Weatherproofing A Sign

[crokett]

For Christmas my wife got a sign for my shop that says "David's Man Cave". It is painted black MDF with painted letters. I'm not sure it is weather proof already. What would be the best clear coat to put on it if I wanted to hang it out over the doors?

[Uncle Cracker]

If it's painted, even a good weather-proofer will most likely not save it from UV damage, unless the paint is of an outdoor breed, with UV inhibitor built-in. Regardless of what you do to it, that sign will surely last longer if displayed (prominently) inside the shop...

[cgallery]

I agree w/ UC, I'd go inside with that.

[Mr__Bill]

Exterior grade acrylic house paint! Dark mixing base for most paint is clear. Open the can and it looks milky white (2 percent) and dries clear. It has UV protection and dries elastic so it moves with the wood. I prefer it to spar varnish for it's ease of use, ease of clean up and price. It has served me well as a clear finish on stained exterior doors. Just don't use it on metal. Like all water based paints it seems to promote rusting without a metal primer under it.

However, I think that I would keep a treasure like that inside.

Bill

[RodKirby]

Kirby prediction:

No matter what you paint on MDF (or how many coats), it will fall apart if kept outside Believe me - I have tried.

[crokett]

Ok well inside it is. It came with a floor mat that can go outside. The floor mat also says "man cave" on it.