What is the best raised script sign making material?

[FrankEV]

I’m needing to make a few individual raised script font names approximately 2 to 3 inches tall, that can be affixed directly to an indoor wall. 

Since script uses rather thin interconnections between letters, my question is: For a simple painted name project in script, what materials would you consider the best to use?

I recently did one using 1/8” thick Masonite glued to ¼” thick MDF.  This combination had plenty of strength, but the material did not cut cleanly leaving a ragged top edge.  Also, painting was a problem as the exposed edges absorbed the paint quickly, even after a sealer coat was applied.

I’m guessing quality hardwood (eg; Oak, Walnut, Maple, etc.) would work but it is a shame to have to use expensive wood that will be painted.

I’m sure some of you talented detail plaque makers can lead me in the right direction.   

Edited September 2, 2021 by FrankEV

[don in brooklin on]

I would use popular if you want wood.  You would have to be able to resaw or plane to the thickness you want.

I have used pine but sometimes the grain direction makes for weakness but popular is stronger.

I follow a blog by a lady that cuts large letters and she used mdf and Baltic birch.

https://oakandfeatherdecor.com/blogs/news/cutting-large-words-on-a-scroll-saw

She has neat videos too.

 

 

 

[Dak0ta52]

I did several names simply using pine 1x material. The letters were about 4 inches tall and I used the bold script to make the letters a little thicker. With the thickness of the 1x material and the boldness of the letters, they seemed to be fairly strong. I did try to select a piece of pine that didn't have a lot of knots. One of the names had 10 letters and overall it was about 24 inches long. I know my experience is very limited but wanted to let you know what had worked for me. Good luck.

[Roberta Moreton]

6 hours ago, don in brooklin on said:

I would use popular if you want wood.  You would have to be able to resaw or plane to the thickness you want.

I have used pine but sometimes the grain direction makes for weakness but popular is stronger.

I follow a blog by a lady that cuts large letters and she used mdf and Baltic birch.

https://oakandfeatherdecor.com/blogs/news/cutting-large-words-on-a-scroll-saw

She has neat videos too.

 

 

 

I believe a lot of the people doing these signs use MDF and Baltic birch and spray them with something called primer filler before sanding the edges and painting them. I think it’s an auto body spray paint.  I hope that helps. 

[OCtoolguy]

7 hours ago, don in brooklin on said:

I would use popular if you want wood.  You would have to be able to resaw or plane to the thickness you want.

I have used pine but sometimes the grain direction makes for weakness but popular is stronger.

I follow a blog by a lady that cuts large letters and she used mdf and Baltic birch.

https://oakandfeatherdecor.com/blogs/news/cutting-large-words-on-a-scroll-saw

She has neat videos too.

 

 

 

Thanks Don. I went to her site and watched a couple of her videos. She seems to have it down pat. Not hard on the eyes either.

 

[kmmcrafts]

11 hours ago, Roberta Moreton said:

I believe a lot of the people doing these signs use MDF and Baltic birch and spray them with something called primer filler before sanding the edges and painting them. I think it’s an auto body spray paint.  I hope that helps. 

Yes exactly what they use..