How to make a rustic sign: an easy distressed-look painting technique.

There are a lot of methods to achieve a distressed look on craft projects. The technique I use cuts through a lot of the time-consuming procedures by simply splashing on acrylic craft paints mixed with water, then sanding parts. The best thing about using acrylics is that they dry almost instantly, so you can complete the whole project at one sitting.

I applied a clear finish to my sign since it will be outdoors. (Spar urethane)

More info on this project and the herb garden:

How to build the herb garden:

How do you pronounce herb? Herb vs. 'Erb on my other channel:

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Music:
"My Apocalypse Now" by Jeris (feat. Kaer Trouz)
is licensed under a Creative Commons license:

[NabilTouchie]

I think this is my favorite video so far, maybe not because of the project itself but because of the entertainment value!

[MrAqeelafshari]

I love how you came back to put the sign at an angle. It really adds to the rustic/old look of it. Great job!

[MrGoosePit]

I've used a propane or map gas torch to age rustic projects. Works great on freshly cut edges. Blisters fresh paint used for lettering. A nice free source of wood is old cedar fencing people throw out when they get a new fence. Great for rustic outdoor projects since it is already weathered and rot resistant.

[twistedkane]

wow 3 videos this week nice also i like that intentional crookedness of the sign

[someminstrel]

Steve... You're my hero!! Very good ideas!

[tfraiseo]

Interesting music choice. I liked it. Cool to see the sign made.

[CharleyDCR]

Cool French quote :) Great project my friend. Thank you. Charles from Quebec, Canada :)

[matthewsericw]

Super cool! I might just do that for my office, it's beach themed.

[ChetKloss]

Steve, I've watched many of your videos and I have to say that, as much as you are a craftsman, you're an artist in the traditional sense. The projects that require you to paint something (whether its a advent calendar, a clock, or a distressed sign) show you really know your way around a paint brush and canvas. Do you have any formal training in art?

[threeque]

When you put the sign at a kilter, I liked it twice as much!

[arnjen]

Hello Steve this awesome! Im gonna try this sign for sure...

[equinoxefr]

Hi from France! A great thanks for your awesome videos!

[bewwio]

Hey steve. I found using straight paint and then spreading with a wet cloth gives a great less uniform look which helps that distressed look

[missieme]

You are just too cool....I love your work, my children and I would like to do projects like this, what tool would you suggest a new-be start out with that. Great music also. Thanks for sharing.

[scootscootk]

Steve what do you do for a day job? you have a good eye for looks. great project and change to the past videos keep it up

[jeroengaudelius]

you are a really rustic man, i like that. keep up the good work! nice song BTW.

[TOMA]

Easy to do it just for fun project over weekend. :) Nice job.

[swibal]

Hé hé  un beau panneau en français... cute french board!!!

[jkshoals]

Have you ever used milk paint? It is great for outdoor signs in the northeast and can be distressed very easily. I use it in picture frames that I want to give an aged look to.

[ZubiateT]

Hello Steve, I was wondering if you will ever share where you got the stencil's you in this project? Great work...