Substrate suggestions for craft building sign/plaque?

[Eileen ~ PantherFL]

When my DH was busy wiring my building, he cut a hole for an outdoor light and we didn't end up being able to use it.  We did install one on a time so I could leave the building & walk to the house with light, but it had to go in a different spot.   So, now I have duct tape covering a hole (3-3 1/2" round?)in the wall.   

I told him I'd cover it with a little sign, and was going to make a "board" out of pottery, but he thinks it would be too fragile to stand up to being tightened, and doesn't want me to use clay.  I don't want to use wood, since it will eventually rot out.
I am now thinking the board that is used in bathrooms as a moisture barrier (can't recall the name, sorry, brain freeze).

Any thought on this?  Better options?

[Yetiatlarge]

You must be talking about cement board.
It gets screwewd to the wall and withstands moisture, so I think you should
 get a piece and mosaic a sign on it.
I would think it would stand up.

[Eileen ~ PantherFL]

Thanks Yeti,
My brother is a general contractor, and I left him a message to see if he had any scrap.  If not, I'll head to one of the supply stores & find some to try.

[Eileen ~ PantherFL]

My brother thought I might be happy using a piece of sheet metal as the backing.

Anybody tried this?

[wackt]

Cement board should work. 2 problems with sheet metal-1 it cant have any flex,
2-and I dont now this, but its seems logical-the metal since it is exposed outside, the temp changes might produce condensation on the metal behind the mosaic and loosen it? I dont know that for sure but it would worry me.

[Eileen ~ PantherFL]

You may well be right, and I hadn't thought of that.  Thanks!

[chickeemama]

I think cement board is really going to be the best bet BUT....if your brother does have cement board have him cut the circle for you...its really a pain to cut so if he has the tools let him do it!!!

Sheet metal does come in different thicknesses so if you had a piece that was thick enough it wouldnt flex.

Good luck and let us know what you come up with!!!

[Eileen ~ PantherFL]

Thanks Chickee.  I asked, but he doesn't have any right now.    I'll go by HD soon & see what I can find I guess.  I am going to go in my shack & check to see what I might have in aluminum sheet metal in the morning (assuming I remember)

[LadyInGlass]

I think I would worry about condensation on the metal from the air warming and cooling, this would loosen your tess, although maybe it wouldn't matter if you used something like Dap to glue your tess on with?

[MilliMoMo]

Eileen, you might also have been thinking of Wedi Board.  It is a lot like cement board but much lighter.  We were just talking about it in a different thread, and the names of some other similar products came up:  http://www.mosaicandstainedglass.org/forums/index.php?topic=5114.0

Wedi board is made to back fixtures in bathrooms, so I would think it would be good for outdoor exposure.  Plus, it doesn't flex or warp.

[Eileen ~ PantherFL]

Thanks LIG, I was thinking of using silicon if I do use the metal, maybe I'll do a piece as a test anyway.  

Lynn, thanks for the reminder about wedi.  I haven't seen it, but I've heard people say they were using it.  I'll go read the other thread too before I hit the store.  

(Anything will be better than the duct tape that's there now though I figure!    )

[nanatricia]

Why not do what nicethyme did Make your own board any size you want .I would cover the out side also.

[rchovey]

I think cement board is really going to be the best bet BUT....if your brother does have cement board have him cut the circle for you...its really a pain to cut so if he has the tools let him do it!!!

Sheet metal does come in different thicknesses so if you had a piece that was thick enough it wouldnt flex.

Good luck and let us know what you come up with!!!

I was able to cut it easily with my Roto Zip tool ( http://www.rotozip.com/ ) and have used a dremel with a bit made for cement (DREMEL #562 CEMENT BOARD / WALL TILE CUTTING BIT), but be sure to wear a mask!

[Eileen ~ PantherFL]

Thank you for your input, maybe I'll manage this thing without too much trouble thanks to all of you.  I was thinking of asking for a dremel type tool for my birthday, they do seem awfully handy to have around.

Sadly I'd (temporarily I hope!) forgotten all about this.  My son & his fiance are being married in 8 days, and I've been in "wedding mode" trying to get things set for that.   (Her mom has passed away, and her dad also in February)  Maybe I can get back to planning after next weekend;)

[lorimendenhall]

yeah, I guess you are just a WEE BIT busy for the next week... congrats!