I made a memorial cross for a friend of mine who was killed in an ATV accident, and put a picture of him on it. I covered the picture on both sides with plastic and sealed it all the way around with hot glue. Somehow, the photo got wet and it was ruined. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can put a picture on his cross that will survive the weather? The cross is made of wood that has been spray painted.
2006-10-13 14:48:44 · 6 answers · asked by ? 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Laminate it then put it in a clear plastic frame and glue the frame all the way around... If you get the laminating done professionally, it shouldn't leak.
2006-10-13 15:16:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most important is not waterproof, but fade resistant. Color photos will fade in daylight within days. Best to use a black and white photo, and when you mount it, face it North, and preferably in the shade, so it doesn't get exposed to direct sunlight.
Print photo on thermal photo paper (like a Kodak printer dock) so photo has a waterproof coating. Many inkjet printers don't provide a waterproof coating.
Have photo laminated professionally as suggested by earlier comments, above, and mount photo inside a frame. Then screw the frame to the cross.
Again - don't face photo into the sun or it will fade within a few weeks and make the whole exercise not worth the effort.
Alternatively, take your photo to a trophy store and ask if they can have the photo etched onto a brass plate - and mount the brass plate. That will resist the weather much better.
2006-10-13 16:02:14 · answer #2 · answered by been_there_done_that 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lamination is one way. Workable fixative is another. Try any artists supply store like Pat Catan's and look for Krylon Workable Fixatif. Its a tall, white spray can. Spray the photo both sides(have plenty of ventilation), let it dry. It should be good to go. I've never tried it outside in January but the stuff has resisted hot coffee on a few ocassions.
2006-10-16 14:09:42 · answer #3 · answered by sharonmm2007 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had good results just gluing it to the wood & putting several coats of clear laquer on it.
2006-10-19 12:30:16 · answer #4 · answered by Ellen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
spray lacquer or varnish. try on a similar photo first to make sure the colours don't run.
2006-10-13 14:58:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would bring it to kinkos or school or some place where they can laminate it for you.
2006-10-13 14:50:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