Thank you for your interest in our signs. Your new custom sign is made entirely of southern yellow pine. This
wood has been used as a construction lumber for homes in the south since
an earlier era. Indoors, your sign should last at least 200 years. They
can last a long time outside under a porch, overhang. garage, or breezeway
with no protective coating.
HOWEVER, if you intend to hang your sign in the elements it must be
coated with a top quality protective exterior finish if you expect it to
last. In the elements means: directly in rain wind and southern exposure
to the sun.
Minwax Company, inc. has recommended their HELMSMAN SPAR URETHANE as their
choice for this application it is available at most hardware and building
supply stores in a semi-gloss (satin) finish for the natural look and a
gloss finish for the shiny, plastic look. The satin works best as it
preserves the rustic charm of the sign. Apply a minimum of three light
coats, more if you like, to front and back. We stress light coats as a
heavy flooding coat could loosen the glue. It wilt also help to allow
extra drying time between coats. Avoid using products
such as Thompson's Water Seal. These products are thin and have a watery
consistency and will deteriorate the glue we use.
Occasionally, with exposure and time, a letter or piece may fall off. If
this should happen, simply glue it back on with an epoxy type glue. If you
are going to refinish the sign and reseal it, any white glue, carpenters
glue or hot glue will do.
Any finish on wood outdoor will weather in time. The finest marine varnish
on yachts must me redone usually in a year or less. If you put your sign
in the weather be prepared for periodic maintenance. Occasionally touch it
up or recoat the whole sign. How often it needs attention will depend on
the exposure.
When mounting the sign to an outside wall, shim it out from the wall about
1/4 inch This will allow air circulation behind the sign and allow it to
last longer. Secure the sign with good quality screws, brass, or stainless
steel or you could nail it up with galvanized nails. If you nail it up be
sure and pre-drill the board so as not to split the wood.
We are in the hopes that your sign will be handed down for generations and
bring you much joy.
The SignMakers
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Signs of Wood, Co