[flyingpantaloons]

I want to prime and seal a cedar sign to paint it and place it outside. What type of primer should I use? any particular type?
Also I am painting it with acrylic paint, how should I seal the paint? do I need to?

[mark yundt]

Due to the nature of Cedars I would be inclined to stay with oil based/enamel primers and paints as well.Oils just seem to hold up better and don't tend to chalk the way water based paints do.The most popular brand seems to be the One Shot line.Most all sign makers as well as truck/boat lettering and painting is done with it.I'm sure you could use acrylic though if you're really set on it, are you suggesting exterior type house paints in acrylic/latex or the craft type ones?I have a mural ( exterior) near the entrance to my studio done with acrylics.Thing is though it's on a block wall.On the wood,,I'm leary about how they would react with the expansion and contraction of the wood but if you consider regular house paints,,they have to work under those conditions as well.You may also want to check with the specialty stores such as MAB,,Benjamin Moore for example as to what they and their customers use on cedar siding and the like.I've gotten great info from these guys as opposed to the part timer working at the box stores as far as prep and application and sealing goes.My wall by the way was sealed with a clear enamel over the acrylics.

[flyingpantaloons]

How long does it take for the oil primer to dry? and what type of house paint can I use on top of it? does it matter? Thanks.

[mark yundt]

Most of them are dry by at least overnight,,if not sooner,,check the product info on the can for whatever you choose as some products differ but do dry fairly quickly,,not like water based ,,but reasonable.Here too check the can as to what the manufacturer suggests for top coats,,most will accept all finishes.If you stay with the major brands you should do just fine,,just stay away from the dollar outlet stuff..