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How to distress a painted sign

There’s a million and one products that will help you learn how to distress a painted sign. And I think I’ve probably tried 2/3 of them. I like a bit of distressing here and there, but I don’t want to go crazy. Just a dab will do me. So my version of distressing may not fit in with someone else’s, and I’m cool with that. But this is how I do it. Want to see how easy it is?

How to easily distress a painted sign

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a tiny portion of any purchases without any additional cost to you whatsoever.

How to Distress a Painted Sign

Supplies needed:

  • A painted sign (Click here to see my tutorial for painted signs)
  • Dark Floor Wax 
  • Palm Sander

How to distress a painted sign - love this look!

Start with your painted sign. I made this one from a door I found at a second hand store. This method works best on a sign that is painted with flat paint (but will work with any kind.)

A quick and easy way to learn how to distress a painted sign

Once the sign has been painted and has dried thoroughly (at least 3 days), then lightly sand the edges with a palm sander.

using wax to distress a painted sign

Next work a bit of dark wax into a soft cloth, I like to get it super worked in so that it doesn’t get gloopy on the sign before I’ve had a chance to coat the entire thing.

How to distress a painted sign with finishing wax

Rub it into the surface, using a pointy something-or-another to get into the cracks & crevices. (I use a bamboo skewer tucked into the cloth.)

How to distress a painted sign with floor finishing waxJust wipe on a thin coat and buff it off. If you want it darker, then keep adding layers until you’re happy with it. Then set it aside to dry for a few hours, and you’re good to go! It’s a very subtle technique, but can look heavier with more sanding and more wax.

How to easily distress a painted sign

So that’s my tips on how to distress a painted sign. It also works well on furniture if you’d rather try that method, too.

how to make farmhouse style painted signs

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Filed Under: budget decorating, decorating ideas, DIY

About Gina Luker

Gina Luker is a writer, photographer and lover of all things quirky. She's usually found with a drill in one hand and a cocktail in the other while blogging along the way. She's addicted to coffee, polka dots, rock stars, Instagram, and everything aqua.

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Comments

  1. Angie @ The Country Chic Cottage says

    August 23, 2011 at 4:02 pm

    Ah – mazing as always!! I still need to stop in and get a can!! 🙂

    Reply
  2. TheVirginiaHouse says

    August 23, 2011 at 4:58 pm

    Sounds like my kind of stuff! I’ll have to give it a try. Thanks for the tip!! I love the sign by the way;-)

    Reply
  3. ♥ Sonny ♥ says

    August 23, 2011 at 6:09 pm

    looks great.. I want to try to do this. thanks for the tutorial.

    Reply
  4. Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovement says

    August 23, 2011 at 6:20 pm

    Great idea! And very cute sign. I’m so impressed that you painted the letters on yourself. I know mine would never look like that. 🙂

    Have a great day!
    Pam

    Reply
  5. The Old Block House says

    August 23, 2011 at 6:30 pm

    Wonderful! I’ve been mixing paint with clear wax. Then I work it in with a toothbrush. It’s my new favorite thing to do. However, the dog took off with the toothbrush. I can’t imagine how bad that must have tasted.

    Reply
  6. Moddy Bee says

    August 23, 2011 at 7:39 pm

    what a great idea! i wax some of my antiques. i just use good old furniture wax. i’ll have to try this stuff!
    http://www.moddybee.blogspot.com

    Reply
  7. Catie @ Catie's Corner says

    August 23, 2011 at 8:04 pm

    Thanks for sharing such a great, and cheap, idea Gina!

    Reply
  8. sissie says

    August 23, 2011 at 8:34 pm

    Very clever Gina! I love the sign.

    hugs
    Sissie

    Reply
  9. Patty Mollberg says

    March 16, 2014 at 10:57 am

    Gina,
    I love your idea with the sign and wax. How do you make your letters for your signs. I do not have the best writing skills. Do you use stencils or tracing paper?

    Patty

    Reply
  10. Jack says

    October 21, 2016 at 2:36 am

    Did you use a stencil to make your sign?

    Reply
    • Gina Luker says

      October 21, 2016 at 11:25 am

      Yes Jack 🙂

      Reply
  11. Sarah says

    January 26, 2017 at 8:08 pm

    Hey! Did you sand the letters as well? If so, did you sand them before or after you removed the stencil?

    Reply
    • Gina Luker says

      January 28, 2017 at 9:03 am

      Hi Sarah,
      No I didn’t sand the letters, I wanted them to stand out 🙂

      Reply

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