How To...The Beginners Guide To Sign-Painting

In this video, I share with you my tips and tricks for sign-painting!
Special mentions to:
Joby Carter - / joby.carter
Paragon Paints - www.paragonpai...
A.S. Handover - www.handover.c...
Craftmaster Paints - www.craftmaste...
If you enjoy the video, please leave a like, and if you would like to see the rest of my journey and more, subscribe to my channel! And don't forget that bell button, if you want to receive notifications.
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Links:
My new website: www.dominicchi...
Instagram - / dominicchinea​​
Ranalah Ltd - / ranalahltd
Edited by Dan Cross: / djcross87

[@colinhoare1618]

I have been sign writing for about 45 years. Started before computers with the brush and now that I have retired I've gone back to it brush work just for fun. Its great to see you working. Just a little trick, black or white carbon paper, its a lot quicker.

[@geoffdecorator307]

The only lessons in school back in the 70s i enjoyed was the arts and crafts lessons ,left school at 15 in 1980 and went to be a sign writer .My one and only ever job interview was 5 minutes long with no stupid form filling etc like today ,i was a given a brush and asked to paint a sign freehand .The second part of the interview was to draw a totally vertical line 3ft long ,the bossman then checked it with a spirit level and it spot on .Its whats called you got it in the hand ,i started the job there and then and stuck it 6 months before i switched to general painting and decorating .My late Father said at the time its a stupid job and will last 5 minutes ,well as i,m writing this comment its now actually 41 years later since 1980 and i,m still a Decorator although on a self employed basis the last 35 years. Never been in such great demand as i am today at 57 ,a job or as i call it a vocation for life .

[@DominicChineas]

That’s amazing! Thanks for sharing, there is no way I’d pass that interview! Well done

[@ELTABULLO]

Yep, it was just THAT easy back in the day

[@mclachi1]

I went to college for two years learning the trade back in 85’ Seeing a Keeps tin was a real blast from the past. It’s amazing what can make you smile.

[@deeza72]

Dom, you are such a nice kind guy. You inspire 1000’s of people. Much love 💗

[@shaunmoffat1378]

This video was perfect for what I was looking for. Simple question, how do you prep before painting and what can you use to practice on - every question answered and more! Thank you for pulling this together.

[@dannybrooks264]

Love this video and so glad I come across your channel. I'm a graphic designer and truck driver and I love the traditional painted signs especially on commercial vehicles.

[@MissLilyVideos]

You are SO SWEET gosh wow you spent the whole day filming and doing this -- really kind of you you have such nice energy and are very talented, thank you for sharing your gifts with aspiring artists!

[@DominicChineas]

You are so welcome!

[@jimdrake9528]

As a small boy I used to sit and watch my dad sign write and paint in his spare time .I was fascinated how the words and scrolls were created seemingly out of nothing .He was a fire man and I think he used it to get over the stress of his job .This is the first time I've seen anyone do it in 40years .Thankyou

[@terrytopliss9506]

Great sign Dom.👍👍

[@zanyzoo6767]

Sunday afternoon, cup of tea, nice sandwich, and a new vid from Dom. Perfect .

[@DominicChineas]

That was the plan! Hope the sandwich was good

[@motorv8N]

Wonderful, Dom - your enthusiasm is infectious.

[@leslieaustin151]

That was a great video, Dom, and a lovely result. When I was an apprentice (motor mechanic) in the 1960s we used to have a sign-writer come in to the garage to paint the logos and names on vehicles (mainly lorries). He was a foul-mouthed specimen but his work was wonderful and if I could I would stand and watch him. It’s a fascinating craft. Les

[@andyday4535]

Interesting to see you use Paragon paint, I got cheesed off with modern paint peeling off outside doors after 2 years. I now use Paragon for all outside glosswork, and also for brush painting the motorcycles I restore! Knock it back once dry with 2000 grit paper, then polish to a mirror finish!

[@rogerbond7811]

We love Carter's Steam Fair, think Joby must spend all winter keeping paint work up to scratch. All the old kit he keeps going is brilliant almost a living museum.

[@Auntie_Trev]

"Your wish is my command" comes from the genie in Aladdin. Great video Dom, loved it 👍

[@shaneraven2621]

Don't beat yourself up mate ,as far as I'm concerned that was a master class in sign painting thanks Dom 👍

[@DominicChineas]

Thank you

[@StevesConsul]

Thank you for sharing that, I have learnt a lot from that video one day I might have ago.

