No Printer Required

The evolution of digital printing has undoubtedly made promotional vehicle graphics more affordable and more efficient for countless small-business owners. However, someone who’s still proficient at painting a box truck by hand – particularly a 59-year industry veteran – deserves a tip of the cap.

Herbie Moulton, proprietor of his namesake, Glendale, AZ-based sign company, has worked in the sign business since 1952. Although the shop primarily plies its trade in cabinet signs and channel letters, he still handpaints graphics for a few trucks per year. His most recent project involved decorating a box truck for Waterbed City, a Phoenix furniture store, to reflect a new name and logo.

Moulton began his process with hand-rendered patterns and, after having washed and sanded the truck, he coated it with blockout-white primer. To prepare for the lettering, he and his assistant painted the background with TJ Ronan and 1Shot bulletin enamels mixed with Penetrol, an additive that reduces leveling, and mineral spirits to give the coating optimal consistency. Moulton perforated the patterns with an electric pounce wheel and applied them to the truck’s surface. He filled in the letters with 1Shot lettering enamel using various sizes of Luco and Langnickel quills and flat-bristle brushes.

“Graceful curves and square corners are always challenging, but it’s very satisfying to still decorate vehicles by hand to the customer’s satisfaction,” Moulton said.