• Traditional

  where to buy paint/varnish?

  Posted by mindoza on 18 December 2009 at 23:46

  Hi Every One!
  I`d like to try a bit of traditional sign making, especially gilding/glue chipping on the glass.For the last few years I live in London,but next year I`m moving back to Lithuania.We don`t have such a deep traditions of sign making, like You guys here in England or in US.So I started buying all necessary stuff for the job.And when I will come home, I can begin practice. At the moment I`m reading Kent H.Smith book "Gold leaf Techniques", (what an amazing book)and i`m finding a lot of american names, which I can not find here in UK.Things like backing up paint, quick rubbing varnish,bon ami.Do you call it diferently,or is just me ,can`t find it.
  Or, and one more-hydrofluoric acid,for glass work.i know, it`s very dangerous,but still would like to have a go.Can`t find it too.
  U probably think this guy wants to do everything at once,but I just stocking up a small amounts of everything,cos I`m not sure I can get this back home.
  Good luck everyone, and keep tradition alive! Hope to join U one day.

  mindoza replied 15 years, 11 months ago 2 Members · 2 Replies
• 2 Replies

• 

  Duncan Wilkie

  Member

  19 December 2009 at 03:54

  Hi Mindoza,
  I am from Canada, and am familiar with the US products.
  Instead of Bon Ami, can you obtain "Whiting"?
  For back up paint, the traditional paint is Lampblack Japan Color. Some folks use the black paint that neon tube benders use to paint out certain areas.
  A good quality spar varnish can be used for the final clear coat of protection.
  All paint formulations have been changing for environmental reasons. You’ll need to test all your procedures. HF is widely available, but as you know very hazardous to work with. Read up on it before you buy it.

• 

  mindoza

  Member

  19 December 2009 at 11:32

  Hi Duncan!
  What an honour to get replay from a TV star 🙂
  Didn`t know that whiting can be used instead of Bon Ami.(Just bought one on Ebay) I know where to get a whiting and japan colour,but with HF no luck.On the net just a scary articles about a harm or death it can cause, but can`t find any supplier.Anyway, I should leave this stuff for while and get on with the gilding,as there loads to learn and practice to do.

  Thank You Master

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