What products are okay for outdoor use?

Believe it or not, this is a loaded question! This is because "outdoor use" has such a broad interpretation. For example, is your sign going to be attached to a screened in door under a covered porch or is it going to be placed at the end of your driveway in rural Alaska? Both are outdoor use, but very very different scenarios! Before we break down the different scenarios and recommended options, let's preface this by saying NOTHING is weatherproof. Some materials hold up better or longer than others, but eventually all will degrade. 

1. I am making a sign or wreath ornament that is going on a front door under a porch.

• Wood: Any of the plywoods or TimberThins should be fine for this as long as you apply a sealant. Use a water-based poly and apply to both faces and the edges of the wood after you have cut it. The basic rule is to treat any outdoor wood like you would treat a wooden deck--make sure to seal it well and reseal as needed. The thicker the wood, the less likely it will be to warp in the elements. 
• Acrylic: Can be used as is! If there will be any sun hitting the acrylic, seal with Frog Juice spray. 
• PatternPly®: We recommend sealing any PatternPly that will be used outside with the Frog Juice spray. This will enhance its durability in the elements. 

2. I am making a sign or decoration that will be directly out in the elements.

• Wood: Stick with hardwoods for this project--thick ones at that. The elements are HARD on wood--just look at any deck or porch that has been neglected for a few years. Make sure to seal the wood with a water-based poly and apply to both faces and the edges of the wood after you have cut it. The basic rule is to treat any outdoor wood like you would treat a wooden deck--make sure to seal it well and reseal as needed. If you are doing a sign that needs lettering, we recommend our 1/16" plywood. It is marine grade, easy to laser, and should hold up well with adequate sealing. 
• Acrylic: It is a common misconception that acrylic is weatherproof (reminder: NOTHING is weatherproof). Sure, it is waterproof and that gives it major points outside, BUT it is very prone to degradation in the sun. Heat and direct sunlight can make acrylic very brittle and prone to cracking or chipping. Clear acrylic will also become cloudy over time. Frog Juice spray will help extend the life of the acrylic outdoors.
• PatternPly®: We do not recommend PatternPly® for heavy outdoor use with the exception of the laser safe vinyl. The laser safe vinyl can be sprayed with the Frog Juice spray and applied to vehicles, metal signage, etc. and expected to last for several years.