How to make your outdoor sign waterproof

Step 1: Clean the surface

Before applying a primer or paint, we must first clean off any dust and dirt on the surface of our sign. You can use a damp cloth for wiping it down. Avoid using paper towels as they can leave lint on your surface and will be more difficult to remove later. If you have mildew spots on your wooden surface, then you need to apply some bleach with water over it in order to get rid of them completely before applying primer and paint.

Step 2: Use rust inhibiting primer

Before applying any type of paint, use a rust inhibiting primer. These primers do exactly what they say they will do: they keep rust from forming on any surface you apply them to. This is an important step if you live in a coastal area or if there is any chance that moisture could get trapped under or behind your sign (moisture condensation can cause corrosion and rust). Primers often come in grey color, so you might need several coats for complete coverage; make sure to allow ample drying time between each coat.

Step 3: Apply polyurethane paint

If you want to be sure that your signs will be protected from weather conditions, polyurethane paint is the best option. Apply a good amount of polyurethane paint and let it dry before using. The last thing you need is rust on any of your signs due to improper maintenance. A little bit of effort and money spent on proper maintenance can go a long way in helping you preserve valuable investments.

Step 4: Let dry

The last step is allowing your signs to dry. This can take from a few hours up to several days depending on what kind of paint you are using and how thick it is. We recommend you do not hang or place any of these signs outside for at least 3 days so that they have enough time to fully dry. If you live in a warm, humid climate, expect them to take longer. For example, if you use high-quality oil-based paints and stain, they may be ready after 24 hours while low-quality acrylic paints may need 5 days before they’re dry.

Step 5: Touch up before applying polyurethane

Once you have applied primer and paint to your sign, use fine sandpaper or wet/dry sandpaper to smooth out any rough patches. The smoother you get it now, the better it will look after applying polyurethane. When you are satisfied with how smooth it is, apply a coat of polyurethane using a foam brush. Let dry completely before moving on to step 6. If you can’t wait for it to dry, use a hair dryer set on low and hold at least 3 feet away from your project until partially dry (DO NOT USE AN IRON OR ANYTHING THAT MIGHT CAUSE HEAT). Sand lightly between coats with wet/dry sandpaper if necessary until desired finish is achieved.

Why It’s Important to Waterproof Outdoor Signs

Outdoor signs need to stand up against a lot of wear and tear, which is why it’s important that they are made with durable materials. What people don’t always think about, though, is how much rain or snow they can take. Fortunately, you can give your signs an extra layer of protection by using a few easy steps. The first step is to paint them with a quality waterproof primer sealer before you apply any paint. If you want multiple layers of color on top of each other (like a red background over white lettering), allow for plenty of drying time between layers so that it all cures evenly.

Materials Needed for Waterproofing Your Outdoor Signs

Before you begin applying water sealant, you will need materials such as paintbrush, painter’s tape, water sealant, alcohol or acetone and another plastic bag. Paintbrushes are needed to cover all sides of a plastic sign so that no moisture can go through it. Painter’s tape is also needed for covering an area without leaving any paint behind on areas you do not want painted. Acetone or alcohol will be used for cleaning up any paint spills on signs. Plastic bags are use for covering signs when using primer and paint sprayer but mostly when using acrylic latex paint to protect from excess drying. Tarp is also needed for protecting wood signs from rain during painting process.

Waterproofing Outdoor Signs Like a Pro

Outdoor signs are often made out of wood or plastic, which makes them vulnerable to water damage. Use these easy tips for adding a weatherproof coating that will protect your signs from moisture: First, you’ll need a high-quality polyurethane varnish. (There are many types on the market, but be sure that it can handle UV rays and is manufactured specifically for exterior use.) This can be applied with a brush or spray. Wait at least 2 hours before exposing it to rain, then you’re good to go! The best part about making your own outdoor signage? You can customize it however you like! Place an order online today and have it delivered right to your door.

Choose the Right Type of Base Wood

Your first step is choosing a base wood for making an outdoor sign. In general, you can choose cedar, pine, redwood or pressure-treated wood. Cedar and pine are not only weather resistant but also easy to sand. On the other hand, redwood and pressure-treated wood is durable yet hard to cut. To prepare a list of supplies needed in building an outdoor sign, always keep in mind that your budget will dictate which type of base wood you can purchase from lumber store near me .

Prepare the Wood Frame

When you prepare a wood frame for an outdoor sign, you will need to paint it with several coats of latex paint before priming and then painting it with enamel. This is a vital step in making sure that water does not get inside your wood frame and ruin it. The frames can be painted using any color as long as they do not have too much green or brown on them so that they do not look cheap when wet. Use exterior grade paint so that moisture will have a hard time seeping through. If you are working with metal, simply leave it outside under direct sunlight to soak up some of its own protective layer.

Consider Putty Application

Depending on where you live, weather conditions could lead to your outdoor signage warping, cracking, or otherwise succumbing to moisture damage. To combat these effects, use silicone caulk to fill in any cracks and crevices in both indoor and outdoor signs. Let them dry overnight, then apply four coats of exterior-grade polyurethane putty over top. If you’re concerned about where caulk meets wood grain following application (which often happens), sand down each side for a smooth surface—and try not to worry about it too much; even if it does chip a bit over time, no one will ever notice once putty is applied.

