Materials Used For Outdoor Signs

Materials Used For Outdoor Signs

‘No Trespassing’…’Our Home Is Your Home’…’Beware of Dog’…’Welcome Home’. The possibilities are endless when considering what you might see on an outdoor sign. Whether you are welcoming people onto your property or keeping them away, it is important that the sign is made properly to ensure that it can withstand the elements.

Most signs are made with one of two types of wood: cedar and pine. Both these timbers can withstand rain and wind. In addition, cedar and pine will fade less than any other wood when exposed to direct sunlight. (If you plan on making a sign at home, simple plywood will be suitable and will keep the price down.) A layer of acrylic paint in the color of your choice should be spread on the wood before any carving is done.

The next step is the lettering of the sign. For traditionalists, use a stencil to trace the letters onto the wood. Then, carefully carve the words into the wood, making sure to dig no more than one-half of an inch into the sign. For those up to date with technology, the best way to present words on the sign is using a CNC (computer numerical controlled) machine. Although it is relatively expensive, this tool will allow for a mistake-free word carved sign. CNC machines work by having a computer file entered into the system, which then reads the file and, in a sense, tells the machine what to do. In the most layman’s terms, a CNC machine is a robot that will do what you tell it to do.

Finally, once the words are transcribed onto your cedar or pine plaque, use a strong water sealer to prevent the wood from warping, cracking, and breaking. This will also eliminate any chance of a painful splinter.

There are numerous materials that can be used in making personalized signs for the great outdoors. Those geared toward doing things the old-fashion way will most likely use a different style than modernists. Either way, word carved signs will keep your memories locked away and your enemies locked out.