How to Make Your Own Cottage Signs & Plaques
Cottage decorating is an extension of country decorating. Elements of this style include displaying handmade signs and plaques. Along with vintage collections, light colors, and eclectic variety of furniture a home develops a cozy atmosphere. Instead of purchasing ready-made signs or plaques, make your own to reflect your personality and color preferences. Handmade cottage signs complement many rooms in a home including bathroom and bedroom.
Things You'll Need
- Wood sign and plaque blanks
- Sand paper (medium and fine grain)
- Wood sealer
- Paint brushes
- Acrylic paint
- Wax candle
- Towel
- Stencils
- Painter's tape
- Stencil paint
- Stencil brushes
- Matte varnish
Instructions
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1
Sand the signs and plaques until they are smooth, if needed. Begin with a medium grain sand paper followed by a fine grain paper.
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2
Apply a wood sealer to the signs and plaques and allow them to dry. Drying time varies with humidity and temperature conditions. Follow the manufacturer's directions accordingly.
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3
Paint the signs or plaques in with an undercoat shade of your choice. For example if you want to make a plaque white with some green showing through after the surface is distressed, paint it with a green undercoat. The distressing will remove a small amount of the top color allowing the undercoat to show through in some places.
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4
Rub the wax candle over the wood surfaces lightly. The wax will stick to the painted surface and help create the worn look common in cottage decorating.
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5
Paint the top coat of paint in the colors of your choice. Allow to dry for 24 hours or until it no longer tacky.
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6
Sand the surface and edges lightly with fine grain sand paper. Sand them a little or as much as you desire to get the degree of wear wanted. Wipe away the dust with a towel. This will create a distressed looked over the surface.
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7
Place the stencils on the signs and plaques as desired. After making sure they are aligned correctly tape them in place to prevent shifting. There is a variety of stencils available at local craft stores and online stencil stores.
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8
Apply a small amount of stencil paint to the stencil brush. Working in a circular motion, apply the paint beginning at the edges of the stencil cutouts and working toward the center. If the brush has too much paint on it dab it on a paper towel. Use a different brush for each color of paint. Allow the paint the dry.
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9
Paint a coat of matte varnish over the signs and plaques after removing the stencils and tape. Let dry before handling.
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Tips & Warnings
Acrylic paint may also be used for stencils. Use a very small amount of paint and dab the brush on a paper towel before painting. Dab the brush on the wood lightly.
Antique the signs and plaques by rubbing acrylic antiquing gel over the surface and rubbing it away. A damp sponge works well for applying and rubbing the antiquing gel after the distressing has been completed.
