We found this old board at a recycling store, cleaned it up, and painted a happy message to greet guests. If you can't find the right size piece of reclaimed wood, buy a new one, paint it, and then loosen it by sanding and tapping with hand tools.
knife and scissors
punch out
measuring tape
hand saw
Paintbrush and red paint - sample size (we used Lowe's Valspar Claret)
shop empty
facial mask
reclaimed wood board (about 70" to 75" x 20" to 24")
Shellac (All Natural Sealer)
2 D-rings with screws and picture hanging wire
3 large paper bags
painter's tape
sandpaper
Wear a mask. Clean the dash with a vacuum to remove any paint flakes. Clean with a damp cloth. Measure the board and plan your layout on paper.
Create a template for the letters on three paper bags. For a 70" x 24" board retrieved, the letters must be at least 16" square.
Paste the letters on the board and the outline with a marker.
Remove the templates and use a razor blade to cut along the marker lines. Go over it a couple of times to make the lines wider and deeper.
Go over them again with a handsaw to create a rough line look. Vacuum to remove all dust and wood chips.
Paint inside the lines, but leave some of the finish/paint underneath exposed. Let dry. If necessary, put on a second coat and let dry. Use sandpaper to scrape up the paint in a few spots to give it an aged look.
Lacquered wood, front and back twice..
Add D-rings to the back of the wood. Hang with wire.
Joanne Palmisano is the author of Salvage Secrets (W.W. Norton, September 2011). Visit her blog, also called Salvage Secrets ..
