Tail lettering

[windybob]

I think. Not 100% positive.

[Mister Ed]

For new production, I would say yes. Not sure from what year though. I do believe the older ones were more red. Maybe the old primers had more red I'm the, to go with the lead.

[Windcatcher530 Dan]

This is the color they used

20220428_212944.jpg

[Mister Ed]

More reddish, right (pics can be decieving).

I've got a nearly new vane, and it's def more of a red oxide(ish) primer looking.

[Windcatcher530 Dan]

Yes Ed it's more reddish than the oxide primer

[hwy8]

IMG_3008.jpeg

The first thing I do is to wash the tail with warm water and a bit of "Dove" dish soap, then rinse it off with cold water. After it dries, I use a 6" clear plastic ruler and a "sharpie" marker to outline the old letters. (Look at the word, "CHICAGO" on the tail that I'm painting) I've found that the corners of the original letters have the most paint and the 6" rule "connects the dots" nicely. As I paint on the new letters, I leave a tiny bit of the black outline and it makes the edge of the letters appear much more sharp, and straight.

Something I learned from a sign painter is to use a "bridge" to steady my hand and to keep it from smearing the wet paint. I screwed a threaded plastic ball/knob onto a 30" wooden dowel and it has made a HUGE difference in my painting. You might be able to see that I first paint the edges of the letters, then fill the inside; by moving the tail around as I go, I can be much more accurate. I also use "One Shot" sign paint and it seems like it is bulletproof! Amazon has it if your local paint shop doesn't carry it. I think I'm using "bright red" in the photos.
Burt

[63markB]

That looks excellent

[Windcatcher530 Dan]

Very nice!