I know next to nothing about finishing wood. I mean, I’ve done it, but mostly I just Googled and winged it. My SIL has asked me to make a sign for their VT ski condo that will hang outside. She’s opted for cut out letters on a background as opposed to etching or painting them on a board. I obviously would like it to hold together over time.
I’m thinking of trying to nab some pallet wood for the background and then just use baltic birch for the letters. I’m going to paint the letters and then glue them on the backing. My questions:
- Should I finish the letters front and back before attaching? Or glue on first and then finish the whole thing together?
- Any tips on a good glue for holding up in cold weather? Is glue a bad choice entirely?
- I was thinking of using some sort of spar varnish or poly so it holds up in the extreme weather changes. Thoughts?
- Any other tips for making sure this holds up?
Thanks!