How to paint nautical flags on a bench

Introduction

Bring the beach to your backyard

Bring colorful and graphic details to unpainted furniture by painting simple nautical patterns in blue and white.

Step 1

Age the wooden bench

Use a belt sander to give the edges of the bench an aged look. Sand until a rough, uneven look begins to take shape. Moving back and forth in a slow and controlled manner, add divots and dips to the bench surface with the orbital sander held at a 45-degree angle.

Step 2

Paint the base color

Lighten the surface of the bench with an even layer of white paint applied with a mini roller or brush.

Step 3

Measure and design patterns

Search the internet for international maritime signal flags. After choosing your flag patterns, use a tape measure and pencil to mark the pattern on the back or seat.

Stage 4

Apply painter's tape

Protect the surface of the work area with a drop cloth. Use painter's tape to mark the flag patterns directly on the surface of the bench.

Step 5

Add shapes with paint

Use a paintbrush or mini roller to apply paint to the covered areas of the bench seat or backrest. Since the final look is to appear antiqued, only one coat of paint is required for this application.

Step 6

Relief painting

Use a sanding block to distress painted nautical flags. When the proper amount of distressing has been completed, seal the surface of the wood with the sealer and mini roller.

Step 7

Coastal banking

Nautical flags, or international maritime signal flags, represent certain letters of the alphabet for encrypted communication at sea. See if you can spell a secret message.