What are "bulletin colors" and when should I use them?

Bulletin colors also have a gloss surface, but are thinner than enamels and do not provide as high a level of coverage. They are suitable for fresh surfaces, for redoing older signs, and for covering large surfaces. Bulletin colors should only be used on a primed surface.

What are "enamels" and when should I use them?

Enamels have a durable, gloss finish and can be used both inside and outside. They have excellent hiding power, so they are suited to covering older signs. Water-based enamels can be used on heavier paper mediums such as cardboard or posterboard. Enamels are not suitable for thin paper mediums.

What are "poster colors" and when should I use them?

Poster colors, also called poster paints, have a flat finish, and they dry faster than enamels. Unlike water-based enamels, they can be used on thin paper mediums. They are suited to interior and short-term exterior use.

Do I need a primer or sealer?

It depends on what you are covering, on the quality of the surface underneath, and on how long you expect the finished sign to last. If you are covering an older sign, a primer helps to prevent its ghostly presense from bleeding through and spoiling the appearance of the new sign. Use a sealer to prepare a surface, especially a porous surface, so that your sign will last longer.

Can I use acrylic paints for sign painting?

Use only acrylics that are designed for exterior use. Exterior acrylics have a harder and less flexible finish than artist's acrylics, and they resist water. This makes them suitable for both indoor and outdoor uses, such as architectural murals and signs.

Do I need to use a coating or varnish to finish my sign?

How long do you want your work to last? If it will appear in an exposed, outdoor location, we can provide a variety of varnishes, coatings, and glazes that help protect it from the ravages of wind, rain, and ultraviolet light. Some of these coatings are also designed to give it a glossy or reflective sheen. If your sign will appear in a protected indoor location, you might consider some of the products in our [Finishes](https://www.dickblick.com/categories/finishes "Finishes") section.

"When all else fails, read the instructions."

Remember that there are a variety of sign paints and accessories because no single product is right for every situation and surface. Read the instructions carefully because the manufacturer's advice on how to get the most from a sign painting product is always extremely valuable. The specialists in our Product Information department can also answer your questions. You'll find all the ways to contact us listed at the bottom of every page in our website. At peak times, it may take up to a day for someone to get back to you with an answer.

