The K-42 is a classic paint marker. It comes in 17 colors, here Larson uses Light Blue, Orange, and Yellow. The alcohol-based paint is permanent, opaque, and non-toxic. The marker features a broad-tip with valve-action so that the artist can lay down an abundance of color while strictly regulating the paint’s flow. Handmade in the USA.
Larson uses Krink K-42 Paint Markers in Light Blue, Orange, and Yellow
This marker is a great all-around marker for everyday use. It has a large capacity and valve-action tip, so it can easily be re-inked and last a long time. Additionally, the nib is double sided, with a 3mm bullet tip on one side and a 5mm chisel tip on the other! High quality alcohol-based ink is permanent, opaque, and excellent for use on paper, cardboard, metal, and painted surfaces. Available in Super Black, Cyan, and Magenta. Handmade in the USA.
Sign-painting is an ancient trade that dates back as early as 300 B.C. Merchants, pub owners, innkeepers and other business people have always needed to communicate what they are selling and why the passersby should take pause and step inside. Fast forward to the early 1900s where every store needed a quality sign painter and everyday, working class people with a knack for color, design and mechanics shaped city streets. The style was often specific to the culture of the place and dependent on the personality of the sign painter. Signs were “traditionally manufactured by resident village or city painter who had rarely been exposed to formal printing or compositional training…uninhibited with regard to the “correctness” of period type styles”, often resulting in signs with character, quality, and culture.
Restored former “ghost sign” of a Dr. Pepper ad on the side of Dee’s Place soda fountain and diner in Corsicana, Texas; Highsmith, Carol M., 1946-, photographer
Sign-painting includes building-sized messages, billboards, store fronts, windows, doors and menus. Remnants of the early sign-painting industry are known as ghost signs, old advertisements that are either left up out of apathy or nostalgia.
PurpleHousePhotos / Shutterstock.com
Over time there have been debates as to whether sign painting is a trade or an art. People within the community historically prefer the term mechanic. The act of sign-painting is extremely technical: ensuring that a design works for the space, getting the right equipment, adjusting the plan and strategy depending on the condition of the wall, inclement weather or tight timelines.
One Shot Lettering Enamels are oil-based, high gloss enamels for interior and exterior use on metals, wood and glass. Favored among pinstripers and sign painters, these enamels offer great flow characteristics, single stroke coverage and vibrant durability. Available in a variety of blendable colors and shades, ranging from fully opaque to translucent and transparent “candy” colors. Great for use with brush, spray or airbrush. It dries to the touch in 2 – 5 hours, can be handled in 8 – 12 hours and can be recoated after 12 – 16 hours.
