Carved Outdoor Sign

[Router-Jim]

Great job on the sign Don! I like the design, it's well balanced and very readable. I also like how you added the shadow to the bottom painted letters. I have a feeeling that it will lead to more work for you.

Good luck!

Jim

[Don Butler]

I carved the MDF first and then applied the shellac.
MDF face surfaces are fairly hard and smooth, but edges, even the factory edges are quite soft.
So I like to apply the shellac after sanding out the carving. The first coat soaks in quickly and shellac flashes off quickly, so the second coat can be applied soon after the first.
Shellac is waterproof and holds well up to heat. It's dissolved by alcohol.
So get that beer after the job is done!

[spalted]

As a side note if anyone is interested;

Medex and Extira are two products similar to MDF that are rated for exterior or high moisture applications. They may be hard to find locally in small quantities though.

[Don Butler]

Yes, I like to add a drop shadow when flat painting signs.
It think it adds a !pop! to the characters.

d

[jaroot]

Real Nice!

[Spanglerg@hotmail.com]

Real Nice Work Don! Could You possibly share the approximate man-hours involved in your fantastic project?