Sign Painting Supplies

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+ 5 Options
Utrecht NOOD Odorless Paint Thinner
+ 5 Options
Item #: 02054
4.7 out of 5 stars
(27) number of reviews
Utrecht NOOD Odorless Paint Thinner is a pure, odorless, slow-evaporating thinner for artists’ oil colors and oil mediums. A safer alternative to turp...
+ 2 Options
Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Acrylic Coating
+ 2 Options
Item #: 21703
4.6 out of 5 stars
(48) number of reviews
Provides permanent, protective gloss or matte coating to protect art and craft objects and materials against fading caused by UV light rays. Moisture-...
+ 2 Options
Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic Coatings
+ 2 Options
Item #: 21703
4.7 out of 5 stars
(38) number of reviews
Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic Coating provides a permanent, protective gloss finish that won’t yellow with age. Use it on wood, metal, paper, plastic, ...
+ 3 Options
Mona Lisa Odorless Paint Thinners
+ 3 Options
Item #: 03563
5 out of 5 stars
An affordable essential for artists working with oil-based media, Mona Lisa Odorless Paint Thinner by Speedball is made from 100% pure odorless minera...
+ 2 Options
MTN Liquid Metallics
+ 2 Options
Item #: 01296
4.7 out of 5 stars
(26) number of reviews
Add bright metallic shine to your projects with MTN Liquid Metallics. This high-pigment, solvent-based paint is permanent, has excellent coverage, and...
+ 3 Options
Natural Earth Paint Eco-Solve Paint Thinner
+ 3 Options
Item #: 00518
Safer for artists and the environment, Natural Earth Eco-Solve Paint Thinner is a 100% natural, professional-quality alternative to conventional thinn...
+ 2 Options
Krylon Low-Odor Clear Finish
+ 2 Options
Item #: 23710
4.5 out of 5 stars
Krylon Low-Odor Clear Finish. Formulated using true latex technology, Krylon Low-Odor Coatings provide the same quality as traditional Krylon coatings...
+ 2 Options
Crown Low Odor Mineral Spirits
+ 2 Options
Item #: 01032
4.3 out of 5 stars
Low Odor Mineral Spirits acts as a fine quality thinner for use in reducing most brush-applied alkyd and oil paints, varnishes, and enamels. It improv...
+ 8 Options
Testors Enamel Paint Markers
+ 8 Options
Item #: 19903
4.7 out of 5 stars
Now available in a convenient chisel-point marker and a variety of new colors, Testors Enamel Paints are great for detail work on skateboards, boogie ...
+ 2 Options
Crown Odorless Paint Thinner
+ 2 Options
Item #: 01012
4.7 out of 5 stars
(23) number of reviews
Artist's quality, may be used in place of turpentine for reducing paint and cleaning brushes, palettes, and spray equipment.
+ 5 Options
Utrecht NOOD 2 Odorless Thinners
+ 5 Options
Item #: 00527
Utrecht NOOD 2 Odorless Paint Thinner delivers professional performance and peace of mind anywhere you work. Exceptionally pure and refined to minimiz...
+ 3 Options
1-Shot Reducers and Enhancers
+ 3 Options
Item #: 01014
4.4 out of 5 stars
1-Shot Reducers are designed to thin paint, reduce viscosity, and adjust flow and leveling without altering the quality of lettering enamels and bulle...
+ 6 Options
Primo Primer and Sealers
+ 6 Options
Item #: 27106
5 out of 5 stars
A premium quality waterbased acrylic primer/sealant specially designed to prepare non-metallic surfaces for the application of metallic surfacer solut...
Bulls Eye Spray Shellac
Item #: 01011
5 out of 5 stars
In stock online
Durable sealer and finish. Fast drying, clear, convenient to use, and no brush to clean.
+ 3 Options
Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Latex Primer Sealer
+ 3 Options
Item #: 01007
2.5 out of 5 stars
For all interior/exterior surfaces, even on damp surfaces (it lets moisture escape). Also used on chalky, weathered surfaces, on glossy surfaces. It a...
Sunnyside Acetone
Item #: 01568
5 out of 5 stars
In stock online
High powered, fast drying solvent for thinning epoxies, fiberglass and other resins. Quart container (32 oz).
1-Shot Hardener
Item #: 01038
4.7 out of 5 stars
In stock online
1-Shot Hardener is designed to accelerate the drying time of 1-Shot Lettering Enamels. It also extends color life, increases gloss, and improves adhes...
+ 2 Options
Ronan Prime-All
+ 2 Options
Item #: 03511
4.6 out of 5 stars
The powerful stain-killing formula of this unique, waterbased acrylic primer checks water stains, smoke damage, wood tannin, asphalt stains, crayon, m...
1-Shot Chromatic Clear Flattening Paste
Item #: 01038
4.5 out of 5 stars
In stock online
Perfect for murals, signs, or wherever a reduced gloss level is desired, 1-Shot Chromatic Clear Flattening Paste incorporates a varnish additive that ...
Sunnyside Odorless Paint Thinner
Item #: 02995
4.9 out of 5 stars
(21) number of reviews
In stock online
Sunnyside Odorless Paint Thinner is completely odorless and free of objectionable aromatic solvent content. It is perfect for anyone who needs to keep...
1-Shot Fast Dry Gold Size
Item #: 01038
5 out of 5 stars
In stock online
The perfect choice for all surface gilding applications, 1-Shot Fast Dry Gold Size reaches its gilding tack in one hour or less and remains open for u...
Ronan One Stroke Enamel Hardener
Item #: 01056
In stock online
Ronan One Stroke Enamel Hardener is a professional-quality additive to lettering enamels increasing gloss and extending durability while reducing dryi...
+ 2 Options
Ronan One Stroke Temperature Enamel Reducer
+ 2 Options
Item #: 01056
5 out of 5 stars
Efficiently cut the drying time of lettering enamels with Ronan One Stroke Temperature Reducer while maintaining gloss and adhesion. Use High Temp Red...
1-Shot Tinting
Item #: 01016
5 out of 5 stars
In stock online
For achieving various shades of color. Use in shading and tinting 1-Shot Lettering Enamels and Bulletin Colors without affecting properties of base co...
Ronan One Stroke Flow Enhancer
Item #: 01056
In stock online
Ronan One Stroke Flow Enhancer improves flow, decreases drag, and slows drying time of lettering enamels. It also eliminates brushstrokes for a beauti...
Ronan Jack’s Cream Blending Medium
Item #: 01056
In stock online
This heavy-bodied blending medium extends open times and allows for smooth color transitions. Ronan Jack’s Cream can be used with bulletin paints and ...
Ronan Alkyd Flattening Paste
Item #: 01056
In stock online
Ronan Alkyd Flattening Paste is specially formulated to reduce gloss level. Achieve a semi-gloss finish by mixing with One Stroke Lettering Enamels or...
Crown Lacquer Thinner
Item #: 44958
5 out of 5 stars
In stock online
General purpose, medium dry grade for thinning clear and pigmented lacquer-based inks and paints, and for removing lacquer based handcut film from scr...
Sunnyside Specs Paint Thinner
Item #: 02995
2.5 out of 5 stars
In stock online
This standard paint solvent is a superior thinner and cleaner for oil-base paints and tools. The Specs name stands for quality and the thinner is made...
+ 2 Options
Testors Paint Thinner
+ 2 Options
Item #: 01037
Testors Enamel Paint Thinner helps artists and hobbyists fine-tune enamel paints for precise, consistent results. This versatile thinner allows you to...