How to make a Vintage Looking Sign

I often receive emails about making signs and today I’ve got another fun diy for you. We’ll go step by step and learn How to make a Vintage Looking Sign. I use a simple paint layering technique that helps you achieve that beautiful aged look and you won’t believe how easy it is.

 
Here are the supplies you’ll need:

• various colors of paint…I use acrylic
• stencil
• pencil
• brushes
• wood 
• hanging hardware
• sandpaper

First off, you’ll want to prep your wood. I do a light sanding.

Now its the magical part, you’ll start layering on different paint colors. I do this in a very haphazard fashion, combining different colors and tones together. Let each layer dry before proceeding to the next layer. 

When all your paint layers are dry, you’ll paint on your main background color. For my sign, I went with a light grey.

After your main layer is dry, it is time to paint the typography. You can freehand or create a stencil for your lettering. I used card stock letters cut out with my silhouette because I do not have any freehand ability. 🙂 I traced the letters on lightly with a pencil and then painted them in with white paint.

You will probably want to do at least two coats of paint on the lettering depending on the color of background you choose. After all your lettering dries, you’ll start distressing with sandpaper. At this point, that beautiful rainbow of colors you painted will start to show through. Be careful you don’t oversand, removing the lettering from visibilty. At this point it is a matter of personal preference how distressed you want your sign to be.

When it is all done, vacuum or wipe off sanding dust and you can coat it with poly if you choose. Now you’ll add hanging hardware to the back (these are my favorite) and you’re all done!

I love how it turned out!

Looking for more inspiration? Check out these other fabulous DIY’s:

Pallet Wood Sign

Cherished Wood Sign Tutorial

Vintage Sign
I link to these parties here.
This post was originally shared on I Heart Nap Time 1/20/14.