How to Hand Paint a Sign - The Easy Way

Hellloooo! Today I'm making a birthday gift for the four year old that has everything. A hand painted wooden sign can be an awesome addition to a kids room of any age. If it's given in the earlier years, before toys are cool and books are in constant flow, its nice to have something that they can grow up with that won't go out of style. It also doesn't hurt that they have a daily reminder of your awesomeness (teeheehee).
Let's get started:

 What you'll need:

1. 1 Wooden sign or plaque (tons are available at your local craft store. The one in this tutorial was only $8)
2. Craft paints in your color scheme of choice
3. 1 can of spray-on sealant or clear coat of some kind
4. Sand paper
5. Paint brushes
6. Brush water 
7. Paint pallet
8. Ball point pen
9. Computer printouts of your text and images

1st: Lightly sand around the edges of your wooden piece to smooth out any splintery bits.

2nd: Brush off all dust from your piece so your paint will apply better.

3rd: Print out your text and/or image. Depending on the size of your piece this may take multiple sheets of paper. Align your printouts and tape them together so they fit on your sign. Use a ruler as a guide to make sure its all nice and straight.

 4th: Apply a "primer" coat (white top) and color to the edges and let your piece dry thoroughly. Once everything is in place tape it to your wooden piece.


5th: Applying pressure, trace around each letter and image with the ball point pen. Don't get too crazy- you don't need ink marks. Press down just hard enough to get a nice outline imprinted on to your sign like so:



This technique makes painting perfect lettering and images nice and easy.

6th: Start painting! Paint the inside of your bubble letter indents. Take it slow, messing up is time consuming and frustrating. Apply as many coats of paint as you'd like.
 
Final step! Apply your spray on sealant to "seal the deal".Let it all dry and let's see what we've got:
 Suuuuper cute! This tutorial can also be used for applying text or images to step stools, bar signs, tables, shelving and any wooden surface that needs a makeover. They make great personal gifts for birthdays, holidays, weddings and home decor. Have fun with it!