To create the woodgrain on the log I would use a sandblasted woodgrain from my TEXTURE MAGIC collection. The bitmaps are 11" x 8.5" at 300 DPI meaning they can be blown up considerably and still get good results. My sign face covered 4' x 8' and I would only be using a small portion of the bitmap. It's marked in red below.
I first created a flat relief and the moved the bitmap over the relief, sized it appropriately and then entered a value of 0.2" depth.
The lettering outline was created as a separate relief, nudged into position vertically and then MERGED HIGHEST with the background relief.
The lettering was then added to the base relief.
The file was then tool pathed and sent to the MultiCam using a 3/8" ball nose bit to rough and a 1/8" ball nose bit to do a final pass. The sign face was laminated (with two other layers) around a welded steel frame.
Once the glue was dry we lifted the sign into place and welded the steel frame to the structural frame of the log car.
Then we began the painting process using Coastal Enterprises water based primer.
Next week this piece will quickly come together. Stay tuned...
-dan
