Vintage Wood Signs

Vintage wood signs are a popular choice for those looking for an authentic country feel for their home or business. They are the expression of a negative reaction to modern house numbers and personalized neon signs.

What Makes It Vintage?

Generally vintage wooden signs are antique wooden house signs characterized by a lack of precision in their construction, particularly in the way the wood is cut. Aging in the form of cracks, warping, and damage from exposure is popular. Styles from different periods vary from a rustic designs to classic. They are used also in yards as yard address signs so as to be easily seen from the street.

Aging

It is worth being aware that extreme aging or aging effects may make vintage wooden signs vulnerable to further weather damage, as well as more brittle and susceptible to breaking if knocked or dropped. But don't forget, further natural aging can easily be considered a bonus extra development of character.

Achieving The Vintage Effect

Vintage wooden signs are made of authentically aged or synthetically aged wood, or new wood finished to give the impression of age. Custom wooden signs are tailored to a buyer's specifications. Larger vintage wooden signs can be achieved with multiple parallel planks for a classic effect, or a single piece of wood. Common devices in making a sign appear rustic or classic include nail rust, burn effects, physical damage, wearing of finish (at times down to natural wood), water damage and sun fading.

Paints

Using simple paints in a select range of colors, particularly those with the appearance of being washed-out and sun-faded, can achieve a classic effect. Rustic signs generally remain unpainted, and prefer engraving or carving for text and detail rather than more resource-intensive methods.

DIY

Making your own vintage wooden signs is similar to other methods of making signs. Most good local hardware stores and timber suppliers have a wealth of tools, materials and information for any woodworking project. Keep your designs simple to achieve an old-time feel. Methods such as sanding or sandblasting, heat-treated aging, and oxidizers for rust on nails are a few ways to get started, but don't hesitate to get creative with your aging effects to create a truly uniquely affected sign.

Where To Buy

For those who don't wish to chance artistically damaging your own hard-built handiwork, professionals specializing in both classic and rustic designs are available online. Local services are likely available, so check in your area if you're particularly interested in using local produce. With the right specifications, most signage companies will have very little trouble producing authentic-looking rustic wooden signs and country wooden signs for a lower price than most specialists.