How to Distress Painted Wood Signs - No sanding!

Achieve that aged, distressed, rustic look of the popular farmhouse signs using this sandpaper-free method of distressing painted wood signs. 

It's easier than you think because it's not supposed to look perfect - in fact, don't overthink it! Then, in no time you'll be creating perfectly imperfect distressed farmhouse wood signs!

Besides a piece of wood to paint on, all you'll need are foam brushes and 2 colors of paint - one light and one dark. Light colors like white, ivory, or cream work well, and dark colors like gray, black, or brown are good choices.

Start by applying a base coat of either the light...

... or the dark color of paint to the wood. Let the base color dry. Reapply another coat, if necessary. The base color will be the "main" color of the wood sign.

Next, dip your foam brush into the paint color opposite of your base color. But, wipe off as much paint from the brush as you can. You want just a very small amount of paint on the foam brush.

For example, if your base color of the sign is gray, dip the foam brush in the white.

Hold the foam brush parallel to the painted wood sign.

Then, very lightly run the foam brush across the wood sign.

The harder you press, the more paint will be applied.

If you ever apply too much paint, you can always paint over it with the opposite color to tone it down.

If you painted your wood sign white, then dip your foam brush into the gray paint.

Follow the same steps as listed above. Focus your paint application towards the edges of the wood.

Repeat until the desired look is achieved. 

But remember, a little goes a long way! Let the paint dry completely.

Next, cut out your vinyl sign decal with your Silhouette Cameo.

The sign designs used in these projects come from the 2021 Farmhouse Christmas Bundle over at So Fontsy. This is a whole bundle of fantastic farmhouse Christmas designs that you'll definitely want to check out, especially if you like making wood home decor signs.

Weed the vinyl decal and transfer it onto transfer tape.

Transfer and burnish your vinyl decal onto your distressed painted wood sign.

Farmhouse signs in the house, y'all!

Find these farmhouse Christmas designs as part of the 2021 Farmhouse Christmas Bundle at So Fontsy.

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