Hi Folks, My Brother in Maine has asked me make a sign for the entry drive into his property.
I plan on making it from semi clear pine with either a stained mitered border (frame) or possibly some local walnut.
My question is, what kind of finish will survive the winter months and the ocean front environment the best?
Oh, and would a marine adhesive be necessary or will Good ‘ol Yellow glue suffice?
I’m also trying to figure out the best technique to router the lettering in a freehand style. I suppose I have to stick with shallow cuts and just take it slow. Could use all the advice I can get!
Thanks! Brian
Replies
Hmmm... interesting problem. Two possible solution that occur to me are...
1. Vinyl conversion varnish. I'm in the middle of finishing a bunch of fixtures that are going into an inter-agency visitors center in Coldfoot, Alaska - which is inside the arctic circle. The Architects specified catalyzed vinyl conversion varnish which has excellent moisture and cold-check resistance properties. I know that this is the finish of choice for a local yacht company that uses it exclusively for the interiors of the yachts they build. What I don't know (my data sheets are at work) is whether it will stand up to UV rays. What I'm using, and what a buddy tells me that the yacht company uses as well, is Sherwin Williams Kemvar vinyl conversion varnish. I'm using their Kemvar "M" while I'm told that the yacht company uses the Kemvar "C"
2. Either an automotive or industrial clear. The automotive clears will withstand both the cold and the UV rays. Many industrial clears will also. Some of the industrial clears are brushable... if you don't have access to spray equipment. One that I'm thinking of right now is the new DuPont water-based IMRON clear. I forget the product code but, it is brushable and is amazingly flexible long after it's completely cured out. I have used it over stained wood and then tested it for adhesion. It wouldn't let go of the wood! It's expensive, though. On the other hand, I have never used a clear in my life that cured out as fast as this particular IMRON does. 30 minutes after it's been applied it is as cured as it's ever gonna get - according to DuPont. It's an amazing product which comes in both gloss and flat and can be intermixed to achieve intermediate sheen ranges.
Regards,
Kevin
Fantastic Kevin, Thanks for the reply. I will look for the IMRON product. Sounds like exactly what I need.
Would I be able to find it at a home center do you think? Or would it require a more specialized store?
Thanks again, Brian
Brian,
The IMRON should be available thru the nearest DuPont automotive refinish supply distributor.
Regards,
Kevin
I'm no finishing expert, but from what I've heard about IMRON, its not exactly a user-friendly finish from a health standpoint. I've heard it must be applied using a forced air respirator.... not something the average DIY'er has hanging in his garage.
E.
That's true with the original solvent-based IMRON. There are several new formulations. The one I mentioned in this thread is a non-catalyzed, water-based IMRON. It requires some precautions... such as respirator use etc., but it's not the same as the catalyzed, solvent born IMRONs.
Regards,
Kevin
Noted. Thanks.
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