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  • Advice for a novice

    Posted by Alison Bessant on 17 November 2011 at 09:49

    Hello, I’m new. I’ve read through loads of useful info on here – what a fabulous resource.

    I’m looking for some advice as a first timer – i’ve been asked to paint a pub style swinging sign for my village hall. I’m more usually a face and body painter and mural artist. so i’m looking forward to a very different challenge. I’ve seen that One Shot is the paint to use, so now i’d appreciate advice on what type of wood to ask for it to be made from, and about sealing and surface prep, plus varnishing.

    thank you in advance

    Alison

    Neil Davey replied 13 years, 11 months ago 2 Members · 3 Replies
  • 3 Replies
  • Neil Davey

    Member
    17 November 2011 at 10:46

    Hi Alison and welcome to the boards.
    I’d go for marine ply tho it is expensive. I find that far eastern ply even with 5 -6 coats of paint breaks down after a few years. Typical I suppose of the cheap eastern products flooding the market!
    I usually go with 1 thin primer coat then a second thicker one. 2 coats undercoat and 2 gloss obviously flatting in between.
    If your going to varnish use yacht varnish but bare in mind that this may need re-coating every couple years or so as it’s also prone to breakdown.
    In the past i have used 10mm foam board primed with Plasticiser plastic primer and then painted as normal.
    Hope this helps and good luck with the paint job.

  • Alison Bessant

    Member
    17 November 2011 at 18:41

    thank you for your quick reply Neil.

    Nothing is ever simple though is it! The hall handyman has called to tell me that they now want to re-use the existing sign which he thinks is aluminum.

    If he sands it back and i degrease it, is it feasible to paint with something like 1 shot? or should i suggest that he take it to get powder coated, then paint on that? or would i be better off advising that they pay a professional?!!!!!

    help!

  • Neil Davey

    Member
    17 November 2011 at 21:38

    It’s feasible to paint the aluminium but use an etch primer first.
    You can use ordinary u/c and gloss finish as it may work out quite expensive using 1Shot.
    Use 1Shot to letter though.
    Or you could use 3mm composite aluminium and as it’s already finished just flat it down and apply your finish colour.

    Is this getting complicated now? 😀

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