Paint or ???? on pressure treated wood.

[rww]

I have a job v carving 51 of these post. I have to make the numbers black. I know that paints won't stick to new treated wood. What are my options for making these numbers black? Dye stain? burn with a torch and sand any surface damage away? I don't think epoxy would stay when the wood started to dry out.

These are not for long term they just need to last a year or two.

[Gary Campbell]

Jason...
Try black concrete dye. Get it from the concrete supply in a bag. Apply by daubbing with a soft brush. Will be permanent when dry.

Either sand or plane after a day or so.

[rww]

Thanks Gary. I tried the concrete dye and it worked great! Carved 51 post painted and delivered in one day. Thanks again.

[JohnG]

Hi Gary,
Do you have outdoor projects using the concrete dye that have been out for a while? Meets the test of time?

thanks.

[Gary Campbell]

John...
Not really. Except when used in concrete that is. This is a powered dye that when applied to a moist surface becomes permanent. No idea how long it will last on the surface, with or without a sealer.

What kind of project do you have in mind?

[JohnG]

Pretty much the same scenerio as the original poster. My local VFW wants a "rustic" type sign, consisting of 2" x 12" (or 16's) treated lumber with the VFW carved in. A second "board" will have their Local # carved in.

Of course with the treated lumber, your options are limited. Stain is the only option I knew of to fill in the letters.

[joe]

John,

If I can make a suggestion or two.

Treated lumber is a poor choice for several reasons. It comes from the cheapest of lumber and has a tendancy to warp and split. My suggestion for, a beautiful look, is Rough Cedar.

I seldom if ever use 1" lumber. 2" stock will last a good 15 years even if it's left without any protection.

Customers seldom know much about sign materials. I'd suggest you tell them you can make the sign from treated lumber but it won't cost any more to use rough cedar and it will last twice as long and look much better to.

Keep in mind, you are in the drivers seat. Take controll and they will respect you.

Joe Crumley
www.normansignco.com (http://www.normansignco.com)

[JohnG]

you're 100% right Joe.

This does come with a funny story....
The president of the VFW owns a lumber yard, and suggested the pressure treated. I just went with the flow. Today I called and he also has the cedar.

If you haven't guessed..... they are donating the materials, & the members are doing the install.....and I am donating the labor to make the faces.

Thanks for the reminder.