I have put vinyl on a concrete floor by putting down an epoxy layer for the vinyl to stick to with great results.
A couple years ago I took a cement stepping stone and covered it with epoxy then stuck our name on it with vinyl.
I covered the thing with polyurethane. I can't remember how many coats but it was several.
I threw it out in the flower bed and left it. It was fine last year but now I noticed the polyurethane has split and is curling up.
What should I have covered it with to make it more durable?
Thanks for any help.
Posted by Rick Milne (Member # 4621) on :
Polyurethane usually isn't weather resistant, even the spar versions; that's why boat owners have to sand and re-varnish (or poly) their wood every year. Plus, it may not have adhered to the epoxy, aggravating the problem. Solution: once the graphic is down, clear over it with more clear epoxy of the same brand.
Rick
Posted by Randy Campbell (Member # 2675) on :
Try marine varnish.
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
My guess is that anything that does not breathe (seals) will not work. The reason I say this is that concrete will absorb moisture from the ground and when it comes to the surface it will be trapped. That is likely what caused the splitting and peeling you are faced with. Why not make a mask off your lettering and paint the name on in one of the paints made for stone and concrete. I'm having a hard time envisioning the vinyl sticking to the concrete. Did you seal before applying the vinyl as well? On a larger scale like a concrete floor you can probably get away with it, but a small stone laying on damp earth gets exposed to a lot more moisture. It doesn't take long for moisture to be wicked to the surface.
Posted by Harry Ellis (Member # 6353) on :
I sandblast house numbers, names and graphics into sandstone boulders. I've had great results using a 2 part generic acrylic enamel automotive clearcoat (multiple coats). Lasts for years. And the rock always looks wet.
Harry
Posted by Brad Ferguson (Member # 33) on :
Harry E: What's the name of it?
Brad in Kansas City
Posted by Harry Ellis (Member # 6353) on :
Each time I ordered it it had a different label and name (thus, generic). Last one was called "Big Sky." I order it through my autobody supplier. Just ask for 2 part generic acrylic enamel clear coat and the catalyst for it.
IIRC it was about $40/gallon and $12/pint catalyst. 8:1 ratio
Posted by Brian Keence (Member # 1867) on :
Rick: That is a good idea about the epoxy over the vinyl as well as under it. Sometimes I think I'm completely brain dead!
Kelly: Yes I did put down an epoxy base for the vinyl to stick to. The vinyl still shows no sign of failure. Just the polyurethane is peeling. I believe the epoxy and vinyl will last a very long time. I probably didn't need to cover the vinyl with anything. Fact now that I think about it I don't know why I DID cover it with polyurethane.
Harry: Could you post any pictures or maybe a link? I would really like to see some of the stones you have done.
What type of spray gun do you use? Would I have to buy a top of the line gun for project like this?
Thanks everyone for the replies.
Posted by Michael Boone (Member # 308) on :
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