Painting on a Wood Plaque
- 1). Clean the plaque before you begin. Old plaques you're repainting will require more cleaning than new plaques, but even a new plaque may have wood particles on it that can cause your paint application to be uneven. Wipe the plaque thoroughly with a damp cloth and allow it to dry before you begin painting.
- 2). Paint intricate designs on your plaque first. If you plan to use a stencil to add a design to a plaque, fully paint the plaque first. Use at least two coats, letting each coat dry before you apply the next. Use a wide, flat brush for large, flat surfaces and paint in the direction of the grain.
- 3). Paint letters or a phrase on the sign using a narrow brush with a pointed tip or a flat, narrow brush. Either of these will work for freehand lettering but will give you a specific look. Use the flat, narrow brush for more calligraphic lettering and the pointed tip for a more natural print or cursive.
- 4). Dry the plaque completely, then spray it with a coat of clear gloss. Allow the first coat of gloss to dry and spray it again. This will give your plaque a shine and help keep the paint from fading.
