Thread: Water/Weatherproof cardboard cutouts?

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I have a couple of full size movie cardboard cutouts that I want to put in the outside display. Is there a way to Water/Weatherproof them?

I don't know if clearcoat would really work on this. Maybe, some sort of resin? but I don't want to spend fortune on it..

Plus, This cardboard cutout is more like a photo. So, I don't want it to yellow or shrivel up.

Any type of resin, poly or epoxy, is going to crack and/or yellow. I think the best choice would be a water-based flat spar varnish applied with a roller and "tipped" with a good quality brush.

thanks!!...I did a quick search on google and found Spar Clear Varnish 45 Gloss Marine&Home with Sun blocking but did not see it on homedepot site.

If you have any ideas on brands, please let me know.

I've always wanted to use my life-sized Elvira outside but was afraid it would get ruined. Now I'm afraid the kids wouldn't know who it was

Try an art store. I use a spray can sealer that is for photos and your cardboard pic,etc. It is a fast airdry in flat or gloss, put on thin coats. Water base can warp the cardboard as it soaks in. Valspar marine/home can be found at a marine supply store (haven't ever seen it at H.D.) & it is non waterbased. I work in the marine industry & waterbased clears are a no-no due to the enviroment conditions ( i believe they make a waterbased but i never use them).But marine paints & clears do have superior uv protetion to any other clears or paint. I also do airbrush work & deal with different sealers including pictures & i have found the art store aerosol sealers to be best for what you need. Just make sure it says with uv protection on it. The one i use comes in flat with uv & then if i need gloss & throw on a gloss coat for shine. I use driveway gloss & flat sealer (waterbased) for non pic stuff ( halloween props,tombstones,etc).It has the best uv for waterbased & has superior strengh/wear & tear being that it is for a driveway.

thanks...this sounds totally doable. Now if I use the sealer would it actually be waterproof? able to withstand dew, rain, etc??

Originally Posted by Dark lord

Try an art store. I use a spray can sealer that is for photos and your cardboard pic,etc. It is a fast airdry in flat or gloss, put on thin coats. Water base can warp the cardboard as it soaks in. Valspar marine/home can be found at a marine supply store (haven't ever seen it at H.D.) & it is non waterbased. I work in the marine industry & waterbased clears are a no-no due to the enviroment conditions ( i believe they make a waterbased but i never use them).But marine paints & clears do have superior uv protetion to any other clears or paint. I also do airbrush work & deal with different sealers including pictures & i have found the art store aerosol sealers to be best for what you need. Just make sure it says with uv protection on it. The one i use comes in flat with uv & then if i need gloss & throw on a gloss coat for shine. I use driveway gloss & flat sealer (waterbased) for non pic stuff ( halloween props,tombstones,etc).It has the best uv for waterbased & has superior strengh/wear & tear being that it is for a driveway.

Great info. Thanks.

Can you wrap it tightly in plastic wrap?