How to Make an Old Sign... on ANYTHING

3 Materials
$29
3 Hours
Medium
I've run a vinyl decal sign shop for the past 20 years. But being a lover of all things rustic, one day I decided to use the decal as a paint stencil instead. Well, that fired up a whole new level of OLD signs in my home! I was quickly putting them in all kinds of places that would be impossible to purchase as is. - - - - - While my own designs were created with custom decals, you can easily create a similar look with a good stencil. Here's how... 1. Gather up plenty of inspiring images to draw from. 2. Find applicable stencils to get your look. 3. Prepare your surface with either sanding or paint. 4. Place stencil on desired surface, using spray adhesive. 5. Paint it! I use acrylic craft paint. 6. Lightly distress once paint is cured. 7. Seal it with something if you are concerned about wear and tear. - - - - - Here's how I've incorporated old signs into my own home. Which one would you like to try? (click the blog link below for more, PLUS where to find similar stencils like my own designs) Visit my entire guide series on Hometalk by clicking
I was SO happy when the carpet man didn't show up to lay carpet on my stairs. I painted them to resemble old crates instead! They fool many people, thinking I spent a fortune, when they really were absolutely free.
A cupboard door is prime real estate for a great old sign. If you can't find a stencil large enough for a given area, try sectioning it off to create a multi sign pieced together look.
Any old plank can become a neat sign! This one is used as a window valance of sorts. Just add some rustic hooks to hang anything you wish.
A sign can deliver a special message... think of people or places you love. How can you incorporate that into your design? (find out the story on my own at the blog link)
No style happenin' here... let's change that!
Isn't it just wild what a little paint, junk and creativity can do in your own given style?


Visit the blog link below or click HERE to find my now stencil line that can help you achieve similar results on anything you wish!
Suggested materials:
  • Custom cut decals used as stencils
  • Acrylic craft paint
  • Funky Junk's Old Sign Stencils   (https://www.funkyjunksoldsignstencils.com/)
Donna at Funky Junk Interiors
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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  1 question
  • Joyce Joyce on Aug 28, 2018

    Where did you get the old decals? Signs? I love this look!

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2 of 16 comments
  • Joyce Joyce on Aug 29, 2018

    I cannot find funky junk decals or signs..help

  • Michelle M Michelle M on Jan 12, 2019

    I think she made them. She said at the beginning of the article that she made vinyl signs for over 20 years. You can make them using a Cricut or similar machine. But those are pricey. Perhaps you could sentcil?

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