What type of finish is best for a slate project that will be hung outside? I’m trying to not get any fading over time.
Currently using hobby slate coasters.
Any help is appreciated.
Maybe a matt or satin outside varnish. Ive just started using varnish and apart from polyurethane that is being phased out, you can also get waterbased.
No expert but gloss finish might reflect a lot of light, making it harder to view the piece.
You might also consider resin…something Im looking forward to experimenting with.
Thanks for the info, Pete. I’ve been wondering about finishes myself, especially for outdoor pieces. Good to know about the difference in sheen, didn’t think about how gloss might mess with visibility. Have you had any issues with water-based varnishes in terms of durability? I’m thinking of trying either that or a resin coat too, but I’m not sure how each one holds up with weather exposure over time. Would be great to hear how your experiments go.
Laura
I just bought my first tin of the waterbased varnish yesterday and applied some to a batch of keyrings I made today..Trout on one side and fishing fly on the other. 5mm birch plywood.
I tried some brush on clear Matt polyurethane varnish, some spray on clear lacquer, clear matt waterbased varnish and was to use some satin clear varnish but had run out, and some light oak woodstain first on the lacquered ones because the lacquer is too glossy and I’m hoping the woodstain will improve the look…somehow?
No experience at this to speak of but I have seen slate finished with glossy varnish..many times and always think it’s too reflective, because slate is a lovely non reflective material..generally, but each to their own!
Are you engraving this reversed ?
I really like using the Black on white preset for slate in adjust image
Not to mention cutting down on engrave time.
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I wouldn’t think slate would fade.
Haven’t tried engraving reversed. Looks nice, will give a try. thanks
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Don’t know for sure if slate will fade, just throwing out there in case.
How do I access this screen in Lightburn?
never mind I found it.
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I have had slate engravings outside for about 5 years now, no noticeable degrading. It eventually will erode…maybe in a 100 years, but as long as you blasted it, it should last. Be careful if you put epoxy sealant on it, that will Not last forever, and will look spotty in a few years… Fixing that is a nightmare. But acoating would improve contrasts.
[quote=“Njload, post:1, topic:173026, full:true”]If you engraved the tile and not just the black paint, you have no problem. Tile engraving is permanent. Many user think they are engraving tile but are only engraving the paint.
What type of finish is best for a slate project that will be hung outside? I’m trying to not get any fading over time if you engraved the tile and not just the black paint, you have no problem. Tile engraving is permanent. Many user think they are engraving tile but are only engraving the paint.
Currently using hobby slate coasters.
Any help is appreciated.
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If you engraved the tile and not just the black paint, you have no problem. Tile engraving is permanent. Many users think they are engraving tile but are only engraving the paint.
David, I use a matte or semi-gloss outdoor varnish, if it start to wear or flake due to sun exposure it is easy to remove with alcohol and then refinish. Finish will last a long time if not exposed to moisture. I apply two coats just to be safe.
Thanks, appreciate all the responses.