Repainting a Sign

[Roderick Treece]

I am getting ready to repaint a 4' x 7' Mdo double sided sign I did about 10 years ago.The Background is dark maroon w/ imitation gold letters.Over the years I've gone down there and put a couple of coats of car wax on it to try and keep it from getting that flat semi chaulky look that one shot has over time.

With all the talk lately about using water based paint I thought I'd ask you guy's what you you thought about repainting it with water base paint on top of old based paint.The surface is perfect and I don't want to coat out the whole background ,loosing the artwork.

I know I will have to clean it with presol first ,then give it a light scuff.After that can I go right in with the WB paint for the back ground?I am still planning on doing the lettering and outlining with one shot for speed.

I really like my backgrounds to be smooth and brush free.Because I can't spray it is it going to be possible to get a smooth finish with water based paint?

Thank
Roderick

[Tony Segale]

I couldn't resist a reply here...busy with acrylic canvas, but...

Rod, listen outta yer good ear now...

first thing, get over the smooth as glass finish of oil paints ... I know, that's just the way it is.
But in the long run, you will forever be glad you changed to waterbase, provided you follow my step by step...
I'm not saying it's the right way, it just works fantastic for me, and I know I won't be repainting these signs for 20 years, if ever.
Matter of fact, the walldog murals look as good today as if the meet was over yesterday, not 2 years ago.

Most important (again, for me) use only Benjamin Moore.

Start with BM Fresh Start water base primer (they make an oil base as well, you want the green label..waterbase).
Now I know this ain't California we offering here, but best make yerself a pattern of the old layout.
You can sand the old surface lightly if you want, I do, BM fresh start is made to adhere to even glossy surfaces. At best, clean.
Add some maroon color to the primer and roll out both sides of the sign with a short nap, lint free roller. I always prime 2 coats.
If you let the primer dry for three days, it creates a hard as rock surface that is easy to sand. I don't always let it dry that long, though.
I have used this primer over dibond and baked enameled aluminum, still holding strong.

Now two coats of the background color, BM exterior semi gloss is 25 year warranty, low lustre and matte are lifetime warranty.
Now letter with BM exterior, 2 coats, let the first coat dry thoroughly ( 1-3 hours depending on conditions, overnite in winter).

You will never again have a chaulky sign, and never have to wax to revive.
Just drive by it til after yer a grandpa, and keep smiling over the beautiful and colorful finished product.