[Joe Crumley]

Greetings router heads.

As a custom signmaker and contributor to a forums I'm often asked about painting and finishing. It's an essential part of the trade but seldom explained or taught. That's a shame since almost all router projects needs some kind of finishing. The process doesn't need to be complex but a beautiful carved sign can quickly loose it's quality if not finished properly.

One of the easy and almost fool proof techniques I use is to avoid too much 3d carving. Let me explain: A full 3d panel requires fairly exacting brush techniques if color is added. Most of my work involves pocketing or applied lettering. This technique give a natural sharpness. And it allows me to change easily change up colors. I've also become dependent on the cheap little Critter spraygun which allow for blending. Even when I'm finishing a natural wood sign, ill be blending my stains.

The attached photo is an example of blending on a wood grained HDU surface. Without the blending the sign looks rather flat.

Joe Crumley