+ What exactly is gold leaf?
Gold leaf is genuine gold that has been hammered to an incredible thinness. It can range in purity from 24 kt gold down to 12kt white gold. For signs and lettering we use 23 kt gold leaf. The gold leaf is adhered to the surface with "gold size." The lettering, striping or design is painted first in the gold size. When the size is dry but still tacky, the sheets of gold are carefully laid on that surface. Then the excess gold leaf is wiped away. The gold can be machine turned or it can receive plain burnished finish. Outline, shading and pinstriping follow the gilding process. On vehicles, trailers or similar surfaces, a coat of clear is then applied to protect the gold from dirt and scratching. That is what gives it such longevity! On carved signs, the brilliant gold is its own finish.
+ Our fire truck was in an accident, can you help?
Yes, with thirty years of experience at this work, we are able to match new lettering and striping to the undamaged parts of the vehicle. You can send photos and measurements via email for a quote.
+ We are restoring an antique fire truck, can you help?
Yes, I have worked with antique vehicle restorers and have a library of patterns. Of course, at this point in time, some of the trucks I did the original lettering on are probablly considered antiques now!
Call or email me and I will be happy to take a look at what you have and tell you what we can do.
+ Do we need to bring our truck to you?
We will travel to your truck. The advantage is that you don't have to worry about coordinating delivery and pickup, unloading equipment or having your vehicle out of service for long periods of time!
+ I have an antique boat I want a name put on the transom
Antique boats, Chris Craft, Hackercraft and others with a varnished mahoganey or other wood finsh cry out for a 23kt gold name. We can work together to take your boat's name and create a custom design that works with your vessel. Modern sign design and lettering relies heavily on computer graphics and typefaces/fonts which do not nessecarily look good on a classic vessel.
+ My boat is in the water, can you paint a name of it for me?
Yes, when you take your boat out for maintenace or inspection, I will be happy to coordinate with you so we can get the job done as quickly as possible.
+ What's different about your signs?
When I started in this business, it was still a craft that had to be taught and learned. The design of lettering and signs was done to create a gool looking advertisement that worked. It was readable. If no one can read it, it doesn't matter how pretty it looks or what it says. Modern sign design today relies on using computer typefaces or fonts which are designed to be read from inches away, they just don't translate well to larger sizes and longer distances.
In addition to my sign and gold leaf work, I am also a portrait painter and landscape artist and I bring all those skills into play when creating a good looking and effective sign for you.
+ How much will it cost? Isn't gold leaf expensive?
The use of Gold leaf goes back thousands of years! Artifacts covered in gold leaf from the Egyptian tombs are as stunning today as they were 4000 years ago! Signs designed with gold leaf lettering are an incredible value as the initial slightly higher investment is recouped quickly when one considers that the life span of vinyl is only 3-5 years. Long before most vinyl is replaced, it has lost its elasticity and will crack. The colors fade even faster than paint!
Gold is a commodity and the price can fluctuate but on average, a 23kt name of your boat on the transom of that boat will start at only $275.
Great value with stunning results! We feel your pride and joy is worth it!
