I think for something like that, kludge looks more appropriate anyway - more "rustic" than something smooth and professional. In fact, old tree branches would look better than the 2x4s, IMO, though the old paint tin works well!Zombie Gawdzilla wrote:The area the signs are in nearly virgin woodlands and a bit on the damp side so there's lots of rot around to attack the wood. If they get destroyed it will just be a chance to do them over properly. They wanted them rather quickly back in June so I just kludged up something.
Dear Ask-a-nerd. (Sign finishing and weather-proofing.)
Re: Dear Ask-a-nerd. (Sign finishing and weather-proofing.)

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Re: Dear Ask-a-nerd. (Sign finishing and weather-proofing.)
Yep, the marine varnish gave them a nice color (it's more "golden" than clear varnish) and the previous weathering did away with the "bright, shiny new" effect. One person actually asked me how many years we'd been using those. I'll never capture that effect with my camera, however.Geoff wrote:I think for something like that, kludge looks more appropriate anyway - more "rustic" than something smooth and professional. In fact, old tree branches would look better than the 2x4s, IMO, though the old paint tin works well!Zombie Gawdzilla wrote:The area the signs are in nearly virgin woodlands and a bit on the damp side so there's lots of rot around to attack the wood. If they get destroyed it will just be a chance to do them over properly. They wanted them rather quickly back in June so I just kludged up something.

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Re: Dear Ask-a-nerd. (Sign finishing and weather-proofing.)
Buy enough wood for two signs. Put spare in office, with nails or screws half way thru. Cheap solution.
Or buy the cheap mail box letters. No paint needed. Glue.
Or buy the cheap mail box letters. No paint needed. Glue.
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Re: Dear Ask-a-nerd. (Sign finishing and weather-proofing.)
Dude, making the damn things was the fun part. "Short cuts" are not an option.Tero wrote:Buy enough wood for two signs. Put spare in office, with nails or screws half way thru. Cheap solution.
Or buy the cheap mail box letters. No paint needed. Glue.

Anyway, we need two as people tend to forget the directions when they travel the one mile from the gate house to the first sign. At that point the instructions are "turn left, then bear right". About 10% wind up not making the second bit and end up at the Bat Cave.

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Re: Dear Ask-a-nerd. (Sign finishing and weather-proofing.)
Varathane or a cheap alternative, since it's no longer protected by patents. I've left a soldering iron sitting and it burned the wood... without hurting the varathane.
Spar varnish is a pretty close second, actually, if you use several coats.
Spar varnish is a pretty close second, actually, if you use several coats.
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Re: Dear Ask-a-nerd. (Sign finishing and weather-proofing.)
The varathane was twice the cost of the marine varnish. Two coats are doing fine so far. Following the application directions carefully is helpful there.Schneibster wrote:Varathane or a cheap alternative, since it's no longer protected by patents. I've left a soldering iron sitting and it burned the wood... without hurting the varathane.
Spar varnish is a pretty close second, actually, if you use several coats.
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Re: Dear Ask-a-nerd. (Sign finishing and weather-proofing.)
There's stuff like Varathane without the boutique price, can't recall whether it was Home Depot or OSH (don't think you have OSH out there). We're too far apart for brand names to be helpful I think. It's generally something with "urethane" in the title where I've seen it, and the thinner is generally acetone. But don't quote me.
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Re: Dear Ask-a-nerd. (Sign finishing and weather-proofing.)
Polyurethane?Schneibster wrote:There's stuff like Varathane without the boutique price, can't recall whether it was Home Depot or OSH (don't think you have OSH out there). We're too far apart for brand names to be helpful I think. It's generally something with "urethane" in the title where I've seen it, and the thinner is generally acetone. But don't quote me.
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Re: Dear Ask-a-nerd. (Sign finishing and weather-proofing.)
I've seen plain urethane too. Dunno the difference, I just buy Varathane, which is IIRC polyurethane.
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Re: Dear Ask-a-nerd. (Sign finishing and weather-proofing.)
I read the polyurethane label and it said to use marine varnish for outdoor applications.Schneibster wrote:I've seen plain urethane too. Dunno the difference, I just buy Varathane, which is IIRC polyurethane.

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Re: Dear Ask-a-nerd. (Sign finishing and weather-proofing.)
They mean on boats.
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Re: Dear Ask-a-nerd. (Sign finishing and weather-proofing.)
They have boats that are indoor only?Schneibster wrote:They mean on boats.

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Re: Dear Ask-a-nerd. (Sign finishing and weather-proofing.)
Snicker. They mean don't use it on boats. Like, on the hull, sailor.
Must be early there. Exhibit more hot coffee tropism.
Must be early there. Exhibit more hot coffee tropism.
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Re: Dear Ask-a-nerd. (Sign finishing and weather-proofing.)
The label on the poly said, "For outdoor applications use Valspar marine varnish."Schneibster wrote:Snicker. They mean don't use it on boats. Like, on the hull, sailor.

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Re: Dear Ask-a-nerd. (Sign finishing and weather-proofing.)
It's plastic.
It decomposes under the influence of sunlight.
It decomposes under the influence of sunlight.
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The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. -Thomas Jefferson

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