Subway Art Style Rustic Sign
I just finished up the very last project I wanted to make for John & Alice’s master bathroom, and I’ll be ready to show you the whole before and after room transformation tomorrow!! FINALLY!!
But let me show you the final project that I worked on. I had asked Alice if she has a favorite Bible verse, so I took that and made artwork out of it. I wanted it to be somewhere between subway art and an old rustic sign. Here’s how it turned out…
Here are the steps I took to make this subway art/old rustic sign artwork.
I started with a scrap piece of MDF about 23 inches square, and I primed (with spray primer) and spray painted it.
Then I used letter stickers that I found in the scrapbook section at Michael’s, and I cut out the letters I needed.
I then arranged them on the MDF just to get an idea of where I wanted the line breaks, and how many lines I needed.
After I determined how many lines I needed, I used an L-square and a pencil to lightly mark the lines.
Then I began applying the stickers to the MDF, using the pencil lines as guides.
When I had all of the letters applied, I gathered my paints (the small acrylic bottles in three colors), a 1″ Purdy paint brush, a small jar with water, and a couple of paper towels.
I randomly squirted the paints onto the MDF, right over the lettering…
And then used my paint brush to brush and blend the paint. I wanted the different colors to show, so tried to be sure not to blend too much. First, I dipped my brush into the water, blotted it out just a bit, and then ran it over the paint. The water really helped the paint to spread smoothly.
I just continued to squirt paint and blend it in until I got it to look just like I wanted it.
I waited about 45 minutes for it to dry completely, and then I got a piece of 150-grit sandpaper…
And I sanded lightly right over the letters…
The very last step I did was to use a piece of paper towel, with the corner dipped into the water and then dipped into my taupe paint, and run it right over the letters. This just toned down the bright white and make it look more worn.
Now tomorrow I’ll show you where this is going to live, when I reveal the final “before and after” of John & Alice’s master bathroom!!
Psstt…This bathroom is finished now! Want to see the completed bathroom makeover? Click here to see the whole before and after.
I’m linking this post to:
- DIY Project Parade at The DIY Showoff
- Saturday Nite Special at Funky Junk Interiors
- Sunday Showcase at Under The Table And Dreaming
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
This is great! Looks within my ability level too. Was it hard to sand just on top of the letters?
Samantha, it wasn't difficult at all! Just use light pressure…and a little patience. 🙂 I actually wish I hadn't sanded mine so much. I'd like them to be more black than white, but oh well. It's done.
I love it. I am going to try this.
That is such a great idea!!
Have you ever painted a tube before??? I would like to do mine, but I have no idea what or how to do it….any suggestions???
Anonymous, do you mean a TUB? I've never painted a bathtub before, but I know it can be done. There are several products on the market SPECIFICALLY for painting bathtubs. I know that Home Depot carries at least one. As I recall, it's kind of expensive, but certainly costs less than having the tub resurfaced professionally.
sorry "tub"….it has been a long day. Thanks for the info, I will check the Home Depot out. My husband says "no" but he will be going on a fishing trip soon and will be out of town for a few days…LOL. We have this wonderful newly decorated bathroom & this ugly pink tub! We don't have the money right now to replace or have the tub capped so I was hoping there was another solution.
That is so cool! I love the verse and may give this a go – thanks for the tutorial! JenT
Hi I am a new follower ~ I love love love the sign! Can't wait to try this myself :0)
I am inspired, I will definately be making one myself. A great idea and you make it look so easy. Please consider sharing this wonderful idea with others by linking to my blog bash, K.I.S.S.=Keep It Simple Sunday, the link is open til Tues. evening. Happy to be a new follower. 🙂
http://thetatteredtag.blogspot.com
Hi I am a new follower ~ I love love love the sign! Can't wait to try this myself :0)
That is such a great idea!!
I love it. I am going to try this.
Very cool! I'd love to try it with bluish and beige colors!