Finishing Techniques

[Tony Mac]

ShopBot owner Roy Burrill sent us this information on the technique he uses to get great results when carving and painting his signs.

First paint the front of the sign to seal the surface of the substrate (sign foam in this example). Apply a couple of coats for an outdoor sign. Varnish / lacquer wooden signs.

Apply a paint mask (Avery A1830 - yellow in this example) which a plastic film stuck onto the surface and use a roller to ensure good contact.

Carve the design on the CNC machine - cutting through the film into the substrate.

Paint the carved regions of the design - not having to worry about the top surface as this is being protected by the paint mask film.



Remove the film to reveal the finished sign.





I'm sure this information will be useful to the forum members.

Tony

[dighsx]

The only thing I'd add to this process is after you get the paint mask on rub a thin coat of carnauba wax over the entire surface. This makes it easier to take the paint mask off after you cut and paint the sign.

Also carnauba wax can be found at most automotive stores.