Advice on old metal cemetery sign

[linslyc]

Hello! An old friend is asking for me to repaint this sign and I wanted to check to make sure I was not ruining anything before getting started. As far as I can tell this is NOT a enamel sign but I have not yet seen it in person. This is what I sort of had planned for order of operations but I am a beginner and any advice would be ideal.
- sand down old paint
- patch any damage with fiberglass bondo
- spray entire background with a cream primer
- cut out black letters with lettering brush, using black letter enamel

This is what I found using this website's forum, but I could be wrong when it comes to how this sign was originally designed. I was going to digitally recreate the sign so that after I sanded it, I could recreate the original.
I would especially love help with specific products and if any sealant/clear coat is necessary?
Thanks yall!

 

[Johnny Best]

I would have to see it also and since I can't it seems you have a good plan.

 

[MikePro]

trace the original onto two dibond pieces, add graphics, and then stick onto existing with vhbtape&silicone. ezpz

 

[unclebun]

trace the original onto two dibond pieces, add graphics, and then stick onto existing with vhbtape&silicone. ezpz

More like ugly ugly.

 

[Gino]

Yeah....... trace it onto a 6mm ACM board, color it whatever background ya want and then cut your black vinyl letters out and stick 'em on. Don't waste time trying to save the old one. Not worth it.

 

[linslyc]

Yeah....... trace it onto a 6mm ACM board, color it whatever background ya want and then cut your black vinyl letters out and stick 'em on. Don't waste time trying to save the old one. Not worth it.

the old one is metal cast and weight about 25lbs so i think i would like to save it if possible

 

[visual800]

do not use firberlag repair for metal just use regular bondo type body filler, sand it, prime it paint it and then put HP vinyl on it matching font close as possible, lettering enamel will not last like it once did

 

[Billct2]

If is cast metal aren’t the letters raised? In which case just strip the old paint, prime and paint the whole thing. Then repaint the letters and border with lettering enamel

 

[Mike Paul]

It’s the length of a mailbox.
Make a frikin new one out of acm.

 

[James Burke]

If is cast metal aren’t the letters raised? In which case just strip the old paint, prime and paint the whole thing. Then repaint the letters and border with lettering enamel

I'm with Bill....it looks like cast metal.

JB

 

[Gino]

Didn't realize you had embossed lettering on it. Like you said, sand it, prep it and carefully letter those letters on the up side. If you're careful, you could use a thin nap roller and lightly cover the letters with your black paint.

 

[linslyc]

If is cast metal aren’t the letters raised? In which case just strip the old paint, prime and paint the whole thing. Then repaint the letters and border with lettering enamel

i think this will actually be the best move. what type of striper do you suggest? but what about this rust? anyway to fight that off for future years?

 

[linslyc]

thanks for the tips! if anyone has any specific product suggestions that would be great. here is a much better pictures now that i actually have my hands on it

 

[VizualVoice]

Aircraft stripper will desolve just about any paint out there, but honestly with the rust, I'd try to find someone with a blast cabinet to give it a quick stripping and remove the rust. If you can't do that, after stripping, use some evap-o-rust to neutralize the remaining rust before you try to repaint it.

 

[linslyc]

Aircraft stripper will desolve just about any paint out there, but honestly with the rust, I'd try to find someone with a blast cabinet to give it a quick stripping and remove the rust. If you can't do that, after stripping, use some evap-o-rust to neutralize the remaining rust before you try to repaint it.

so i was actually thinking similarly! My original thought was to sand blast the original work off (not sure if that is the same as blast cabinet?) but I no longer have access to a sand blaster. I would love to hear if a blast cabinet is different but for the sake of time and my wallet i think stripping is my best bet...
Because this is a commision from a friend, and they are paying very little to none, i don't know if i can afford aircraft stripper. Can i get that locally or what do you suggest? I have never worked with that before.

 

[linslyc]

Didn't realize you had embossed lettering on it. Like you said, sand it, prep it and carefully letter those letters on the up side. If you're careful, you could use a thin nap roller and lightly cover the letters with your black paint.

Now that I have seen it in person I was thinking similarly, but i don't want it to look sloppy so i may just take the time. I have posted some way better pictures of it now that i have it and would love to know if you have any different advice/opinions?

 

[linslyc]

It’s the length of a mailbox.
Make a frikin new one out of acm.

So its a about 24 x 18 inches and weights about 24lbs so that would not have the same weight to it.

 

[linslyc]

I would have to see it also and since I can't it seems you have a good plan.

i have way better pictures now! I had no idea what i was getting into until i saw it in person. its full cast metal

 

[linslyc]

do not use firberlag repair for metal just use regular bondo type body filler, sand it, prime it paint it and then put HP vinyl on it matching font close as possible, lettering enamel will not last like it once did

i have only used vinyl when I was in college cut out on laser so I am not sure how you mean? Would that stick? I don't think i know enough about it to use it. Is there anyway to make lettering enameling last longer because i do know how to do that.

 

[linslyc]

If is cast metal aren’t the letters raised? In which case just strip the old paint, prime and paint the whole thing. Then repaint the letters and border with lettering enamel

also wow... you are amazing, thank you

i think this will actually be the best move. what type of striper do you suggest? but what about this rust? anyway to fight that off for future years? View attachment 172169

the fact that you could tell me it would be embossed is insane. true craft i am in awe of you sir
thank you