Name signs in cedar

[GRASSHOPPER]

I am carving several name signs for the horse stalls in a friends barn. I used the 4 X 1/2 cedar fence boards and they are turning out real nice. They wanted the rustic look of the rough cedar.

My question is, should I put any kind of sealer or varnish on them? They are protected from rain and will get very little sun exposure.

[Kenm810]

Hi Burce,

This is a thread I found that might help you out, :wink:
finishing cedar (http://forum.carvewright.com/showthread.php?t=10886&highlight=cedar+sealer)

http://www.wrcla.org/pdf/WRCLA_Guide_to_Finishing.pdf

[GRASSHOPPER]

Thanks. I need to use that search more often. My bad.:oops::oops:

[Ike]

Bruce another really important detail, cedar like redwood is to make sure you seal the end grain really well. Like redwood it splits very easy rather then warping. I am very familiar with redwood so for a rustic look I would use an oil based sealer rather then a clear gloss and sealing the ends well.

Cabot makes a great sealer for fence boards or use Thompson water seal if you have the means take the whole board and soak it in a bucket. Let it set for at least 30 minutes and then over the container let it drain. You can do this with the Cabot or anything else too.

Not only will it protect the signs, but maintain the rustic look and seal the ends! There is also end grain sealer product or use outdoor yellow glue to do the trick!

Ike

[GRASSHOPPER]

Thanks Ike,

These signs are only 12 X 4 so I can come up with a tray of some kind to soak them in.

[Ike]

Glad I could help Bruce if you have sign question feel free to ask I have a bit of experience in this area!

Ike