DIY Rustic Wood Sign | Farmhouse Style

9 Materials
$77
3 Hours
Medium
Simple steps to creating a beautiful and versatile, farmhouse-style, sign.
For this project I went to Home Depot and chose a 6 foot x 9 inch piece of knotty pine. They cut it down to 2 feet (free of charge) for a final size at 2 feet x 9 inches.


I used 80 grit sand paper to smooth down any rough spots and wiped it down with a microfibre rag.


Wearing protective gloves - I wiped on Varathane wood conditioner using a lint free rag (old cut up t-shirt).
I wiped off any excess conditioner and let the board sit for 30 minutes. This allows the wood to absorb more stain and have an even colour.
Wearing protective gloves - I used a wood stain in the colour "Espresso" and wiped it on using a lint free rag.
I applied 2 coats - allowing it to dry in between. I wiped off any excess stain and let the board sit for 24 hours.
I made a stencil by printing off the quote I wanted in the font style and size I liked.
Taking white chalk I covered the back of my stencil completely.
I used painters tape to secure my stencil exactly where I wanted my quote to transfer. Using a stylus I traced each letter. This is time consuming but effective!
After tracing each letter you should have something like this when you lift the stencil.
I used Martha Stewart Vintage Decor Paint in "Wedding Cake" and painted in each letter using a fine tip paint brush. Again, this is time consuming! Put on your favourite show and make some tea :)
You could stop here and apply a finishing wax - but, I was going for a more "rustic" look...
I used the same 80 grit sandpaper and sanded over the letters until I had my desired look. Using a damp rag I wiped off any residual dust.
Using Martha Stewart Vintage Decor Wax, I protected my project by wiping on a thin layer of the wax using a lint free rag. I wiped off the excess wax and my project was complete!
I was so pleased with the final result. This project was time consuming but the process is effective in creating a beautiful and professional looking piece of decor. Some materials used are pricey - BUT, will last for multiple projects - affordable if planning on making more than one piece.
Suggested materials:
  • Knotty Pine 2 1/2 feet x 9 inches   (Home Depot)
  • Varathane Wood Conditioner   (Rona)
  • MINWAX Wood Stain in "Espresso"   (Rona)
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Frequently asked questions
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  • Christine Brough Christine Brough on Jul 11, 2017

    Did you print up the quote on the computer to make the stencil?? Not sure about this part.

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  • Gale Allen Jenness Gale Allen Jenness on Jan 09, 2018

    Nice job, looks professionally done! Just a little tips and warning to watch out for! First, if you haven’t ever tried oil stain like Watco natural finish oil or they do have different colors as well including exterior and floor oils! There easier to work with then the solvent based stains You can put a lacquer or varnish as long as you let the oil dry for least 72 hours it can be sprayed with a shinny finish.

    now for the warning that many people don’t know about! If your using rags to put on your finish whatever you do don’t wad up your rags and throw them away. Rags waded up can spontaneously combust if their waded up. For years I really didn’t believe this would really happen till one morning I came to work and reached down for a waded up rag sitting on a work bench and just before I grabbed it the thing exploded into flames! So this really is no joke and can be very serious! Always lay your rags out flat somewhere that there’s no combustible material near by and let it dry completely! After dried out you can safely throw it away Long as your not piling a lot of rags on top of one another! Better safe than sorry, I hate to see anyone burn their house down! Regardless what stain or finish you use, be careful disposing of your unused materials!

  • Belinda Horsley Belinda Horsley on Jul 04, 2018

    I am truly blessed by this DIY...your Life’s Journey was displayed throughout the entire piece and perfect place for me to start in learning how I can achieve my goal in our life in starting over that Starting over after the August 2016 Flooding Ordeal

    • Alicia Darlene Hamilton Alicia Darlene Hamilton on Apr 13, 2019

      I just want to encourage you here. I lost my home and then a 20 year marriage after Hurricane Andrew (S. Fla. in 1992.) Speaking from my experience, it will get better. With God's help you can do this. 💕🙏

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