Ann Arbor, Michigan, May 12, 2022 – LOADMAT ground protection mats protect industrial, commercial, and residential lawns, golf courses, mud areas, roads, and driveways by spreading the heavy weight of cranes, bucket trucks, excavators, and other heavy equipment eliminating rutting and surface damage. Manufactured from High-Density Polyethylene (HPDE) LOADMAT is the perfect solution for temporary roads, construction sites, well drilling, tree care (arborists) and landscaping. LOADMAT is waterproof and lightweight at 80 pounds per mat.
Epoxy Resin Application

In the sign industry one of the most widely used epoxy resins is the West System Epoxy. Because of its versatility and durability, old school sign makers frequently select this product for projects. The West System is comprised of three components: the 105 epoxy resin, a hardener and a filler. Depending on which hardener and […] Read more »
Safety Rules for Angle Grinders

Whether you buy a $29 bargain brand or a heavy-duty unit which costs significantly more, most angle grinders operate between 9,000 rpm and 11,000 rpm. That type of power is impressive. It can rip through wood and slice steel. However, if the cutting disc catches on something and kicks back on you, it can also […] Read more »
Damar Varnish Recipe
Artists and sign makers have used Damar Varnish for various applications, including encaustic wax painting, varnishing oil paintings and glass gilding. In this story, Jim Hingst provides a Damar Varnish recipe and explains how to use it. Read more »
Gold Beating: How Gold Leaf is Made
Dating back to the days of the pharaohs, 5000 years ago, men have hammered strips of gold into thin sheets of gold leaf in a manufacturing process known as gold beating. While the tools have changed through the centuries, the basic process remains the same. In the days of the ancient Egyptians, gold beaters used stones. […] Read more »
Where Social Media Fits in Your Marketing Plan

Selling was so much easier when I first hit the streets nearly forty-five years ago. At my first sales job, I didn’t even need to do any prospecting. Telemarketers unearthed all of the leads. In most cases, they even made the appointment for me. My task was to make the presentation and close the sale. Read more »
How to Troubleshoot and Prevent Paint Problems
What makes painting a challenge for sign makers, compared to vinyl application, are all of the variables. And with each variable the chance that what can go wrong increases. In fact, it seems that that guy Murphy has stacked the odds against us. Our only recourse is to identify the causes of our failures and learn how […] Read more »
Essential Solvents for Sign Painters
Here’s detailed information on solvents used in sign painting. Solvents described include Pure Gum Turpentine, Mineral Spirits, Lacquer Thinner, Toluene, VM&P Naphtha and Xylene. Hingst extensively covers solvent safety, the new safety data sheets and the HazCom2012 standards. Read more »
Vinyl Application Tool Box
At a vehicle wrap workshop I spoke with a “old school” decal installer who scoffed at new tools that were being demonstrated. “Why do you need to buy another gimmick for vinyl application?” According to him, all you need to apply vinyl graphics is a squeegee, rivet brush, knife, tape measure, propane torch and air […] Read more »
Guardian HS7500 75% Isopropyl Alcohol Based Hand Sanitizer from Supply55, Inc.

Supply55, Inc. is pleased to announce the release of Guardian HS7500 Hand Sanitizer. Guardian HS7500 Hand Sanitizer utilizes 75% Isopropyl Alcohol as its active ingredient, it is a liquid formulation and can be sprayed, poured, or pumped for use as a hand sanitizer or surface cleaner. Packaged in one (1) gallon bottles for replenishing of […] Read more »