Thought I would share a little bit about my process for making a custom welded sign!
This particular one, I made for my dad for Christmas. Rolling Rock is his favorite beer and I figured this would be a cool and unique gift. Especially for that person who does not want or need anything.
Here are a few simple steps that go into my one of a kind pieces-
First, I dig through my pile of art supplies and decide what size and style I want to go with. I pull out pieces that I think will work well together for what I am trying to accomplish.
Next, I try and put together a rough draft on the table of what I want it to look like. Sometimes I have to go back to the scrap bucket and find more materials as I go. I bend and shape the pieces as needed. And usually rearrange them 15 times before I am happy with it.
Here is what the Rolling Rock sign looked like all layed out. Before it was welded together.
After the general plan is complete, I get to weld it up!
This is my favorite part. In case you couldn’t guess.
I flip the nails and washers over as I go and make all my welds on the back of the sign. This will give the sign a cleaner look once it is finished.
As I am welding it up, sometimes the exact shape of some pieces changes due to the metal melting away or the heat causing it to warp. So the finished product is rarely identical to the rough draft that I originally designed. But for some reason, I love that! I love all the imperfections from using recycled materials.
After all the little nails and pieces are welded together, I welded it to the wrench that I used as the base/stand. Once everything is welded up, it is time to clean the sign. I typically just used a rag with dish soap and water. This is mainly to get the big pieces of dust and dirt removed. I let it air dry for a few minutes. Then set the sign on a piece of cardboard and spray both sides with all purpose clear coat. The clear coat dries pretty quickly. Then I apply a second coat.
And just like that, the piece is finished!
Have questions about any of these steps or processes? Please reach out to me!
We can connect on Instagram as well! @fabulizfabrication
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