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

Monday, April 12, 2010

The finish line!

The sculpting process took less than two hours. With all the shapes accurately defined by the Precision Board the layer of epoxy sculpt was thin. Then we applied a coat of Coastal Enterprises FSC-88 WB primer to the entire sign. On the letters we applied the primer extra thick using a small brush to purposely add a little more texture. Because it is so heavy bodied it doesn't flatten out as it dries making for the perfect texture for the final paint.
The car got four coats of a lime green metallic paint - applied by hand with a brush. Some black paint on the wheels, grill and upholstery were next. Then a little silver metallic added the necessary bling to the little hot rod.
While each of those many coats of paint dried we gave the sign base and background the same treatment with similar acrylic paints. By using our router to create different levels for each of the painted areas the sign was fast and easy to paint.
Once everything was done we put the pieces together. The bright colors were balanced by the more subtle greys and blacks. It all made sense.
Although only measuring 26" wide x 24" tall x 10" deep the sign is sure to be noticed by all the car enthusiasts who walk by.

-dan