Before I could do the final assembly of the ‘SIGN’ letters and the rounded top of the planet I needed to do the painting and gilding. It would be impossible to do once they are in place.  I started with  two coats of plain copper metallic over the entire letters and background. I allowed things to dry in-between coats.

Then I did a blend coat of black cherry on the bottom, through copper and into a metallic orange on the upper portions. The top letters are the example. The bottom letters have a greenish brown glaze we call ‘SWAMP’ brushed on and then wiped off. Once the glaze is on the letters are ready for gilding.