Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion Porcelain Restoration

Hello all,

I'm not a fan of sign restoration, but in this situation rarity plays a part in my normal everyday thinking. My question to everyone here is...Who do you know that does porcelain sign restoration? I'm looking for the "best" in the business !!! Second best is not an option here. I'm very serious in who you know and the quality of work produced. From what I have previously learned, Layne Christenson was the best of the best. Unfortunately, his porcelain talent landed him a better opportunity, and he jumped on ship to an improved lifestyle.

Thanks in advance for your comments as they are needed and very much appreciated! God Bless and Merry Christmas.

Thank you,
Fla$H

I do not think there is such a thing as restoring the porcelain. I believe most of the restorers use a filler/epoxy and paint over that which I think is what your trying to get done. I think the big cheese does sign restorations. They look to come out nice. I am not a fan and would leave the sign as is even though it's rare. Good luck on whichever decions you make.

OR....

Rick Neault @ LeBaron Sign Restorations, Elkridge Maryland

http://lebaronsignservice.com/Services.html

Don and Marty : http://www.vankannelsignrestoration.com/

REMEMBER--The porcelain is NOT restored! It is sanded over and filler is added and the sign is PAINTED back on! You get a painted copy of the original image!
Better left original, no matter how bad the surface!

If someone on here will sell me an original 9+ condition Sinclair Aircraft sign...I won't have to go against my beliefs "no restoration". I like someones quote on here "I'm a collector not a decorator". LMFAO

Your box is to full you cant receive any more messages.

Check with Ron Bettin he has a few of these signs in different versions. His website is Oldsign.com I will PM you his contact info

Ron Bettin
145 S. Hickory Street
Chillicothe, Ohio 45601

fax 740-774-3210
phone: (740)774-6446

email: bettin@bright.net

The last I knew they were not for sale.

Thanks Brad. I did receive the PM, but it's time to start cleaning the inbox.

when you own the sign you can do what you want with it-
if selling should disclose to new buyer maybe with a before picture..

Randy, I agree 100%.

Just to clear any misunderstanding. My intention is not to have such a great restoration that the next person couldn't tell or it not be disclosed. It is about personal satisfaction, and quality is at the top of my list be it original or a one time restoration project. Thanks.

Happy Holidays!

Layne Christenson Learned from a Master & Pioneer in sign Restorations, Jim Oswald. Jim has since semi retired form doing any BUT has trained his Daughter in the fine art it takes.

Does anyone repair the porcelain with porcelain or is it not a possibility?
To fill and paint over there are a lot of people available that can do it but to me that's not repairing the porcelain. I just had a local gal repaint on old IH truck sign that was porcelain, she free handed it and made it look great but now it's a painted porcelain sign. Like da man says, "just for personal use."

I've got a 42" Gulf sign that I want to display outside that needs some "help". I don't want to sink a lot of money into it, but I would like it presentable. Does anyone have a (some) suggestions?
Thanks,
Dave

There are people and companies that specialize in porcelain sign repair. None of them (to my knowledge) actually repair the porcelain - it's all just paint and polish.

The least expensive way to 'improve' a sign with a bit of damage is to take it to you local pinstriper/sign painter. They have the necessary skill set - and paint & tools - to do the job.

And since repairs are not ususlly time-critical, they will usually give you a good price if you let them work on the sign when they have down-time.

Later . . .

Jim