How to Paint a Wood Sign
Wooden signs have been popular home decorations for many years. Create a indoor wood sign from new wood or by refurbishing an old sign. Clean and strip old wood before you stain or paint it with a new message. The end result will be more attractive and long lasting if you take the time to prepare the wood before you add any new embellishment. Hand-painted signs are popular items at craft fairs and flea markets. They can be personalized as gifts that will add interest and personality to various rooms throughout a home.
Things You'll Need
- Sandpaper
- Soft cloth
- Wood stain
- Letter stencils
- Paintbrush
- Glossy paint
- Shellac
Instructions
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Strip and clean a previously painted or stained wood sign and sand the surface with medium grade sandpaper. If the wood is new, a light sanding with fine grade sandpaper may suffice. Wipe off all excess debris with a soft, dry cloth.
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Brush on a wood stain in the color of your choice. Wood stains are available in wood tones and many attractive colors. Apply the stain in the same direction as the grain of the wood rather than against it. Allow the stain to completely dry according to the directions on the can.
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Use letter stencils on the wooden sign to convey a message. Carefully paint over the stencils with a clean paintbrush and glossy paint. Adhere the stencils with tape or use your free hand to hold the stencil securely against the wood, so that the end result is sharp and without stray paint streaks. Add any background designs that you wish. Allow the paint to dry.
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Coat the entire sign with a coat of shellac, a finish that will seal the sign and give it a slightly shiny and polished look. Allow the shellac to dry completely before mounting your wood sign.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice antiquing and decorative painting techniques to create signs.
Wood will absorb moisture from the air; seal all sides of a piece of wood to prevent it from warping over time.
