I'm looking at redoing some redwood routed signs. They've been up for years and I don't know if I should use a high pressure washer to "Clean" all the mold/moss/crap off of it or what? After the inital cleaning should sand the old paint off or just scuff it up?
The other interesting thing about the sign is that it has a fair amount of gold leaf on it. Can this be cleaned up or do I need to strip that off and redo it.
Last but not least, would a clearcoat be advisable over the entire project for longevity or just certain parts or none at all?
On or offlist replies welcome. Thanks and have a Wonderful Holiday! Posted by Mike Languein (Member # 319) on :
Sight unseen --- if the gold is in good shape you may try to clean it with a mild vinegar/water solution and a cotton ball. As for the rest if the paint is solid scuffing should be OK, but if it's flaking off or cracking you may as well either scuff it or if it's really bad grind it all down with a drum sander, planer, belt sander or jitterbug and redo the whole works. I have yet to be convinced that there is a clear that holds up outdoors, but many people claim the urethanes or Pelucid works wonders. Any other clears will eventually come off and take the paint and gold with it, unless it gets maintained.
Posted by Sheila Ferrell (Member # 3741) on :
...I reckon it'll be a little difficult to sand or scuff clean around the raised and/or textured areas. You can use a good stiff brush for that and if theres any loose paint in there it should come out, or you could carefully pressure-wash, (NOT pressure-blast) 'em.
I personally would not recommend clearin' the entire sign, just the gold if needed. When the sign is clean and dry, reprime any bare areas that are to be painted. I use a latex primer for that and so far I have always used oils to finish, but that is individual preference as well. I suddenly forget where you are on the earth but if you're in an place of high humidity/mildew use a paint that resists that...............oh,upon takin' advantage of that edit feature, I see you are in Washington. Does it rain a lot?
[ December 24, 2003, 12:34 AM: Message edited by: Sheila Ferrell ]
Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
Hi Brian, After you clean the sign with a mild soap and water, you might want to let the poor old thing really dry out. Up here in the Northwest, wooden signs really soak up the mositure. I moved up here to Western Wa. back in 96' But, I'm still a Southern California girl. I sure miss the sun.
Posted by Brian Diver (Member # 1552) on :
Thanks for the tips. The signs are for our housing development which has homes from the 1890's and I don't know how old the signs are but probably 15 yrs? Anyway they are pretty good size 4x8, I'll need to go really examine them up close but it looks like a good scrubbing and maybe some good sraping, brushing, and scuffing will do the trick. I guess I won't bother with any type of clear coat just some good glossy exterior paint. I'll also try a little spot on the gold with your solution Mike to see how it reacts.
Sheila, I wish it would either rain or not rain. Most of the time we get misty drizzle - just enough to keep the mold & moss growing and my gills & webs between the toes wet.
Alicia, sorry you couldn't make it to the splash, but maybe we'll get together at another meet. If I could get the sign down in my basement I'd probably let it sit by the wood stove for a few days and dry out.
Posted by Mike Languein (Member # 319) on :
Oops -- of course cleaning the gold won't do like that if it's been cleared - it shouldn't be necessary to clear gold unless it's down low where people will be sticking their fingers in it getting oil spots on it - but some clear it anyway.
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