Here at Viponds, we are proud to be an Australian-made and owned company with over 65 years of experience in artistic endeavours — supplying only the highest-quality, niche paint supplies since 1954. Those supplies include the best quality tools, materials and paints for projects, including signwriting.

In this blog, we will discuss how to write a sign and dispel some of the myths. It is one of the more daunting challenges a beginner can undertake, so we put our heads together and came up with tips and advice to help reduce anxiety and raise your chances of success. 

Sign writing for beginners

Learning how to do sign writing may require time to understand and master, but it is perfectly possible to do a decent job even as a beginner. With quality signwriting supplies and a few rules, there is no reason why budding artists and curious beginners cannot try their hand and learn how to sign write. 

Before you begin

Signwriting is a highly specialised art form requiring bespoke signwriting paint with extreme opacity and durability. Our team at Viponds have made it their mission to provide the absolute best quality materials for any artistic undertaking, and sign writing is no different. Our range is of the finest quality and is available in colours other paint companies can’t provide.

What colours are best when learning how to write a sign?

In most cases, visibility is king when learning how to do sign writing. But it can be difficult to know where to begin once you look at the vast options on the colour chart. That said, we recommend choosing dark paint on a lighter background.

Brush marks and minor imperfections can be harder to hide when using lighter pigments, whereas darker ones are more forgiving.

Choose the best possible signwriting brushes

Buying cheap, low-quality brushes for any art project significantly reduces your chances of a satisfactory outcome.

There is no other form of painting where this is truer than signwriting, and it is a virtually impossible skill to perform with sub-standard tools and materials. Luckily, at Viponds, we have the best signwriting brushes in Australia.

Sign writing techniques

There are three painting techniques most commonly used in signwriting:

1. Hand on fist

This technique involves resting the heel of your brush hand on your other hand in a closed fist for stability. When making short strokes, the supporting hand remains still as support, and only the brush hand fingers move.

For longer strokes, the supporting fist moves and guides the brush hand, which effectively remains motionless — except for the action of being dragged by the supporting hand and an almost imperceptible movement of the fingers.

2. Mahl stick

A Mahl stick is a device you have probably seen that looks like a giant xylophone stick. It has a soft tip that rests against the surface and is leaned on for support.

In all other ways, the technique is identical to the first technique, it just allows for a little more finesse as the stick can be rotated, and there is less contact with the surface.

3. Little finger support

In this technique, the only thing touching the surface, except the brush, is the tip of the little finger on the brush hand. It provides vital support and guidance, allowing a much smaller point of contact, making it the preferred method when learning how to do writing for a small sign. 

The best supplies when learning how to sign write

Now that you know all the tips on how to do your own sign writing, it is time to try it for yourself. At Viponds Paints, we boast a comprehensive range of products available Australia-wide, particularly in VIC, SA, NSW, QLD, and WA.

Viponds’ promise to you

No matter your level of understanding or skill, our team will always treat you courteously, whether you’re dropping by our factory store in Tullamarine, Victoria, or calling us on the phone. Our staff members are filled with knowledge and enthusiasm, and we promise you a positive experience every time you interact with them.

Reach out to Viponds Paints today

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or comments about sign writing for beginners or any other aspect of this article. We will be delighted to assist and guide you in choosing materials or just give you our thoughts on how to write a sign.