Lettering on truck doors with base / clear

[farmboy]

I'm wanting to duplicate this lettering on the door of the truck like it was from the 40s. With base and clear coat how do you guys do it? Paint on the base coat the clear over the letters? Thanks.

 

[51 MERC-CT]

A finish more in keeping with the 40's, in my opinion, would be single stage.
If it were to be done just like the 40's, the lettering would have been applied directly to the final finish and no clear coat over it.

 

[flatheadmurre]

One thing to keep in mind is if you clear it first and then letter it you or the next owner has a chance of changing the graphics.
Other then that its all about how you want it to look.
Most graphics was applied by hand with a not perfect appearance it was advertising...and changed over time.

 

[Vanspeed]

I agree with 51 merc, do not use a clear over the top. I know you are trying to make it look like how pop's had it, paint it the same way he did.

 

[JSeery]

I would take good photos, paint with single-stage paint, then reproduce the lettering over the single-stage paint.

 

[john worden]

With or without patina?

 

[jmerson]

Farm boy,

That old truck looks great. The lettering looks like it wasn't too dark almost washed out, perfect.
Not to cut in to your project, I'm doing a '48 F-1 and the color is going to be Burnt Umber or a real dark brownish orange. Before the last couple of coats go on I want to put the lettering of my farm on the doors. After the finished paint is applied the only time you'll be able to see the sign is from directly in front of the doors. It should be pretty nice.

Good Luck with your signage,

Jij