[@bobt3374]

Excellent skill you have Dom i thought the sign looked great. Take care.

[@nickcockerill239]

Great video, so therapeutic.

[@bevm1938]

Thanks Dom, very informative

[@sonofedmund5004]

Saw an advert for Joby Carter's sign writing classes a few years ago when we visited Carter's Steam Fair in Reading. I might be adding that book to my Christmas list! The Carter's Carousel is an artistic and mechanical master piece.

[@rogerbond2244]

Among the many things I just learned is to never judge a scrap of wood by its cover - I would have naively dismissed OSB as too undulating for anything approaching this quality of finish. But then, the reason for watching was because I was seeking advice instead of my usual comfort viewing of your channel - have just rebuilt a French Long-case clock which, we discovered, had impressive decoration, originally. And I didn't know where to start (ok, so while I was watching and learning sign-writing,, my wife - a trained artist - picked up a brush and freehanded all the floral work. Which is perfect and I don't know how that's done, either). Thank you for enduring the frozen fingers and late nights! Your videos, philosophy and outlook are priceless.

[@johnjb3205]

As Usual Dom, perfect guidance for me as a very beginner in my retirement years. , I follow you on . Repair Shop, all the time. Thanks Mate

[@doricdave]

Cheers for this Dom, going to give it a bash. "Larrup it on" 😆

[@lynnhaswell1690]

Great video Dom very impressive 👌😊

[@derrillwood2639]

Thank You! I am impressed and grateful when someone like yourself takes the time to help and instruct others. You are someone to be greatly appreciated!👋

[@graemedonkin6342]

Brilliant video - have really struggled to find one that actually gives info on types of paint to use etc. Learned loads off this short video - keep up the great work.

[@joannekines3343]

try searching Sign Supplies

[@craigmorton419]

Loved this, great result and nice to see our paints on the table too! After 35 years making these brushes I really should give this a go!

[@DominicChineas]

Which paints are yours?!

[@craigmorton419]

@@DominicChineas ah sorry Dom, A.S. Handover!

[@martinhaskell376]

Fantastic! Takes me back to the 70s, I worked for a coach builders on Wrotham Hill when I left school, used to love watching the sign writers using their pounce pads and brushes on the finished trucks. A real dying art.

[@trickyhickyincolour]

Thanks Dom, I really enjoyed that on a soggy Sunday afternoon. Keep it coming

[@bondfool]

Thanks for this, Dom. I find how-to videos like this so calming, even if it’s something I’m unlikely to ever do myself. A lovely start to my Sunday.

[@rexmundi8154]

That bit about tiling the image is a great help to me

[@DominicChineas]

I’m glad to hear it! It’s super helpful

[@threeriversforge1997]

Wonderful video. As a blacksmith, the older ways appeal to me, as you might imagine. I've always liked the old signage, but haven't ever been able to get anything for my own shop since it's either expensive to hire a sign painter or impossible to get my idea out in a way they can understand. Never really thought about trying my own hand at it, but I can see how it would be very meditative and that's something I could certainly use.

[@manfromthepru]

Brilliant; thank-you for sharing the techniques Dom…

[@Barbie_jb]

Thanks for the tutorial, Dom!! Outstanding job!! 👍🏻 ~ Barbie

[@bobingram6912]

Never going to be doing it but just very interesting to watch. Brave aren't you, after dark in a quiet workshop😨😃😃😃

[@funlifebananas1061]

Hi,great video. At college in the late’70s,we were taught to make our round letters ,O,G,C etc, slightly bigger and over the guideline slightly as it looks more correct from a distance and to pay close attention to the spacing.It’s an optical illusion but it works better.A famous Bradford sign writer,”Brian the Brush” did this too when I observed him a year or two later.I always wanted to be a sign writer but due to a lack of apprenticeships ended up doing a graphics course which included typography and hand lettering,all the old fashioned way.None of those new dangled computers when I was a lad.

[@schumcreative]

In Typography the practice of having the rounded letters extended over the baseline, median, or cap line is called overshoot or sometimes, overhang. Love the old school graphics folks, by the way.

[@funlifebananas1061]

@@schumcreative Thanks for the information.I was probably taught the correct terminology back in the day but it was lost to my memory in the last 40odd years👍.

[@schumcreative]

@@funlifebananas1061 Much respect to you! 40 years is what I hope to achieve some day.

