Hey everyone! I'm planning to make a cute wooden sign for my allotment gate and I want to make sure it's weatherproof since it rains a lot where I live in the UK. I'm wondering what techniques or products I should use. Can I just use regular acrylic paints on wood and then add a weatherproof clear varnish, or is there a particular type of paint that's better suited for this purpose? Any tips would be greatly appreciated, thanks! xx
2 Answers
I recommend using an exterior-rated polyurethane. It's perfect for this kind of project! If you're just doing a one-time sign, grab a spray can for easy application. For more projects in the future, a liquid can would be great to have on hand when you get the hang of it! Just keep in mind that it may require reapplication every year or two to stay effective.
I personally lean towards using a penetrating oil finish instead of polyurethane. It won't crack or peel as much, but it does need to be reapplied every couple of years like most outdoor finishes. Also, make sure to choose a paint designed for outdoor use that has UV protection and is fade-resistant. It might be worth reaching out to the paint manufacturer about how it interacts with oil finishes to ensure compatibility.