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?
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How to Distress a Painted Sign
Supplies needed:
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.)
Once the sign has been painted and has dried thoroughly (at least 3 days), then lightly sand the edges with a palm sander.
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.
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.)
Just 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.
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.
Angie @ The Country Chic Cottage says
August 23, 2011 at 4:02 pmAh – mazing as always!! I still need to stop in and get a can!! 🙂
TheVirginiaHouse says
August 23, 2011 at 4:58 pmSounds like my kind of stuff! I’ll have to give it a try. Thanks for the tip!! I love the sign by the way;-)
♥ Sonny ♥ says
August 23, 2011 at 6:09 pmlooks great.. I want to try to do this. thanks for the tutorial.
Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovement says
August 23, 2011 at 6:20 pmGreat 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
The Old Block House says
August 23, 2011 at 6:30 pmWonderful! 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.
Moddy Bee says
August 23, 2011 at 7:39 pmwhat 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
Catie @ Catie's Corner says
August 23, 2011 at 8:04 pmThanks for sharing such a great, and cheap, idea Gina!
sissie says
August 23, 2011 at 8:34 pmVery clever Gina! I love the sign.
hugs
Sissie
Patty Mollberg says
March 16, 2014 at 10:57 amGina,
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
Jack says
October 21, 2016 at 2:36 amDid you use a stencil to make your sign?
Gina Luker says
October 21, 2016 at 11:25 amYes Jack 🙂
Sarah says
January 26, 2017 at 8:08 pmHey! Did you sand the letters as well? If so, did you sand them before or after you removed the stencil?
Gina Luker says
January 28, 2017 at 9:03 amHi Sarah,
No I didn’t sand the letters, I wanted them to stand out 🙂