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Has anyone found a source for porcelain sign REPAIR, not restoration that looks like a new reproduction piece. I'm looking for someone who can nicely fill in and repair chips on a sign
thanks for help
Ray

Ray, you can't refire an old porcelain sign and replace the chipped porcelain with new porcelain.

Closest thing would to be have spot repairs done only to the chipped/damaged areas. Using filler and paint.

That's what I'm looking for Dave, someone who has the talent to do that. I've had signs restored, many time, by the Van Kennal brothers and they do fabulous restoration work but, in the end, the sign looks like a new sign

Ray, maybe ask your previous restorer to do the limited amount you are wanting.
Also people that restore/repair porcelain statues may be able to do the job for you.
I think the problem would be to get an exact match for the color porcelain in the area repaired in an enamel paint. I am not saying impossible but likely a bit more work.
My best guess is that the complete repainted restorations are to avoid color differences being visible. Like repainting the entire panel of a car to hide the repair.

color match has got too be dead on...

Fill them yourself and tint the paint to match. I do this a lot to small spots and some larger. I get just normal acrylic paint from a hobby shop and mix and match till it is a bit darker than the area and then apply. It will dry and lighten. I smooth them if in a big area with a razor then clean excess after it cures. Contact me if you got questions. Took me awhile to find a process i like but i have been redoing some of my old signs from when i first started collecting

Hey Ray
We do a lot of restorations like this, ( it's actually my preferred method) but I'll be honest, I cant figure out how to post pics on this site, I can email you some examples this evening.
Thanks
Dan

I have a local guy that is the best, Color matching, no matter what the color, how faded/scratched, etc. is not a problem to a bodyman who knows their stuff. PM sent to you Ray

Buck tooth, are you spot repairing without clearing the entire sign? I've inquired with other sign restorers and they will "spot repair" and won't necessarily repaint the whole sign with color, but mandated a final clear coat. I did not want this, so did not proceed. Do you offer either method?

I have been looking for the same and requested help in a earlier posting. The referral I received was: http://www.vankannelsignrestoration.com
Sounds like Bucktooth Kid above might be my solution.

In some cases we can repair the sign without clear coating the entire piece,but every sign is different. The main reason for clear is to match or blend original finish,sheen or gloss. The #1 critique in restoring signs over the years has been (to shiny ) thanks to new products and techniques we are able to offer different finishes.

Hey Trent, Bucktooth and Dan Van Kannel are one and the same. You are getting expert advice from the man himself.

Thanks for reply, so am I understanding correctly that a high majority of your restorations do require an overall clear coat, whether it's flat or gloss clear or something in between? Thanks

The clear coat is basically a protective coat.
Any spot touch up done with fill-smooth- prime and color done with enamel (no Clear) will eventually age and discolor over time. Normal dirt or dust in the air will cause discoloring. These signs that are repaired with out a clear coat should not be displayed outdoors or even in direct sunlight as the paint will fade. Spot repairs are possible and the spot touch up is also possible. The color match is tricky and "dead on" usually by luck.
McGuff most paint dries darker than when wet.