Outdoor paint

[jaustin]

Was asked to make a outdoor sign. Will be using white oak.

They wanted the letters painted black. Plan on usi g spar urethane to seal it. But not sure what type of paint would be best for the lettering and that is compaowitb the spar.

Do I use regular outdoor paint then apply the spar?

 

[bowman]

my experience with spar urethane on outside wood has left me very disappointed. I have no other product experience, but others may suggest an epoxy.

 

[Wiley's Woodworks]

Yes--Polyurethane will go on top of exterior paint. Be sure to lightly sand (320 grit) and thoroughly clean it before you apply the poly. Two coats should suffice. If the sanding lightens the black lettering, apply a 2nd coat.

 

[jaustin]

Thanks, Outdoor paint lightly sand ,reapply paint if black lightens, then I lightly sand black the apply 2 coats of spar after cleaning.

 

[Oka]

Seal the wood first, then prime, then apply the paint. Especially, with dark colors or they will fade. Assume 2-3 top coats. Or the color can be blotchy.

 

[jaustin]

Seal the wood first, then prime, then apply the paint. Especially, with dark colors or they will fade. Assume 2-3 top coats. Or the color can be blotchy.

Seal it with the spar or a sanding sealer? The letters will be routed into the board.

 

[Oka]

Me ? I use thinned down shellac or thinned down resin (resin thinned down with acetone), sanding sealers work fine, But those are what I am used to. The other thing I use is auto primer sealer, but this really is best with harder woods. My recommendation is to experiment with different types and see which works best for your specific condition.

 

[Mike Davis]

One Shot gloss enamel sign paint.

Or DuPont Acrylic enamel automotive paint.

 

[Wiley's Woodworks]

One Shot gloss enamel sign paint.

Or DuPont Acrylic enamel automotive paint.

I hadn't thought of automotive paints. If you go this route buy enough automotive clear coat in spray cans to cover entire sign, all 4 sides. This way you eliminate any compatibility issues between different finishes.

 

[KenOfCary]

I'd listen to Mike Davis' advice. He was a sign painter back in the day.

 

[smallboat]

If you do go with an epoxy to seal the wood you will want togive it UV protection with a good varnish. Epoxy under urethane is a good combination. The epoxy seals and stabilizes the wood providing a good surface for the urethane to adhere to. The urethane protects the epoxy from UV. I’ve been using Halcyon spar varnish recently and like it a lot. Available in water clear or amber tint to mimic traditional varnishes.

 

[Gofor]

Ditto on the sign paint.

 

[Graywolf]

I agree with the sign paint. It will hold up best.