Hello all. I have a sign blank(customer supplied) raw, dry, red cedar. I'll be lettering it with 1-shot.
What would be the best way to finish the wood prior to lettering?
Canadian products, if possible, or??
Thanks. It's about 18" x 27". Outside use meanilng LOTS OF RAIN!!
Thanks, John Lennig / SignRider
Posted by Michael Boone (Member # 308) on :
varnish Epiphanes... or Stoppani both Italian
the best check a boatyard
Posted by Monte Jumper (Member # 1106) on :
Any clear you use on it is going to flake in pretty short order since it's outside...
Since there is no choice...if it were me I'd coat it with a thinnly mixed epoxy resin let it soak in and leave the natural finish.
Posted by Randy Campbell (Member # 2675) on :
I know I cant help you on your question John but I just wandered how you are making out doing all paint.I am having a great time getting back to the basics.Monte i believe has the right answer.Havin fun Randy.
Posted by Terry Whynott (Member # 1622) on :
Randy! You're a Resident!
Monte, have you tried the epoxy technique? Sounds like a good solution.
I've heard of people using a Sikkens product with good results. Don't know off hand what it was but I think it was specifically for cedar.
Posted by Monte Jumper (Member # 1106) on :
Yes I have used it...a couple of things to look for are good uv ratings and a good "thin" epoxy. West products come to mind.
If you want a satin finish put it on liberally and let it soak in (don't second coat) than sand to the finish you want (finish with 400/600 grit) and letter.
If you want the real shiny look do a build up of 3 or four coats...even this will break down over a period of time but it will last longer than a varnish or shellac.
Posted by Cam Bortz (Member # 55) on :
A clearcoat or varnish is only as good as it's UV package. Epoxy is fine as a basecoat, but does'nt normally have UV inhibitors. My preference is epoxy topped with several coats of Epiphanes, (btw, it's Dutch, not Italian) which is a traditional tung-oil resin varnish with a high UV resistance. We have several signs out with that finish, and count on refinishing them - wich means a light sanding and re-varnishing - every three years.
Posted by John Lennig (Member # 2455) on :
Thanks all for the ideas. I've got a feeling this one will end up being all painted, using Jay Cookes Primer, then oshot.It's a gift, and not the $$$ in it. Future cedar jobs, tho?? the resin epoxy sounds good.
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)