WELCOME!

It is hard to believe that it was almost ten years ago I witnessed a CNC router in action for the very first time. I was fascinated and simply had to have one! Although I had been in the creative end of the three dimensional sign business for most of my life I didn't really know what I would do with one of these machines - but I just knew it could do fantastic stuff.

Along with the CNC router I discovered the wonderful material called Precision Board and the glues, primers and other companion products they offer. Since then we have gone through many tons of the material using it in most signs and projects we tackle. This journal will chronicle our many adventures both past, present and future. I'll talk from the perspective of someone who pushes these products to the creative limit on a daily basis. I'll be adding to the stories two or three times each week. -dan

Friday, March 26, 2010

Instant age.

Precision Board is the perfect substrate for this type of project. Without any grain or texture inherent in the material we can instantly transform it into what ever we choose without any problems. After pulling the routed pieces off the MultiCam I did a little judicious sanding, continued the texture around the edges of the panel and then glued up the three pieces. Once the ten minute epoxy had dried I started in with the Coastal Enterprises primer. The thick, heavy bodied primer smoothed things out where I wanted, added a subtle texture where I dabbed it on a little thicker. Once dry it was time for some paint.

I am always amazed how quick paint can transform something into another thing completely. After the base color and two layers of different colored glaze the woodgrain became very convincing. I then brushed on the metallics and one coat of 'grime' glaze over them. The piece went from shiny and new looking to well used for decades in minutes. The tops of the letters were carefully cleaned while the 'dirt' was allowed to accumulate around them instantly popping them off the surface.

The end result is textures that work without much effort. Its a sign that subtly SCREAMS - especially in a world of flat competition.

-dan
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