Questions on finishing

[marcrunner]

Hello everyone,
I have been practicing my signmaking techniques recently, and am having trouble with painting/finishing the projects. I am working with premium MDF because of the cost. I am doing simple "craft" signs. Typically lettering with 3d pictures of animals next to it. My question is, have you guys found an easy single step finishing teqnique that someone with very little hand painting skill can apply? Thanks, Marc

[Big-Tex]

I don't care what kind of MDF you have, you have to prime it before painting.
Keep in mind they start with 12" of fiber and press board to achieve 3/4. Density changes and it is more porous at the center of core.

One way that makes painting easier is to break up sign in to components paint separate and assemble. If it has vcarving only I cut panel with profile cut .01 deeper to give me slight cut on spoil board for alignment later, paint panel apply paint mask once dry that mount blank using mask on spoil board and then vcarve and paint with mask on.

I hope that helps..........

[steve_g]

Marc:
“Easy single step finishing” …

I like to tell my kids (now adults) “if it was easy, anyone could do it…”

That said, I’ve attached some photos of some two step finishes that approach easy. The first is Silver paint rubbed with black Briwax… work fast as the Briwax tends to soften the paint. The second shows brass Sculpt Nouveau with a green patina and the same with black wax. Third is lettering that has been v-carved around its perimeter sealed with lacquer and the recesses “filled” with a gel stain.

All of these finishes can be done with arthritic hands and no brush skills as evidenced here!

Be sure to post your work, we all like to help and learn!

Steve