Sign writing brush, what size?

[burgundyben]

I intend to have a go at Sign writing the name on my boat.

ELLE VA

All straight lines, about 150mm tall.

I've watched my old chum do it several times, I think I can do it with out making a complete dogs breakfast..

But what size brush? Handover 2112 seems to be the one.

 

[Daydream believer]

.If it does not work I would suggest. Funky Monkey Great people & it looks correct rather than something that you have tried.. The cost of the brush, primer & top colour sign writing paint, will cost more anyway.

 

[scozzy]

Lovely brushes and no doubt a satisfying job...if you nail it! "Having a go" and "dogs breakfast " are phrases that have me agreeing with daydream believer.Quick,easy,lots of fonts colours and styles and v easy to replace or remove etc...I can see why you'd want to do it tho,good luck!

 

[burgundyben]

I'm not putting sticky letters on a 1963 Fairey Huntress. Never.

I think I can do it ok and want to try.

I decided a no 8 brush might be ok.

 

[rotrax]

First Mate was a dab hand at the 'Roses and Castles' on our 40 foot narrowboat. I did the name, came out pretty good too.

I did have the benefit of advice from John Thorne, an extremely talented signwriter.

He advised me to practice on a bit of board propped up at the height and angle of the bow. This worked very well, I even simulated the outward curve right at the top of the stem.

Might be worth doing something similar.

 

[JayDomK]

I would cut out the letters in the paper and then color with them. You would already have the dimensions of your letters ready to go, so it wouldn't be too critical to make a wrong gesture.
I mean, after you cut out the letters, you'd be left with paper with empty space instead of letters - that's what you need.

 

[Daydream believer]

I'm not putting sticky letters on a 1963 Fairey Huntress. Never.

Yes, I am inclined to agree. Faded paint would look right on an old boat

 

[burgundyben]

First Mate was a dab hand at the 'Roses and Castles' on our 40 foot narrowboat. I did the name, came out pretty good too.

I did have the benefit of advice from John Thorne, an extremely talented signwriter.

He advised me to practice on a bit of board propped up at the height and angle of the bow. This worked very well, I even simulated the outward curve right at the top of the stem.

Might be worth doing something similar.

Yes, I plan to do a trial run, or several, on a piece of painted ply propped up against the side of the coaming where the name will be.

 

[burgundyben]

I would cut out the letters in the paper and then color with them. You would already have the dimensions of your letters ready to go, so it wouldn't be too critical to make a wrong gesture.
I mean, after you cut out the letters, you'd be left with paper with empty space instead of letters - that's what you need.

Yes, I've made a template using a Blue Peter type approach, I'll use that to mark the corners using a chinagraph pencil, that's how my old chum does it, then fine line tape top and bottom, and some of the lines can be masked too.

 

[PCUK]

If the letters are all straight lines then why not tape the whole lot with fine line tape?

 

[burgundyben]

If the letters are all straight lines then why not tape the whole lot with fine line tape?

I will do exactly that.

I've spoken to
Specialist brushes for signwriting and lettering

and placed and order, helpful chap there said he thought a number 8 brush too big. So I've ordered a no4.

 

[JayDomK]

I will do exactly that.

I've spoken to
Specialist brushes for signwriting and lettering

and placed and order, helpful chap there said he thought a number 8 brush too big. So I've ordered a no4.

You could use a set of several brushes. You never know what will be more comfortable. Only a lot of painting experience will help you to determine which brush you need exactly. Personally, I always stock up on several types of tools when I'm doing something for the first time.

 

[Minerva]

I'm not putting sticky letters on a 1963 Fairey Huntress. Never.

I think I can do it ok and want to try.

I decided a no 8 brush might be ok.

How about getting a vinyl name company, like the one suggested up above, to make the name as a template then you just have to paint inside the cut outs.

You get a painted name and it will probably look neater than you doing it free hand...?

 

[Daydream believer]

How about getting a vinyl name company, like the one suggested up above, to make the name as a template then you just have to paint inside the cut outs.

You get a painted name and it will probably look neater than you doing it free hand...?

Think laterally--Get Funkey Monkey to do a vinyl name with some false paint runs running off of it then people will think you did actually do it & not realise it is vinyl

 

[burgundyben]

How about getting a vinyl name company, like the one suggested up above, to make the name as a template then you just have to paint inside the cut outs.

You get a painted name and it will probably look neater than you doing it free hand...?

Based on my experience of sticky letters on other boats and the use of pre spacing tape to fit logos (I've done a lot in the past looking after and commissioning charter fleets) I think I'll get a better job sign writing myself.

Even if its not perfect and uniform as sticky letters would be, its more authentic and I think the overall look will be better.

Hopefully soon I'll be able to post pics, it'll be fab and everyone will be amazed.

 

[Daydream believer]

Based on my experience of sticky letters on other boats and the use of pre spacing tape to fit logos (I've done a lot in the past looking after and commissioning charter fleets) I think I'll get a better job sign writing myself.

Even if its not perfect and uniform as sticky letters would be, its more authentic and I think the overall look will be better.

Hopefully soon I'll be able to post pics, it'll be fab and everyone will be amazed.

One does not stick the letters on as an individual item. Perhaps things have moved on, but having done several boats for myself & my family I can assure you that it is easy & the outcome is very professional.