DIY Weathered Wood Stain Sign in 3 Steps

Do you swoon over those weathered barn wood home decor pieces but don’t want to pay a hefty price? Or how about those beautifully hand lettered signs that are the perfect farmhouse decor piece? What I told you that you could achieve the weathered wood stain look in two easy steps?  I have partnered with *Rust-Oleum to bring you a second easy tutorial (check out my turquoise birdhouse!) to transform any it into an authentic looking DIY weathered wood stain sign in 3 steps.  Here is what Rust-Oleum says about this product; “Varathane^® Weathered Wood Accelerator creates a true weathered look by aging bare or untreated wood in minutes. It replicates the aging process that happens in nature by reacting with the wood to create a one-of-a-kind weathered look.”

*Rusto-Oleum supplied me with the Varathane^® Weathered Wood Accelerator which creates a weathered look. The opinions of this product are all my own.

Supplies

Unfinished piece of wood
sponge brush
tack cloth
cotton cloth
coat hook
acrylic craft paint
paper
paintbrush

Weathered Wood Stain Tutorial

1. I started with a piece of 5/8″ spruce plywood cut to 18″ by 14″ and lightly sanded it. Remove excess dust with a tack cloth.
2. I tested out the weathered wood stain on a scrap piece first to see how dark I wanted it. Then I applied the Varathane^® Weathered Wood Accelerator with a sponge brush going in the direction of the grain from top to bottom in one stroke.
3. I wiped of the excess before applying more stain. I applied the stain again in the same manner as the first application.

(repeat steps 1-3)

Review

1. Pros

a. The weathered wood stain was very easy to apply.

b. There was very minimal odor to the product.

c. It truly was a weathered look to the wood and complimented the piece that I chose.

d. The application and drying time was very quick; less than 30 minutes.

2. Cons

I have only one negative to say about this product even though it is not even about the product directly. As I forgot to wear gloves (totally overlooked this important factor), it left a stain on my hands and nails. The stain did wear off by the end of the day.

Adding the Finishing Touches

1. Himmeli Plant Holder

After seeing how the copper himmeli played off the browns and grays in the wood, I knew this piece just had to be a part of this DIY Farmhouse sign. The DIY himmeli style plant holder was a fun DIY tutorial that I completed for DIY Passion Blog. A simple black coat hook to hang the himmeli from was an easy find at Home Depot for under $5.

2. Hand Lettered Saying

I love the saying, “Enjoy the Little Things” so I felt it was the perfect fit to tie everything together; the weathered wood stain and the himmeli plant holder. I first drew out my saying on paper then I use the trace method, where I pressed the pencil into the lettering which then made an impression in the wood. After the impression was visible I filled in the letters with cream crafty acrylic paint. Check out my transfer method (that works for smooth wood and canvas) in Quick & Easy Gold Foil Canvas

Browse the shop for other “Enjoy” goodies such as Enjoy the Little Things Tote Bag and Enjoy Coffee Mug.

Styling

The warm and cool tones that are visible in this weathered wood stain sign were a perfect addition to spruce up our laundry room/entryway. The Benjamin Moore wall colour, “Innocence” added the cool element while the himmeli plant holder, lighthouse candle holder and candle bring out the warmth of the weathered wood diy sign. I used the greenery of the succulent plant to bring in the fresh element. I also tried a pop of colour with tulips; a few cuttings in a small hanging tea light holder as well as in a potted version.

I also love the galvanized elements of the potted tulip container, mason jar lids and tea light holder handle and embellishment. I replicated the hand lettering element on a chalk board sticker on one of the mason jars that holds laundry soap pods.

Without even planning it, the counter top also has the same warm and cool wood grain feature to it as well. This laundry room is fresh, calm and inviting. This is all thanks to the stunning home decor sign and for Rust-Oleum supplying the weathered wood stain to begin it all.

Now you can feel confident to take on that weathered wood stain project! It was a quick and easy process with a lovely outcome. I feel like my laundry room/entry way got a new lease on life. When I look at the sign, “Enjoy the Little Things”, it reminds me that even laundry can be a small blessing to be enjoyed. If you like what you just read, please share the love with a comment, share or pin. Thank you!

Blessings from my house to yours,

Darlene