Outdoor sign using MDO finishing techniques

We still start by filling all the voids along the edges with Elmer's Wood Putty. Once they are built up to the edge, we run a bead down the entire length with our thumb. When it's dry, we sand it down. Prime with a good latex primer and then top coat with bulletin and lightly sand with maybe 180 or 220, tack it off and give a second coat and let it flow out. If you can afford the time, a third coat is prefect, but not everyone can spend 2 days painting the background on. That method has lasted us at least 20 years without fail.

 

I use Gorilla wood glue, sand lightly, spackle, sand smooth, paint

 

i do the edges as per others..........
i PRIME WITH OIL BASED KILZ.................top coat with spray on............ AUTOMOTIVE ACRYLIC ENAMEL WITH HARDENER. 2 COATS........and iam lettering on it within 2 hours))))))

 

Any of the suggestions made are good.
Here's a link to an epoxy product you might also consider.
http://www.pcepoxy.com/our-products/wood-repair/pc-woody.php

Kind of pricey, but works really well. I was told about it by some woodworking friends they won't use anything else.
You can repair letters that get sandblasted off as well. (Things happen)

 

I haven't done a MDO in a long time so I'm probably wrong,
but I was taught to put a bead of 100% silicone around
the edge and edge cap it.
I guess that's not the look you're going for though.

 

Been a while since I've used MDO but we used to use a decent wood glue and water it down slightly. Then paint the edges with the glue mixture, wait to dry, paint again, sand smooth, paint once more, and sand smooth when dry. Then primed and painted with a good oil based paint. (sorry I don't have the actual products)

Chaz

 

We've done them all.
Wood glue, paintable caulk and my favorite, fiberglass resin.