Hi there. What do you guys & gals use to seal plywood? I'm gonna paint it with one shot & clearcoat it with Imron but I'm afraid its not gonna be enough. Its gonna be an outdoor sign, close to the beach. Anyone?
Thanks in advance!
------------------ I'm workin' on it...
Posted by Marty Happy (Member # 302) on :
Hi Felix:
If it's a single sheet 4x8 I'll get that vinyl shelf edge trim from a lumber yard etc. and seal it on with silicone after painting the edges. Saves having to fill and sand the edges and looks kind of nice. Otherwise for a multiple 4x8 sign I will fill the edge voids, round all the edges back and front with a 1/8" router bit and sand to a smooth finish, and coat the edge with every single coat to the back and front of the boards. Thorough finishing and sealing is the key!
Happy Signing....Marty
------------------ Marty Happy Signmaker Since 1974 Happy Ad Sign & Design Regina SK, Canada S4N 5K4
[This message has been edited by Marty Happy (edited December 08, 2000).]
Posted by Robert Thomas (Member # 1356) on :
Que pasa Felix, Don't use plywood, at least use mdo (medium density overlay). You should be able to find it in Pueto Rico. After you sand the edges and fill the voids, prime with an exterior oil primer. By the time you paint the backs and fronts you should have 5-6 coats on the edges. For a clear coat I would recommend "Pelucid" from St. Marie Graphics, the advertise on the BB. Automotive clears may burn your paint job, sometimes they work, sometimes they wrinkle the paint. Pelucid can be rolled if you don't have a way to spray it. Do three coats and you may never have to do that sign over! It will go over oil paint, latex and vinyl graphics. Have fun Bro, Cheers.
------------------ Robert Thomas Creative Signs In Beautiful Naples, Fl.
Posted by T.Howell (Member # 875) on :
I have had pretty good luck sealing the edges of MDO with watered down wood glue. It is a little time consuming as it takes 2-3 coats, but I have never had one delaminate. Later,Tom
------------------ Tom Howell Newbury, MA Custom paint, pinstriping, lettering since 1979.( I think) www.bluechipracing.com bchip105@hotmail.com 978-465-5675
Posted by Mike Estep (Member # 318) on :
We have been using exterior paintable caulking. put a line down and smooth with finger, haven't had any problems.
------------------ Marc & Mike Estep SignCrafters of London 202 E. 4th St London Ky mestep@kih.net 606-862-0003
Posted by Dennis Veenema (Member # 833) on :
Why clearcoat? I know of very few instances where a clearcoat for a sign is necessary.
------------------ Dennis Veenema The Sign Shop Dresden, Ont. & GigaBytes Plus "Where the plus is the service!"
Posted by John Deaton (Member # 925) on :
I use exterior wood filler. Straight outa the tub, and apply with my finger. I got it down now, so that I don't even have to sand much. ON the custom work, I like the edges to be really smooth, with no wood showing through. The latex caulk is good too. Only two ways I have ever tried. Shoot, try em all at some time.
------------------ John Deaton III Deaton Signs&Grafix 109 N. Cumberland Ave.,Harlan, Ky. 40831 606-573-9101
Thanks for your replies guys. After speaking with the client, we scratched the idea of plywood & opted for solid mahogany. I'm gonna slap 2 pieces 36" x 18" x 1" back to back & hold them together with screws & epoxy. Thanks again!
