Hey guys. I’d really like to use my v-but and carve some different things, but I’d love to use natural stain on the wood and for the letters to be dark. Any ideas on how I could do this? I believe I could use a wood burner but are there any other ways anyone has tried? Picture is not mine but is along the lines of what I’m trying to do.
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Several methods detailed on the forum here.
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Carve, spray paint, sand off extra paint leaving letters painted, seal
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Use oramask, carve, spraypaint, pull paint mask, stain, seal
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Carve, seal, paint letters with brush and wipe off excess paint with rag. There are some good methods of this using a shellac to seal, enamel paint and then mineral spirits to wipe off excess.
Do some searching and you’ll find a plethora of good solutions.
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My preferred process.
- I carve.
- seal the carve with shellac to prevent bleeding of the paint.
- paint. (and when I paint, I am not careful at all)
- sand off the excess paint.
- if it is an outdoor sign, I use Varathane spar urethane.
If its an indoor sign spray with Minwax Polycrylic.
Outdoor signs.
Indoor signs.
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I’ve personally gone off using shellac, I find it easily “gloops” in lettering if I put on a little too much. I keep it simply and brush on a clear varnish instead. Same method, just personal preference.
That is very true.
I watch it until it stops soaking in.
Then I wick out the excess with my brush.
Y’all are awesome! Thanks! I’ve been wondering if the method of painting or sealing first and then sanding would work. Now I know 
whatever method you chose, its important to seal the carve before you paint.