Shabby Chic Letter Panel Inserts Message Centers DIY Project

Shabby chic paint techniques are a super easy and affordable way to update those outdated or stark looking retail signs that allow you to change the letters out to say something new. Better known as Letter Panel Inserts Message Centers , these often plain signs can look too generic for vintage retail shops, coffee chops, and anyone trying to establish a vinatge or shabby chic décor in their business.

Creating a Shabby Chic Letter Panel InsertsMessage Centers is an easy update project that can be accomplished in one weekend. These signs are usually made of wood or metal on the frame. So, make sure you first buy a primer that matched what your retail message center sign is made from.

To start this Shabby Chic Retail Message Center Sign Paint Technique project you will need to spend at least one weekend, but maybe a little more time.

Any laminate, metal, or cheap plain wood Retail Message Center Sign is perfect for this Shabby Chic Paint Technique.

Here is a list of supplies you will need to start making this Shabby Chic Retail Message Center Sign:

Primer
Paint (2 colors: white and either sand or tan)
Roller paint brushes
A variety of 2", 3", or 4" paintbrushes
Wood stain
Glaze
Sandpaper
Drop clothes
Retail Message Center Sign

Now, start sanding the frame surface of your plain Retail Message Center Sign. Once you have the surface lightly sanded, you should wipe off the dust with a clean dry clothe. An old white t-shirt will work perfectly here. You are only trying to sand a little, not trying to remove any shine.

Now, you are ready to put a coat of primer. If you are using a cheap fake wood Retail Message Center Sign this is a very important step. Your Shabby Chic Paint Technique will not stick to your Retail Message Center Sign surface if you don't sand and then prime your surface.

Do not paint the area where your retail sign letters slide in and out of. The paint may hinder this process. Just use this paint technique for the stand and frame.

If you want a rough more rustic Shabby Chic Retail Message Center Sign try putting the primer on with one of the 4" brushes. This will give texture and create the look of real wood. If you prefer the smoother look you can roll the paint on with any type of paint roller. A foam roller will create the smoothest surface.

Allow your primer to dry completely.

Put on a coat of your base paint. This is either a sand color or tan color. You could do a yellowish tan. This paint should not be the actual color you want your desk to end up, but the color you want to show through when you finish the Shabby Chic Retail Message Center Sign.

Now you are ready to paint your surface with the real color you wish it to be. I always recommend painting a white or antique white color for true Shabby Chic Retail Message Center Sign. If you want, you could paint a pattern of diamonds on the retail sign as well.

Don't be scared to choose a bright white because the Shabby Chic Retail Message Center Sign Paint Technique process will tone down the appearance of the stark white considerably if you want.

Once your white shabby chic Retail Message Center Sign color has dried you are ready to start roughing it up. Start by using the sand paper to rough up edges and other areas that would typically be used over time.

Once you have finished sanding the Retail Message Center Sign surface wipe the surface down with a clean dry cloth. That old white t-shirt will work well here again. You can stop at this point, but if you want to go the extra mile you can use a mixture of ½ wood stain and ½ glaze to darken your piece. This darkening will mimic years of dirt and the aging process. If you use an antique white you do not have to do this.

Start by mixing you paint and glaze in a plastic container. Use a white rag or another old t-shirt to rub the stain onto the Retail Message Center Sign.

You can do this process until you achieve the Shabby Chic Retail Message Center Sign look you want for your vintage kitchen or art studio.

Now, let the counters dry and paint on at minimum three coats of an oil-based polyurethane. This will make your shabby chic Retail Message Center Sign waterproof.

Check out more vintage DIY projects by Rebecca