I'm quoting a sign for a retail store at an outlet mall that requires each store to have a sandblasted blade sign. I believe the other signs are balsa wood because there isn't a lot of definition in the grain. Does anyone have much experience w/ balsa wood. These signs hang under an overhang and will never see rain or sunlight. Thanks!
Posted by Bob Stephens (Member # 858) on :
Balsa will be okay under a protected overhang in your situation. I tried it about ten years ago and even though I primed and painted it well, it eventually started to rot.
Given the alternative material choices of today I dont think I would use it again.
Posted by Steve Purcell (Member # 1140) on :
Do a nice sign using SignFoam with blasted faux grain.
You might pick up some work from the other outlets, once they see the difference.
Posted by Talisman (Member # 1869) on :
Hi Andy,
The existing signs may in fact be cedar. Cedar blasts with little grain showing in my experience. It is also a light wood.
I feel cedar is easier to blast than redwood but I have found that when removing the mask there is a greater chance of pulling off a splinter from the raised areas. Be careful.
I have never blasted balsa though.
Good luck, Joe
Posted by Lee Futch (Member # 1162) on :
Hello Andy,
Don't think balsa, think tropical hardwood. I have made several sandblasted balsa signs over the years, all outside (the longest about 8 years) and have had no problems with any of them and I would not hesitate to use the material again.
One thing to be aware of tho' is if you buy a commercially available blank (if they're still available), you'll find a number of finger joints that will have to be "worked" by hand in order to blend them in to the blasted area. That's the only drawback I have found.
Having said that, signfoam and/or cedar will meet your needs also.
