Question about polyurethane

[BraveHeart]

I coached a youth softball team. To say thanks to my volunteer assistants, I had the girls sign softballs to give them. They signed it in colored Sharpies. I was wondering if I should spray some clear polyurethane on them to preserve the signatures or forgo it as it may peel and look bad. Thoughts????

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[Elenaidan]

I believe polyurethane is petroleum based and may cause issues. I have used Mohawk spray acrylic. You may want to wait for someone with a brain to comment though.

 

[Windini]

As I recall, Sharpies and other 'permanent' markers are alcohol-soluble, and liquid (uncured) polyurethane is MEK / mineral spirits soluble, so it might work.

Easy to test, though-- just get a piece of wood, put some poly on it, let it cure, write on it with a Sharpie, then spray more poly over the top. If it creates issues, don't use it on the cool bat!

Just keep trying topcoats until you find one that doesn't harm the signatures.

EDIT: ... till you find one that doesn't harm the markings on the test board.

 

[Don]

@Lawless

 

[Scsmith42]

Most polyurethane finishes will yellow over time. A water based finish such as General Finishes 450 may be a better choice.

 

[MacEntyre]

I have a 1964 NY Yankees baseball signed in ball point pen by the whole team... it's just stored in the original plastic bag, inside the original box, in a safe.

Sunlight (UV) and time are the enemies of ink. I would not put anything on it unless it is specifically made for protecting sharpie writing on leather.

 

[htperry]

You want a fixative.

https://www.amazon.com/Krylon-K0130...qid=1496229454&sr=8-1&keywords=spray+fixative

 

[J R Green]

Clear lacquer, Poly doesn't stand up to UV rays well and as stated tends to yellow.

Spray lacquer with multiple light coats.

 

[Burt Gummer]

This stuff dries clear, looks great and is very durable. May not work in your case but it's worth a little studying

http://www.mudhole.com/ProKote-Rod-Building-Thread-Finish

 

[Goofyfoot2001]

Throw the ball at someones head and if the names don't come off on their forehead you are good to go.

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

Don't bother coating the balls. If you're really that concerned, get some of those baseball display cubes. They're cheap and nice looking:

http://www.hobbylobby.com/Home-Deco...lay-Cases/Clear-Plastic-Baseball-Case/p/98588

I believe they're also UV protective, as well, but don't quote me on that. Look that up.

I don't remember ever seeing a coated autographed baseball.

 

[LizardKing]

I have autographed baseballs from when I was playing that are 30 years old. They were not coated and all the sigs are fine. If it is just going up on a mantle or in a shadow box I wouldn't over think it.

 

[BraveHeart]

Thanks for the replies. I think I will leave well enough alone and let the coaches decide if or how to preserve the balls.

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[RetiredUSNChief]

Frankly, unless the balls are going to be in the field being played with, I don't think you'll have a problem. Even then, it'll be insignificant compared to the abuse of use.