Coating over white washed cedar...

[signecbaum]

I am putting together a carved cedar sign for a client who wants a whitewash finish on the face of the sign. I have been told by some 'old school' sign painters to only use varnish for coating wood (that is not already sealed with paint) but I do not want the yellow tint of varnish over the whitewash. Looking for some guidance on products and process.

Thank you

 

[TammieH]

Inside or outside? Water based whitewash? Acrylic varnishes dry clear...I would ask the professionals at the paint store.

We use to Varnish and use Polyurethanes a lot back in the 70's and 80's, we experimented a lot with stained wood outdoor signs and like old wooden
boats, they had to be refinished every 2 years, this was in Ohio.

 

[studio 440]

Inside or outside? Water based whitewash? Acrylic varnishes dry clear...I would ask the professionals at the paint store.

We use to Varnish and use Polyurethanes a lot back in the 70's and 80's, we experimented a lot with stained wood outdoor signs and like old wooden
boats, they had to be refinished every 2 years, this was in Ohio.

 

[signecbaum]

exterior sign, oil based paint. i want it to be a lasting product (more than 2 years!)

 

[Johnny Best]

AwlGrip makes a polyester urethane clear topcoat named Awlwood which will last a long time outdoors, mainly used for the boating industry because of the harsh conditions they are in.
Two part mixture and they have a reducer that helps with flow if you are applying with brush or roller.
If you are in the New Orleans area I am sure their will be a marine supply that carries it.

 

[Billct2]

Do they want a weathered look? Sounds like it. In which case I would just apply a clear penetrating preservative (after testing to see if it changes the white wash color). If they want a more finished look then the two part marine clear is the best bet. In either case it will require maintenance.