External project that needs painting AND protecting...

[NickWright]

Hello,

Background..

I am working on a large box for the garden. It's made of pine, and I would like to paint some colored panels/patterns on the sides in multiple colors.

The color will only cover small amounts of the wood.

I also want to protect the whole thing from the elements with some sort of clear finish.

At the moment I plan to use something like model paint from a hobby/crafty shop - because A. I only require small amounts and B. I require lots of different colors.

Q. What finish should I put over the top that won't react with said paint?

I look forward to hearing from you, and as a new member, can I say a big thank you to you all, as I've often popped by as a visitor and found great advice on all sorts of topics!

Thanks

 

[ED65]

With most options for clear coat, which are either dissolved in water or white spirit, once the paint used for the decorations is fully cured you shouldn't have to worry about it dissolving or lifting, even if you brush the finish on (less chance with a roller, even less if spraying).

As for what clear finish to use this isn't all that much different to the exterior woodwork on an old caravan, so you could always do what they did and varnish heavily, but that will impart a very distinct yellow tone to the piece which isn't to every taste. You'd then need to refresh the varnish every few years to keep up the protection.

 

[Cabinetman]

Can recommend Sadolin Superdeck for the coloured parts, you can buy sample pots for the small areas? I used it on my shed 6 yrs ago and it still looks good (you must remove sharp edges though). In my experience there isn't a clear finish that will last for years outdoors, even yacht varnish will need to be gone over every couple of years.