Essential signwriters kit
A Cheat sheet of Essential art materials for sign painters
Starting your journey into the world of signwriting is both exciting and rewarding. To ensure you’re well-equipped to create stunning signs, here is a comprehensive list of materials to consider packing with you for a job as a beginner sign writer. Many of these tools are versatile and can be used both on-site and in your home or studio, while others are optional and depend on your personal style and techniques. Please not the below does not include materials for gilding.
Signwriting Brushes
These can come in all sorts of options. My advice would be to start with a few and work up as needed. As a beginner I would recommend:
Sable Chisel Writer Brushes from Handover (2112 Series) in sizes 7, 4 and 2. I think this would be a good set for starting off.
Mack the Virus – A fantastic set of brushes if you need to do some lining. This is unlikely as a beginner but nice to play around with.
Remember to look after your brushes. If you treat them well you may never have to throw one away and therefore only add to your collection. Clean them well, keep the paint out of the ferrule as best you can and keep them conditioned. When I first buy a brush I rinse it in hot water and washing up liquid and then soak it in motor oi and store it. There are many options for keeping your brushes nice but I like getting an oil into the ferrule so that paint doesn’t find its way into there and dry up. Brushes like to be ‘worn in’ a little so you may find it gets better and better as you use it.
Paints & CHEMICALS
Signwriting Paints
There are many brands but I personally use 1shot. I would recommend getting a lettering white and black to start off with and then adding colours for the job needed or as you can afford it or would like some practice with some more fun colours..
Water based paints
These will be job specific so I would invest as and when a client requests a job that you think requires a water based paint. This would be certain interior jobs where I would like to get a matt finish , an exterior hard wearing emulsion paint for backgrounds for sign blanks etc.
Reducer for thinning paints
Flow Extenders for longer strokes and better control of drying times in different climates.
Tools and Accessories
Mahl Stick
Pounce and Pounce Pad- If needed for your style of layout
Pencils
Pens
Eraser
Pencil Sharpener
Scissors
Knife
Paint tin opener
White Chalk
Paint Palette
Cup holder
Cups
Posca Pens
Posca Pens are great for chalkboard jobs and therefore not essential for every job. These also can add up so building a collection over time is advised. Start with a black and white and learn lettering styles with them and then increase your size and colour collection as the jobs require them.
Tape
Decorators Tape
Low Tack Decorators Tape
Masking Tape
High Tack Tape (In case of troubleshooting)
A array of tapes is advisable. Decorators tape are excellent for quick sharp block lettering but low tack is essential for times when the surface is particularly fragile. Other times you will encounter a difficult surface or winds that peel your template away before you are ready and in these circumstances only a high tack tape will do.
Transfer Paper
Transfer Paper
Chalk paper
Graphite paper
Again multiple options are needed depending on the job. Multiple colours and styles are a good idea so you can to adapt to any surface or on-site need; Longer lasting for risk of rain, Easy clean up options, contrasting colours to see design well and options for if nothing else is working! Always test your transfer choice in an inconspicuous area to find the best option on the day.
Designs
Any templates needed for the job - A mix of sizes if unsure which is best. These can be pre chalked or pounce patterned for saving time on site.
Clean-Up Supplies
White Spirit - Cleaning brushes and diluting.
Rags and Paper Towels or wet wipes (please choose environmentally friendly wet wipes!)
Bin Bags
Brush Cleaner
Some people love Vaseline or specific brush protectors. I personally love motor oil. It seems to get those last nagging bit of paint out from the ferrule whilst keeping the brushes super smooth and conditioned. Remember to rinse brush in white spirit before taking it out and using in paint.
Microfibre cloths - Great for wrapping around ladder tops to stop indents or scuff marks on walls while painting. Also great for cleaning up small bits of chalk dust.
Protection
Specialist Mask if using nasty chemicals. Remember to Ventilate room too.
Painters Clothes or Apron
Gloves
Floor covering – Not needed on all jobs but essential for inside jobs to protect your clients flooring.
Additional Items
Brush Storage. For keeping brushes flat and clean
Kit Storage - For carrying all of your materials around.
Carrying all this equipment on public transport can be extremely tiring and you don’t want to turn up to work with a body that is not ready to stand on a ladder and arms too tired to paint. Once you have your kit together consider the best option or you. If you are based in a city and relying on public transport you will need a smaller more choosier kit. A suitcase with wheels could be a great option. You may even find a way to mount your ladder on the side of it. You may prefer to take a backpack and carry your ladder. If you are driving you can afford to take more kit with you and you may like proper custom branded signwriting brush boxes etc to hold your kit.
Easel or Workbench (For at home jobs) – choose one big enough to hold large heavy signs.
Ladder (On Site Jobs) – Choose wisely.
Some signwriters like the more lightweight ones and they are very popular. I have seen an accident with one of these and am not comfortable with how much they seem to bend when standing on them. I opted for a more ridged heavier weight one. Either way you will need one you trust with your life! Make sure you read up about your particular ladder so you can use it correctly. I also advise you learn about general ladder health and safety etiquette too. Never compromise your health to reach a sign. If you feel uncomfortable talk to your client about how to resolve this issue without risking yourself.
Conclusion
Equipping yourself with these essential materials will set you up for success as a beginner signwriter. With the right tools, paints, and surfaces, you'll be ready to practice your techniques and create beautiful, professional-looking signs. Happy signwriting!