Electric Grizzly Tattoo - Epoxy Sign

this piece uses a combination of CNC carving, multi layered masking with custom cut vinyl stencils, and epoxy inlays

[@RB-63]

Awesome work and great detail...

[@jeffs5355]

You make this look easy when it’s not.

[@colinsmith5597]

I know I just watched your whole process.... but you still blew my mind

[@lasvegascrafted]

That looks amazing. to figure out the colors for that bear with the vinyl stencils great job.

[@Hotrod66149]

Dope! That means very nice!

[@tonytillman316]

Dang..amazing man..Your masking game in on point..You should do a HOW TO VIDEO on that that painting and masking process...Or have a online course for it.

[@mikefink6352]

Fantastic Work!

[@jeffcoates8684]

Well done Sir !!!

[@johngomez4957]

that was awesome, thank you for posting

[@bradscustomsigns8585]

Thanks

[@dawnbigwarfe6871]

Nice work😊

[@Cruz3915]

You have a incredible patience.with this I love it you do some amazing work. Just the level of skill is so amazing

[@bradscustomsigns8585]

thank you

[@michaelrafales2782]

Incredible

[@bradscustomsigns8585]

thanks

[@tornadokat]

Wow. Just wow.

[@tornadokat]

And thank you for putting in the extra effort of recording the process and making this video.

[@cliffgurkin2223]

Amazing work

[@bradscustomsigns8585]

thank you

[@alexon2010]

Your work is really cool, I'm a designer and developer, I'm manufacturing my CNC Router, I can't wait to make beautiful things like this, could you create a more detailed video of the finishing process, it's really cool to watch this!

[@bradscustomsigns8585]

thanks, I've tried to highlight the steps in the various videos I've posted, some with captions and some without. Is there a particular part that I can clarify for you? Or you may be able to gain some perspective in one of my other videos.

[@ianbooth2393]

Incredible end result. How are you getting the vectors in carbide create so crisp? When using trace image, even with a fairly clean image file, the vector lines are typically still shaky when zoomed in. Also, what epoxy clear coat are you using to finish if you don’t mind me asking? Thanks!

[@bradscustomsigns8585]

Thank you. I use my Silhouette vinyl cutter for all my design work, it has a far superior trace tool than CC. I am currently using Magic Resin

[@theebalz]

Just re-watched this and was curious about the masking. Vinyl cutter we discussed? All the cnc work was done on Carveco? Fun piece to watch being made.

[@bradscustomsigns8585]

yes all the masking stencils were cut on a Silhouette Cameo, and I have a Shapeoko 3XXL with Carbide Create basic.

[@LongIslandHobbyist]

Awesome job! What'd you use to cut the masks? Cricut? Or a different vinyl cutter?

[@bradscustomsigns8585]

Thanks, I use a Silhouette

[@Jophus1er]

Are you using MDF with this project? I thought using a primer was essential when painting MDF. This piece turned out amazing

[@bradscustomsigns8585]

thank you. One of the things that helps is that I typically use a Platinum grade MDF, it has a higher density than standard, and paints well. Also, instead of a coat of primer and 2 coats of color, I just go with 3 coats of color, then I don't have to try to hide the color of the primer. It may not be the way others do it, but it works for me.

[@robertosantana129]

Yo I love your work I just start on stuff like this do you have a video where you carve pure resin I seen someone else fo it and I want to see if you ha e different techniques I'm sharing this with everyone

[@bradscustomsigns8585]

Thanks, I've only done one small project where I carved and then filled with resin and then did another carve over it, currently on progress, so will post a video when it's complete

[@robbie6625]

Just out of curiosity, instead of hand masking, why don't you use something like oramask?

[@bradscustomsigns8585]

I actually use a variation of masking, oramask, and custom cut masking depending on the project

[@robbie6625]

@@bradscustomsigns8585 ah, gotcha. I noticed that you were using your silhouette to make the masking too, but I thought on the main body of the sign that you were just hand masking lol

[@blackcloud3361]

Excellent work, enjoyed every video. I've only used casting resin before, any post pour steps to get that glass look? Again great work very inspiring especially the MMIW.

[@bradscustomsigns8585]

thank you. I think the most important steps are a clean work area, covering that piece after you pop bubbles, and checking for debris a second or even a third time after pour.

[@blackcloud3361]

@@bradscustomsigns8585 thanks Brad, appreciate your time, do you use same epoxy for fills and and flood coat? Table/counter top? Like I said, I've only used casting resin, which requires a pressure pot to remove bubbles. I looked at the Magic resin 2 in deep pour, really has to cure for 3 days?

[@bradscustomsigns8585]

I use table top for inlay and flood coat, no deep pour for mine

[@blackcloud3361]

last question, do you round the top edge or leave it square, does it effect the flood coat flow@@bradscustomsigns8585

[@bradscustomsigns8585]

@blackcloud3361 I round it off in most cases because it does make a difference. Gravity will make that top edge pretty thin, so it's not as clean and smooth

[@martymitchell9855]

Incredibly well done! Which bit(s) are you using to get such clean lines on your masking tape? Whoa! You’re not carving through the tape! You using a cricut for your stencils?? I’m so confused. 🤔

[@bradscustomsigns8585]

Thank you, I use a Silhouette Cameo and Oramask vinyl for my stencils

[@bradscustomsigns8585]

when stenciling with this method, you do your lightest color first, then stencil, next darker color, next stencil, etc until you get to the darkest color. Must let colors dry between stencils, and all stencils stay on until the final color is dry, then peel.

[@martymitchell9855]

@@bradscustomsigns8585 I’ve been checking out the Cameo’s on Amazon. Which model in particular do you recommend? What are the advantages of the Cameo vs. a Cricut?

[@bradscustomsigns8585]

@@martymitchell9855 I haven't looked at upgrades in a while, I'm still using an older model Cameo 2, but it serves my needs. The Cricket apparently has some size limitations that the Cameo does not, and if I am not mistaken the Cricket requires being online to utilize full library. Plus, the Business version of Cameo has ability to read .dxf .svg .ai .pdf as well as save as .svg, which is everything I need for CNC use

[@bigirish4886]

What types of paint are you using some look like spray enamel others look like acrylic, I have had problems with spray Rustoleum with multi layers crinkling up Thanks

[@bradscustomsigns8585]

You are correct, Rustoleum spray, and craft paint. If you are getting "orange peel" it is usually caused by too thick spraying (I do 3 - 4 thin layers), not 100% cured before top coat, or top coat is incompatible brand for the color.

[@bigirish4886]

@@bradscustomsigns8585 thanks for the reply, great videos and info (: (: (:

[@joewink7115]

Seriously jumping on your videos. If that’s MDF, do you prep with sealer before you paint? Looking into getting vinyl cutter (on back burner). This bear plaque….I know people don’t like to talk price but looks like 26”-30”. What’s something like that go for? $200?

[@bradscustomsigns8585]

I don't actually use a standard sealer, I just use extra layers of my paint color until I'm satisfied. This piece is 30 inches and it was $350

[@dougturner2036]

$350 seems a little cheap to me for the quality and time. Beautiful work