I bought a corrugated cemetary entrance for Halloween this year and would like to know if there is a way to 'weatherproof' it. I don't know if a coat of polyurethane can be put on cardboard.
Does anyone have any ideas on weatherproofing cardboard? I live in Ohio and will need to protect the entrance from the elements! This thing was kind of expensive and I'd like to use it for a few years. Thank you!
2007-08-08 04:24:15 · 5 answers · asked by thegirlsnextdoor2005 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Halloween
Yes, you can coat cardboard with polyurethane. After all, cardboard like wood comes from trees. But I wouldn't use a spray, I'd suggest you buy a pint-size can of polyurethane and use a sponge brush to apply it to your display. You want the polyurethane to penetrate the cardboard fibers as much as possible. Also, I think you'll get better coverage of the piece with a brush than spray application. Years ago I made paper bowls with children in an after school program I led. We covered the bowls with polyurethane to preserve them. I didn't intend them to be used as food bowls, though. I wanted to protect the bowls from accidental spills. I have to tell you that I don't believe the polyurethane coating will waterproof the structure completely. If you leave the display out in a soaking rain or in the snow, it's going to be ruined. Still, if you want to keep your display for a few years and protect it from iterant moisture like morning dew, then I think the polyurethane is a good idea. I'd heartily advise you to cover your display with plastic drop cloths at various times, especially overnight and during inclement weather, to extend the life of the structure. I'd apply at least two, perhaps three, coats of polyurethane to the piece. Good luck! Happy Halloween!
2007-08-08 06:18:54 · answer #1 · answered by metimoteo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cal your local craft store and ask for Con-Tact Paper ULTRA in CLEAR.
Apply the contact paper in side to side layers from the bottom up, with a piece across the top folded over. This creates a plastic 'shingling' effect just like on a house. Water rolls off and won't penetrate.
2007-08-08 04:35:57 · answer #2 · answered by Marvinator 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thompson's Water Seal makes a fabric waterproof sealant...I'd call the manufacturer and ask if it can be used on cardboard...your idea about polyurethane may be the way to go...
2007-08-08 04:45:52 · answer #3 · answered by John J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you could try having it laminated, but that would probable cost more than the item. I would think poly would soak in and ruin it. if you really want to try it though get a can of spray on poly and test it in a small area on the back. at one time they use to make clear sheets of sticky plastic to protect windows during a renovation. try a home depot or lowes...
2007-08-08 04:30:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No clue what-so-ever! OHIO ROX MY SOX!!!!! I live there too!
2007-08-08 07:53:45 · answer #5 · answered by Keely 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