Steel poles to look like wood

[Zendavor Signs]

I have a project with a few 12ft long square steel poles that I would like to make look like wood. I know we can wrap with digital print film. The grain pattern gets a little cheezy looking up close though. I would also prefer something a little more durable long-term. Has anyone use 3M Di-Noc in a similar application? Any other recommendations?

 

[Gino]

For about $20, you can get a faux wood grain painting set. You put your base coat down, let it dry, then your next coat and go to town with your combs. I watched a lotta people do this when I was young. It looked absolutely real.

 

[Zendavor Signs]

I had no idea such a kit existed. This is perfect. Thank you Gino!

 

[Boudica]

Like this?

 

[Billct2]

I've done several of the painted faux finish posts. Not too hard and looks pretty good.
Another option depending on the size of the post is wrap with Trex

 

[Jean Shimp]

What is the best method for prepping steel or aluminum posts? I would imagine painting the faux finish is the fun part. We typically use aluminum instead of steel on smaller signs because steel rusts quickly in this climate. We have had mixed results painting aluminum. Seems like it is labor intensive to get it clean and then use a zinc primer. I haven't done this in several years. Are there any new products that work better for prepping metal?

 

[Kev-O-Rama]

I have a project with a few 12ft long square steel poles that I would like to make look like wood. I know we can wrap with digital print film. The grain pattern gets a little cheezy looking up close though. I would also prefer something a little more durable long-term. Has anyone use 3M Di-Noc in a similar application? Any other recommendations?

I have used 3M Di-Noc several times. It's pretty decent stuff for flat surfaces, though rounding corners are a bit of a challenge. Heat gun recommended if you use it. Technically, you're not supposed to wrap it on itself, either, but we've done it before in unseen areas. Since I used to be a scenic painter, the graining kit works pretty well once you get the hang of it. You can use it on heavy body paints, as well, to get a more dimensional grain as well.

 

[DarkerKat]

We've used both Retique it and Di-Noc before - I prefer the paint method for posts just because I trust paint over vinyl for long term exterior use (and wrapping posts doesn't seem worthwhile to me) Bit of a learning curve to the application but it gives a nice result especially on posts since it's a narrower working space (large flat areas are totally doable but harder. If you go the Di-Noc route make sure to pick from their exterior grade options, not all are suitable for outdoors.

 

[unclebun]

What is the best method for prepping steel or aluminum posts? I would imagine painting the faux finish is the fun part. We typically use aluminum instead of steel on smaller signs because steel rusts quickly in this climate. We have had mixed results painting aluminum. Seems like it is labor intensive to get it clean and then use a zinc primer. I haven't done this in several years. Are there any new products that work better for prepping metal?

Clean and self-etching primer. Check this out: https://industrialmetalservice.com/metal-university/how-to-paint-aluminum/