Jim Hingst explains how extreme heat can cause the PVC resin of a vinyl film to break down.
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 »
Painting with Gouache
Artists have use gouache since the Middle Ages. This story explains the difference between gouache and watercolor painting. Painting techniques are also described. Read more »
How to Make Vinyl Film Removals Easier and Faster
The process of removing vinyl films generally requires the use of both heat and chemicals. Some removers contain hazardous chemicals, such as toluene, that can cause health problems. Before using any chemical remover, read the manufacturer’s MSDS sheet and instruction bulletin. Always wear the recommended safety equipment. Read more »
Which Typeface Should You Use?
Readability and Legibility When I worked in advertising, 40 years ago, I was taught that a serif type, such as Times Roman, was more readable than a sans serif type because the first words that we read in elementary school primers are in that family of typeface. The morning newspaper is also set in a […] 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 »
Surface Gilding
The first time that I saw the gilding process, I was visiting the sign shop in Disneyland in Santa Ana, California. The craftsmen were refurbishing the carved wooden horses for a carousel that dated back to the early days in the park’s history. That day they were gilding some of these antique horses, which had […] Read more »
Painting Aluminum Composite Panels
I had asked an old sign painter what primers and paints he used when painting MDO. “Why would anyone today use MDO, when you could paint on Dibond® or Polymetal™?” he responded brusquely. Read more »
Selecting Your Drawing Pencils
Before putting pencil to paper, you should decide on the best pencils for your style of drawing. Some of the top brands are on the market are Caran D’ache, Derwent, Faber-Castell, Prismacolor and Staedtler. Each brand has its own characteristics, so you need to do a little experimenting to decide which one you prefer […] Read more »
