Lettering

A brief summary of the process.

Paint 3 or 4 coats of gold on to the front face of the transfer, (it’s very thin) done from the back. Two coats of yellow undercoat. Two coats of varnish over complete transfer to strengthen it, they are very fragile. Rub down and clean the panel.

The backing sheet of each transfer has a vertical and horizontal line on it for positioning, spacing’s are worked out and marked on the panel with a chalked line. Gold size is applied thinly to the transfer then allowed to dry slightly, too wet and it moves (and rips) too dry and it does not stick. When ready hold transfer near but not touching panel line up then press onto panel, you only get one hit at this they break up if you try and move them.

Spend an age pushing out the air bubbles from behind the transfer, allow to dry a few minutes then remove thick backing paper carefully so you don’t pull the whole lot off. Then you can see all the bubbles you have missed, spend an age pricking and flattening them. Allow to dry for an hour or so, then wet the thin waterslide backing paper and remove, wash off the excess glue and carefully dry the transfer as quick as possible because now it is wet it and expanding rapidly, producing wrinkles. Then you can see all the bubbles you have missed, spend an age pricking and flattening them.

Allow to dry as long as possible, then apply a coat of protective varnish. But don’t leave overnight to dry before varnishing because if it rains the transfer absorbs damp again and wrinkles, which then set solid.

Then go lie down in a darkened room.