time, then add some extra time for what you don't expect. Multiply by your hourly rate. Then give the customer a range above and below that total so that everyone is treated fairly.
Whether such a job is worth it depends on how busy you are and whether you want to gain some experience at this type of work.
Bruce Deveau
------------------ Bruce Deveau 331 Main St. Amesbury, Ma USA 01913 pop04667@tiac.net
Posts: 139 | From: Amesbury, MA USA | Registered: Jul 2000
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First thing you want to do is remove any peeling paint; use a stiff or wire brush and go all over the sign; if there is any mildew on the sign it must be removed with a diluted bleach and water solution; fill any cracks with spackle and if there are areas where the paint is glossy you might lightly sand them down so your new paint can bite into the surface. If the sign is dirty you must clean it. If you use soap and water make sure it is thoroughly dry before painting. Any bare wood should be primed; then use a good acrylic latex paint for the background - at least two coats ( brushing will yield a thicker coat of paint than spraying) then roll or brush your raised areas. These jobs will vary in price depending on the age of the sign and the condition it's in and how intricate the copy is.
------------------ Jean Shimp Shimp Sign & Design Co. Jacksonville Beach, Fl
Posts: 1285 | From: Jacksonville Beach, Fl. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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