[@A2Z1Two3]

Such good work deserves a better piece of wood . It took me ages to watch this , I kept nodding off & rewinding ( no offence)

[@andygreenaway6459]

Looks good very good tips🎨👍

[@bar1066]

You do inspire people Dom. This may sound small, but I haven't changed the oil on any of my cars for approximately 35 years, like most people I just hand over the cash and let my mechanic do it. I saved £50! which I then spent that on air, fuel and cabin filters. The sense of achievement was a bit OTT but I rewarded myself with a smug smile.👍

[@1924ab]

Really nice job, I worked for a time at a sign company many years ago and it was a very pleasant time.

[@francesgreen5294]

Really enjoyed watching this especially having just watched the repair shop where you repaired a sign writing box 😀

[@richardteale3217]

Many thanks for this lovely down to earth video Dominic , these things are an antidote to the crazy world we now inhabit . I am a joiner and amateur boatbuilder and probably like you I am most at peace when making something . I need to paint a sign for my house and although I loved lettering at school many years ago I haven’t done any since I lettered my boat “Lizzie”. I have been reluctant to do the house sign as I have lost confidence but your film has given me the kick I needed . A long journey begins with one step. Thanks again pal .

[@craigdann3954]

Great one Dom.. defo learnt from that.. thanks

[@edmondthompson1523]

I envy your skill! Very nice.

[@charliekingpine3893]

Second thoughts, yes please more videos like this, the Plumber's torch was good to

[@liamperry7095]

Great stuff, thanks Dom

[@100boomer]

Brilliant video Dom, loved it. Keep up the great work, really enjoying it, thanks

[@snooziesuzi]

Another awesome video update. Loved this sign writing showcase. You are, so, so talented. Xoxo

[@lexwardle790]

Hey Dom, lovely stuff. My Granddad used to used to be a signwriter and what makes it even more impressive was that he was dyslexic (not to mention all before computers). He never spoke about what he did so watching your video has given me a little bit of an insight into processes he might have used. Fab work and love watching you guys on TRS - hope you don't think this too weird but I refer to you and the team as the tellybox's answer to a cuddle. :)

[@George-uw3sl]

Thanks Dom, brilliant tutorial. This has given me an incentive to try my hand at sign writing perhaps a sign for my workshop.

[@DominicChineas]

I hope you do give it a go!

[@gmmooseblaster]

An excellent video. I hope this inspires younger people to take it up and keep the skills alive

[@isaacelebario5358]

Got to hang out to you for painting on such a rough piece of wood!! Very nice job, brick walls are the forest next to stucco finish that we have in the southwest of the US❤

[@jcbmusicpublishing9730]

This is SUCH an informative video, thank you so much, really enjoyed it 😊

[@pavlekocbek]

yeah, I'm doing it. I was amazed the first time I saw somebody hand painting this old signs. You were the first yt offered to me, and it's the first video on this matter I ever saw. It means something I guess. You should be pleased by that, sir. Good day.

[@raydriver7300]

Thoroughly enjoyable Dom 🌞

[@DominicChineas]

Thank you, glad to hear it

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

I loved watching that. Thank you. My dad is 96. When he was a boy, he watched a sign writer paint the side of a vehicle. He saw he’d made a spelling mistake but he was too frightened to tell him. He’d have got a thick ear i guess. That was so interesting. I’m wondering what else goes on in that workshop and in that head of yours? Kate x

[@howardendo4941]

Thanks, Dominic! Very inspiring video. I’m excited to paint some signs for my daughter’s up coming wedding. Thanks for the tips.

[@paulreid1109]

very enjoyable video getting inspired

[@sharonclaridge]

A friend did a course with Joby and really enjoyed it. I don't think I've got a steady enough hand to be let loose with a paintbrush beyond cutting in my walls :D

[@garybounds2377]

Thanks Dom I shall now have a go at writing my sign

[@lou9007]

There's nothing like some artistic painting to relax with and empty your mind, it's so therapeutic, the only issue is lost hours, haha, I paint and regularly look up at the clock to see it's gone 1am or worse :D

[@angelawlor659]

Thank you so much for this, I want to restore an old sign and hadn't a clue where to start but this has been a great help!

[@mikeparker3865]

really interesting Dom. I love the hand painted signs and pub mirrors and all the classically crafted items.

[@Australia-ky7kx]

Wow! I had no idea how signs are created. Thanks so much.

