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Sign Spotting
Sandblasted signs and the artisans that create them have earned their own certain niche in that spectrum of "dimensional" signage...This tutorial will seem quite wordy, but I'm gonna try explain here some techniques that have taken me years to learn and perfect....
Although maybe not as "highly" dimensional as other types, they can be every bit as "artistically rich" and perhaps even more "artistically creative" than other types of dimensional signage, especially if combined with carvings, gold leaf, alternative finishes, etc....With imagination and design planning, there are very few limitations...
Some reading this might say..."I can't do that kind of work, because I don't have or can't afford the blasting equipment"...Well you CAN if you want, and already you likely have all the other equipment it takes to produce these type signs......
A bit later we will discuss alternatives for doing this without having blasting equipment on hand....
Of UTMOST IMPORTANCE in beginning this type of signwork, is the knowlege of the DANGERS involved, the most dangerous of which is the use of silica sand as an abrasive...
There are other alternative abrasives that will help decrease this risk, as will the use of "blasting cabinets" decrease the risk...personal protection is the first step...
All that will be discussed later in this thread...Otherwise "Safety First, always Pays..."
"Education" regarding these dangers is the first Step...."Protection" is the next Step...and Implementation of this knowlege during production is the Most Important of all....
If you are new to this sandblasting and considering trying it....BE SURE and read Chuck Cobb's pinned post in this dimensional forum about safety and concerns...that will begin your education concerning the "sandblast dangers" aspect....
I'm starting this thread with a tutorial on doing a sandblast wood sign....
After that I want to discuss other aspects of the process such as safety, other materials available and links to suppliers, abrasives, blasting equipment, stencil types, and finishes...
I hope this will become an "ongoing" learning experience for us all...
I also hope that some other talented members here that are also doing this type of work will join in to help...
All that "overview" stuff being said.....
I'm doing a doctor's office sign this week and next week, a double faced sandblasted redwood hanging sign...
It all began with this....the design drawing....this one done with CorelDraw....
Most any of your basic signmaking programs and plotters can be used for design drawings, the patterns and the stencil...
I used this drawing to sell the job to the customer...
It's a smaller sign....24 inches high by 40 inches wide....but a good size to start with for a step by step....
