Gilding a wooden carved sign: golden leaf over polyurethane?

I'd look into clear marine epoxy resin for the clear/sealer coat. Then let it cure all the way. Then you can scuff the V-carved sections, apply your size, then gold leaf.

 

I agree. If it's going to have to have a natural wood stain finish I would clear the whole thing with a 2 part marine clear. Only thing I have used that holds up. Is the outline getting painted? (and don't clear over the finished sign, the only time gold leaf should be cleared is on a vehicle, or glass)

 

Black outlines on glass look good, but I'm not sure about a board. I'd sooner see the outer edge painted black with a gold border and all gold letters. Since you already have the letter outlined, think about a hue of something nearby where the sign is gonna hang or be attached. Take that color and either lighten it or darken it to set off the letter and fit the background better.


Accordimg to your picture, you're gonna stain the wood a darker color. Do that first, than clear it, but don't use a sealer. Your stain will act as a kinda sealer. As for the clear, I like oil-based urathanes. Probably 3, mabye 4 coats...... and don't use a high gloss, try a satin of some degree.

 

AwlGrip
https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=8700

 

This is more along the lines I was thinking. The outline on the letters would be some surrounding color and then altered to fit.

 

this is good too
https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/product.do?part=53448&engine=adwords

 

An epoxy finish will yellow if put on sign for exterior use.

 

He's right. You only clear it on fire engines and things which will take a lotta abuse. You can clear the board itself, before you gild it. Guess I took that for granted.

 

You should go with AWlgrip, Polyester Urethane, will not yellow outdoors, two part mix and get some brush additive thinner. Years ago I use to do mahogany sideboards for a boat yard. They would give me the board with about 3 coats of varnish on them sanded glass smooth. I would gold leaf them, before computers, outline the gold leaf and give them back to the yard, they would put about 2 or 3 more coats of varnish on them. They would last for years until boat got sold and renamed. Mahogany transoms would be accomplished the same way. Now most boat yards us Awlgrip clear instead of varnish. Holds up better.

 

I've used the two part clear on mahogany it it held up for many years

 

I don't remember the brand. Got it at the marine supply store, it may have been awl-grip.