How to make simple Old West signs....

[Mason]

The signs that I made for my Old West town that will be used at BLAM 2014 seemed to go down pretty well.
Well enough to post a simple 'How-to' which a few members have found useful.

(Main thread is here: http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=60011.0 )

It has been suggested to me that I post here as it may be a useful idea for areas outside of the Old West setting as well.

So, here you go....

The basis of the sign is just plain old bits of paper with the signs printed out using a suitable font.
When I was originally asked I still had the leftovers from one of the buildings so it was a simple matter of taking a picture of each stage as I made another...

The sheet of 'signs' that were left over from the Hardware Store and a fine tipped pen...





I just drew the surrounds of the sign with the pen and a straight edge (hence the pack of cards... )....





The smaller details quickly dotted in with the pen.
Another straight line through the centre and a mix of a few squiggly and straight lines randomly dotted about on the sign...



Then it is simply cut out and stuck in place with watered down PVA or wood glue.
After that a simple watered down wash of Army Painter Soft Shade to lose the whiteness and done.

Simple and finished in five minutes and should look something like this:




Hope that helps...

[magokiron]

Really useful, simple and EFFECTIVE!

Thanks for sharing.

[Ahistorian]

Cracking work, and a great guide. 

[snitcythedog]

Mr the shed,
Really effective.  Did you sand down the back of the paper at all prior to applying to the model?  I have read several similar techniques and that was always a suggestion to make the edges a bit thinner and fit more seamlessly into the model.  Unfortunately this is something that I have yet to try. 
Snitchy sends.

[Treebeard]

I did use Mason's Howto for these sign.
I confirm it works and it is (very) easy.