How to Make a Country Stenciled Sign

Coutnry stenciled sign can add character to a country kitchen or living room.

Country decorating has been popular since the 1980s and continues to grow and change today. One popular accessory in country decorating is stenciled signs. If you have a clever saying or an inspirational verse, you can make a sign with a variety of stencils and sizes of wood boards or plaques to fit the area intended for its display. Some ready-made signs can be expensive to purchase, but with a few supplies you can make your own country stenciled signs.

Things You'll Need

• Wood board or plaque
• Sand paper
• Cloth towel
• Wood Sealer
• Paint brush
• Acrylic paint
• Stencil
• Masking tape
• Stencil brushes
• Stencil paint
• Paper towel
• Matte sealer

Instructions

1. Sand the wood until smooth and free of rough edges. Wipe down the wood with a cloth towel, removing any loose sawdust.

2. Apply a layer of sealer on the wood. The sealer helps the paint adhere to the wood and not soak into it. Allow to dry.

3. Apply two coats of acrylic paint allowing it dry after each application.

4. Position the stencil on the wood surface and tape into place.

5. Dab the stencil brush into the stencil paint and then onto paper towel to remove excess. Stenciling takes a very small amount of paint and too much will bleed under the stencil.

6. Apply the paint to the stencil cutout beginning at the edges and working the brush in a circular motion toward the center. Use different brushes for each color you are using.

7. Allow the stenciled area to dry and remove the stencil. Sand the sign lightly to expose a bit of the wood grain and then seal the wood with a matte sealer.

Tips & Warnings

• Make the wood sign more weathered by rubbing a candle over the first layer of paint. After you apply the second layer (in a different color), lightly sand over the surface to expose the undercoat.

• Before you apply the final matte sealer, antique the wood with an acrylic antiquing gel applied and rubbed away with a sponge. This will dull the brightness of paint and make it look subdued and old.

References

• Stencilease: How-to