Introduce a Strong Coating Agent

There are a number of ways to preserve your wooden signs and keep them looking their best. One way is by introducing a coating agent that prevents moisture from seeping into wood and making it peel or crack over time. There are several kinds of coating agents available, but only one that’s readily available at most hardware stores: exterior latex paint. The high oil content in an exterior latex paint helps protect wood against extreme weather conditions such as rain, snow, heat and cold. While oil-based paints can last longer than latex ones, you have more color options with latex and they’re also less toxic when you’re working with them.

Paint the Structure

Before you paint any part of your structure, it is important that you sand and weatherproof it. This helps ensure that paints and coatings will adhere properly and will last longer. Additionally, if you are painting an exterior structure such as a porch or deck, sanding can help reduce splintering or cracking due to expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes. The process for weatherproofing your structure before painting depends on what material it’s made from. The main thing is ensuring all parts are clean before you start applying any type of coating or paint—that includes both interior and exterior surfaces!

Use a Potent Wood Sealer

It’s important to use a wood sealer that is designed for outdoor use on any type of wooden furniture, including signs. If you’re not sure which product would be best for your needs, look for a sealer that contains urethane or polyurethane and is labeled as waterproof. This will protect whatever wood you use from mold and mildew growth, which can discolor and destroy any wooden object if left unattended. Even non-wood surfaces such as metal can be protected using paint or stain products; though many people believe these are only suitable for indoor purposes.

Protect the Sign Edges

Once you have your completed sign, protect all of its edges with a sealant. This will help keep moisture out of those vulnerable spots. If you do not want to use caulk or sealant, there are other options. For example, instead of using traditional bolts and screws when attaching your sign frame together, opt for large-head stainless steel screws with vinyl washers as they can absorb up to five times more water without rusting or corroding. A little bit of DIY ingenuity goes a long way in protecting your outdoor signage investment.

Type of Wood will Determine the Result

The type of wood used will determine how well it weathers over time. There are many varieties available, but if you want a long-lasting product, we suggest using cedar or pine. These are durable woods that hold up well in different climates and weather conditions. Additionally, they don’t expand or contract at a rapid rate, which means your signs will stay looking as good as new for longer. The last thing you want is for a crack to form because of moisture—in most cases it is only aesthetic, but there’s no reason to take risks when applying any sealant products. If you aren’t sure what wood variety would work best for your business sign needs then consult an experienced contractor who can advise you accordingly.

The Steps You Should Take in Making a Wooden Sign Weatherproof

A wooden sign can be used in many ways as long as it has a purpose. You can use it for advertising, announcing events or even marking a certain location and territory. This also works well for real estate purposes and people are using them more often today with such kind of job. But if you want it to look good for years, you should know that maintenance is needed so that you keep it in good condition. We will give you some tips on how to do so.

Types of Outdoor Signs

What type of sign you choose will determine how easy it is to maintain. Wood signs are easy because you can re-stain them when they wear down. Metal signs are more expensive but don’t require much maintenance. Fiberglass signs offer a good compromise between these two materials; they’re less likely to warp or crack, making them last longer than wood or metal, but also need less maintenance than wood does. For example, if you want a wooden sign but are worried about how often you’ll need to stain it, a fiberglass one might be a better choice for you.

Making Your Outdoor Signage Weatherproof

Several steps need to be followed if you want to make sure that your wooden signs stay in good condition. To begin with, ensure that you buy paint and varnish made especially for exterior use. Next, clean and sand down all areas of wood; after which you can apply a sealer coat. Apply two or three coats of paint in an even manner. Let it dry completely between coats; after which you can apply a quality exterior varnish. Use light colored acrylic paints and not oil based products as they don’t adhere well on wet surfaces. With some practice, anyone can learn how to do professional quality DIY signage in no time at all!

How to Make an Outdoor Sign Waterproof

This may sound like a fairly straightforward task, but with some care and attention, you can ensure that it will last for years. Here are some easy steps to follow when making an outdoor sign: 1. Preparing Your Materials: You need a plywood cut into 3/4-inch slices and then laminated with at least three coats of exterior-grade wood glue in between each slice. To fix it on a wall or pole, use screws that can hold up at least 100 pounds. 2. A Good Primer: Apply a good quality primer on each side of your plywood before applying paints or varnishes as its undercoat. Choose one that has UV protection so it lasts longer even if exposed to sunlight for long periods of time during summertime.

How To Make a Waterproof Banner in Minutes?

It might sound like a difficult task but making a weatherproof banner is very easy. You can use plywood or MDF and cover it with one or two coats of stain sealer, following with a water based varnish or polyurethane. This coating will protect your outside signs from rain and snow damage as well as most other weather conditions. A cheap alternative is paint you can use either latex or an oil-based paint which will work just as well on larger vinyl posters. Your painting options are numerous, so pick what works best for you and feel free to experiment with various techniques until you find what’s perfect for your house, farm, or office signs!

Conclusion

Our deep research showed you various outdoor signs and how to make an outdoor sign waterproof. If you are looking for a better look, go ahead and use these tips in order to give your house, farm or office a better look with weatherproof outdoor signage.

Contact KiwiSign for More Information

To find out more about KiwiSign’s menu board software or to place an order, contact us today.

You May Also Like…..