[@aaronjaggers3117]

Very cool ! Thanks for sharing . I’m inspired now and have found a new hobby . Love this

[@davidcarter4454]

Great video, Dominic. For transferring the letters there is another product you can use called Saral paper - I use that for letter carving. Not sure if it's compatible with paint but worth checking as it's very clean and quick to use. The pounce technique was used by the old masters like Leonardo as I'm sure you know.

[@russ1046]

Nice work. Good information about the paint 👍

[@dylanthomas5544]

Thank you so much Dom, Please keep up the amazing work and videos..

[@DominicChineas]

Your welcome! I hope it was helpful

[@georgecronin3592]

Allways a pleasure to watch your enthusiasm about skills envolving hand skills

[@kevingoodwin9887]

Great video by a great bloke, thanks for taking the time to film it

[@DominicChineas]

Your welcome!

[@tulw2728]

I just discovered this video. It was inspiring. I did enjoy it. Thank you. I subscribed. 👍👍👍👍

[@DominicChineas]

Thank you, I really appreciate it, I hope you’ll stick around!

[@sharontomlinson2012]

Thank you i've been nervous about starting you make it look so easy. I'm ready to give it a go 👍

[@diveatfivescubatraining9095]

Fantastic Dom , great video , exactly what your saying attention is in the detail 💪

[@jonno7910]

Yet another brilliant VLOG Dom, you make these things look so easy 👍

[@camhick1]

thank you for your time. restored a mini and going to sign write it myself. campbell New Zealand

[@MrAlan0151]

Always intertesting thanks Dom, your a star.

[@suebrown7882]

Thanks for this - well- presented basics are just what beginners like me need!!

[@alexanderralph2504]

sign looks awesome! some great tips in there to help keep the paint under control! Love Paragon paints, they do a quality Record blue! thanks for the video Dom 👍 will think of a sign for my shed i reckon to have a go, will get my daughter in on the chalk bit 👍👍

[@ianphillips4626]

Thanks Dom, Just what I needed to do my 'The Despair Shop' take on.....

[@brendawilliams700]

Great video Dom. Can remember using charcoal for designing embroidery patterns when I was at school.

[@mayorbowrestoration410]

Great video Dom. It has inspired me to have a go at doing a sign for my Bow studio. looking forward to the next video.

[@MrSandseeker]

Another great video Dom! Love immersive activities like these, they make us feel human again...

[@Spain029]

I love this video. I learned so much! Make more!.

[@v666edd]

Fantastic work as Always Dom 👌🏻👌🏻

[@KingMovies-ti1qf]

Love the video Dom. I'm really interested in this. Gonna have to give it a go

[@ShirleiBarnes]

Thank you, that is so helpful. I appreciate the information you shared 😊

[@j.gonsalves]

Thank you so much for this video. Brilliant stuff!

[@markwatters6875]

Thanks for a great video Dom. I have dabbed in a few small signs over the years for family and friends, no where as good as yours, and I just learnt more from you than I ever knew. Thanks again and all the best from Australia

[@dingodoctor7373]

Great work, given me ideas, thanks to your tutorial.

[@MikeGillett58]

Thank you, please keep sharing!

[@lestersenra5407]

Awesome work! Thank you! Keep it up!!!

[@neillewis3615]

Great video Dom, and a great job!

[@josemadrid5804]

I love this, thank you, yeah this helped a lot, I wanna get into it, this is a great example to begin with it

[@TS-hz5jb]

This video was so helpful to me. I'm getting ready to do my first sign for my farm and I'm so nervous. Thanks for the precise instructions. Keep up the good work.

[@unclefranko2452]

Hi Dom ,great video mate . I also took part in a Joby Carter sign writing course and would also recommend it to anyone Interested in the art . But your a great teacher too ,people will learn a lot From your videos. Best regards Frank

[@paulp96275]

Dom you make it look very easy a work of art watched many a signwriter paint trucks vans etc and always impressed with their work,the plastic signs are widely used now because when the truck is sold on they can easily be removed and new names applied great tutorial thanks Don 👍👨🏻‍🏭

[@billconiston8091]

fantastic - thanks so much for sharing!

[@GeordsYouTube]

What a great video, I have done some armature attempts for stuff around my house. This inspires me to do more and apply some of the lessons learned from this video

[@DominicChineas]

That’s brilliant I hope you give it a go!

[@dekkb]

Great book, really helped me too.

[@robertdufour2456]

Thoroughly enjoyable and highly informative! Thank you, Sir