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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.
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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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.
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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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
-------------------- Steve Racz Racz's Handcarved Signs Posts: 1078 | From: New Jersey | Registered: Jan 2004
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It is nice to see people trying something different. It certainly did take the sterile edge of cut vinyl.
-------------------- Bruce Bowers
DrCAS Custom Lettering and Design Saint Cloud, Minnesota
"Things work out best for the people who make the best of the way things work out." - Art Linkletter Posts: 6454 | From: Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Registered: Jun 1999
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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
-------------------- Ken Holden 7 Oaks Signs 18457 Hwy 22 Ponchatoula, LA 70454 Posts: 144 | From: Ponchatoula, LA | Registered: Apr 2005
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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 ]
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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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
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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-------------------- JEREMY PAUL TAYLOR CABURN ST LEONARDS COURT FORRES,MORAYSHIRE, SCOTLAND Posts: 73 | From: Morayshire Scotland | Registered: Feb 2004
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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
-------------------- Murray MacDonald OldTime Signs 529 Third Ave S Kenora, ON. P9N 1Y3 oldtimesigns@gokenora.com Posts: 781 | From: Kenora, ON | Registered: Jan 2003
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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!
-------------------- Signs Sweet Home Alabama
oneshot on chat
"Look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, work like a dog" Posts: 5758 | From: "Sweet Home" Alabama | Registered: Mar 2003
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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?
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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