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CARING FOR YOUR CUSTOM CARVED CEDAR SIGN

A Fallen Cedar Tree will Remain Sound for 100 Years or More

by Thom Inman - Master Craftsman and Western Red Cedar Expert


It's true...a fallen Cedar trees will remain sound for 100 years and more! Resistance to decay is due to powerful fungicides in the wood that occur naturally. When unfinished, Western Red Cedar has a rich texture combined with warm, mellow tones. The grain is very tactile, and the tones can range from light amber to deep honey brown. Its natural luster cannot be duplicated by any man-made material, which makes cedar very unique. Today Western Red Cedar is used for greenhouses, siding, shingles and fences because it is such an amazingly resilient building material. Red cedar has a wonderfully distinctive fragrance, and is characteristically very pleasing. This only serves to add one more dimension to the universal appeal of this truly amazing gift of Nature. Yet another reason Cedar lends itself to carved cedar signs.

Cedar is often used naturally; however, most wood scientists encourage a finish treatment. Treating it can help to preserve it, which is really not necessary even if your sign will be located in a place making it susceptible to varying, weather conditions. Because weather conditions don't really affect cedar, it is not required that you treat it in order for it to keep its natural structure. Over time, however, the color of cedar will slowly weather to a silver-grey, and the grain will become raised. While this has an appeal for some applications, in the case of custom carved wooden signs it is prudent to finish the wood and sustain a cycle of applications.

Spar Varnish, Poly-Urethanes and other marine finishes are actually not at all satisfactory - indeed, harmful. There is a way, way better solution to durability than these old-fashioned approaches. A modern green finish system which releases zero VOC and is formulated to enhance and enrich the natural durability and appearance of western red cedar which is oil-alkyd based can protect and preserve graying for a minimum of three years providing a rich finish, enhancing cedar's natural beauty thanks to its unique sun-blocking, UV protection. This formula also contains antimicrobials that resist the growth of mildew and algae.

The easiest way to maintain your rustic welcome signs and engraved camp, ranch and RV wood signs is to apply a refresher coat of these specialty wood finish products each summer. Our Proprietary Formula Finish Refresher contains Cedar Oil essence (thuja plicata) the natural and organic antimicrobial (mildew prevention), penetrating preservatives, water-repellents, wood preservatives, sealants and most importantly, a powerful UV Sun Blocker that prevents graying. Spray apply like glass cleaner. 4 oz spray bottle with extra spray heads. Use it every-other summer - only takes minutes. Ships FREE. Arrives separately.

How you care for your sign will depend on your preferences in whether or not it changes colors over time, and how natural you wish it to remain. How it is cared for is a choice, since it will withstand weather conditions and still look great. Use [email protected] to ask any questions, or you can call (682) 273-8900 between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, CST, Monday through Friday...


May the Forest be with you!