Sealing plywood from the elements

[MisterDrow]

My in-laws have asked if I would be able to make a couple of those slotted reindeer decorations for their yard. Happy to take on a simple project for them (they truly are wonderful people) I said I would love to.

My question is, what type of finish should I be using on the end product to seal it from the elements? We don't get a lot of lasting snow around here (SW Idaho)... we'll get one or two heavy snowfalls that might last a week or two and the rest of the season it's just cold and rainy. I had planned on using exterior house paint for them (they just want them to be white) but I wasn't sure if I should also be using some sort of wood sealer to help it all to last longer.

[wtnhighlander]

Good house paint should do. Coat EVERY square inch, and maybe dip the feet in epoxy where they would touch ground.

[Eric.]

Yep that's what I'd do.  I'd make sure the edges are completely sealed...put an extra coat or two on the edges.  Epoxy on any parts that will contact the ground is a great idea.

[Unknown craftsman]

General finish also makes a very good paint.They call it milk paint but it's not a true Milk paint.It is more pricey the regular paint that you can buy at the Borg.

But al least it will dry hard and it's lovey to brush.

They have a good selection of colors including holiday red.

I wish someone would ask me to make holiday lawn decor its sounds fun.

 

Aj

[MisterDrow]

I'll share pics when they're done, @Aj3!

Thanks for the advice, everyone! Excellent idea on the epoxy, @wtnhighlander!

[AceHoleInOne]

Yep, a good enamel paint rated for exterior use. No to indoor wall latex paint 

 

-Ace-

[MattF]

Glad you posted this. I cut out 6 plywood candy canes this weekend. 

[drzaius]

While you have the epoxy out, do all the edges. Then prime with and oil based primer. It penetrates the wood better than latex. Then use an exterior latex top coat.

If you really want it to last, use MDO plywood. I used it to replace my garage door jambs that had rotted out. That was several years ago & it still looks perfect.

[MisterDrow]

This project has been on hold due to a case of "way too much sh*t to do!" but I'm hoping to finally tackle it this weekend. At any rate, I need to hurry up or else they won't get done before Christmas! GAH!