Material Advice

[Lois.Hinshelwood]

Hello, in need of a bit of advice. I’m painting some signs for a campsite and a bit stuck on what material to paint on. Ideally would like some hardwood thats 23 cm thick, but as one of signs is about 60x100cm struggling to find somewhere to get some hardwood this wide. Was trying to avoid ply as signs will be outside, even wary about marine plys durability..? Was also recommended Tricoya Mdf which sounds really interesting but pretty expensive and don't really have the budget for that.

What would people recommend as a durable material that can live outside?
Also if you generally have any advice on how to ensure rot free signs

[Danny Baronian]

HI Lois,

need some clarification: checking several conversion sites, all come up 23 cm equals 9.05 inches. Do you mean 2.3, which equals .905 inch?

Somethings not right, please confirm.

Thanks,

Danny

[Lois.Hinshelwood]

Sorry had meant 2/3cm thick! So about an inch thick. Sorry about that.

[Danny Baronian]

Lois,


material availability depends on what's available in your location. UK?

A few suggestions: 1 marine ply, 2 fin ply, aka Russian fin ply, both laminated ply with no voids (solid wood).

3 Have a local mill fabricate to your specs depending on availability locally.

To find a mill in your area, contact a local lumber yard and ask for suggestions of custom lumber mills in your area, along with a web search.

Lacking a local mill, I'd suggest fin ply which should be readily available in your area in 25mm thickness. Prep: seal all edges with epoxy, followed by two prime coats on all surfaces, then final finish.

Sealing the edges are key, followed with prime & finish coat of all surfaces, should provide a panel that will hold up well.

Danny

[Doug Bernhardt]

Good solid advice....plywood of some sort is certainly preferred and probably the least expensive. If you intend to use solid wood you should be ready for a large learning curve and the accompanying frustrations. MDF is to be avoided at all cost