Clearcoat over newspaper

[koenbro]

Not a Festool project but I hope you can help me. My wife wants to refresh some standard 4-drawer sheet metal file cabinets by gluing newspaper clippings (that form a collage) on it. What clear coat should she apply over it? I have General Finishes wood urethanes, both water and oil soluble, will those work? Thank you all.

 

[tjbnwi]

No clue.

I would try differnt finishes, I'd be more worried about how they'll affect the ink than the paper.

Tom

 

[bertv]

Use spray varnish - the kind they sell in spraycans at art supply stores & is used to fix charcoal and pastel drawings. Once you have some coverage (multiple thin layers) you can switch to another finish, eg urethane or spar. Don’t forget to use a black backing paper to prevent 'see through'.

 

[Bob D.]

Clear (de-waxed) shellac would probably work too, either brush on or spray and it dries pretty fast.

 

[Dane]

I’d use ModPodge, which is made for that sort of thing and will seal the ink.  Then lay a clear poly on top to prevent yellowing.