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Painter working on a large hand-lettered wall sign mounted to a brick building
Close-up of brushwork and blue paint splatter on a hand-painted sign with lettering
Crew installing a large painted wordmark banner on a high-rise building
Sign painters on ladders touching up a storefront sign while work progresses around them
Artists hand-painting large wall mural typography on a brick building

Hand-Painted Signs

Classic hand-lettering and mural-style signage—painted by hand, built for real-world durability, and designed to make your storefront feel instantly “established.”

  • Hand-lettered typography and illustration with a one-of-one finish (no “template” look)
  • Brand-matched color palettes with layout options before we paint
  • Painted in-shop on panels (ship nationwide) or on-site across the Bay Area
  • Clear coat + substrate prep options for outdoor longevity
  • Great for vintage-style murals, storefront statements, and interior feature walls
The story Local Sign Shop Discovers A Brush Is Basically A Printer With Attitude Berkeley, CA —

Hand-painted signage is what your brain thinks a “real business” looks like. The brushwork, subtle texture, and tiny imperfections read as craft—and craft reads as trust. It’s why hand-lettered murals and window marks stop people mid-walk.

Our process blends old-school technique with modern planning: we design and mock up placement, confirm colors, and prep the surface so paint bonds the way it should. Depending on the job, we paint in-shop on panels (easy to ship) or on-site across the Bay Area for murals and direct-to-wall lettering.

If you want a clean, modern look, we can do that too—hand-painted doesn’t have to mean rustic. Tell us the vibe (vintage, bold, minimal, playful) and where it lives (brick, stucco, drywall, glass, metal). We’ll recommend the right approach and finish so it holds up.

Quick answer

Direct answer: Hand-painted signs are custom brush-painted graphics—lettering, logos, and illustration—applied to a panel or wall for a premium, human-made look that prints can’t quite replicate.

Key takeaways

  • The “hand-painted” feel comes from brushwork, edge variation, and layered color—not just a font choice.
  • We can paint directly on walls or create painted panels that ship ready to install.
  • A quick photo of the space + rough dimensions is usually enough to start a mockup and estimate.

Specs & options

Specs

Service area
San Francisco Bay Area (on-site) + nationwide shipping (painted panels)
Surfaces
Brick, drywall, wood, metal, glass, and painted panels (surface-dependent)
Paint systems
Professional coatings selected for the substrate and exposure (indoor/outdoor)
Finish options
Matte, satin, gloss + optional protective clear coat
Color matching
Brand palette matching and on-wall/on-panel test swatches when needed
Timeline
Typically 1–3 weeks depending on scope, access, and approvals

Options

  • Panel vs. wall — Painted panels for easy shipping/installation, or direct-to-wall murals.
  • Style direction — Vintage, bold, minimal, playful, illustrative, or “clean modern.”
  • Weather protection — Clear coat and substrate prep options for outdoor exposure.
  • Layout planning — Digital mockups for placement, size, and balance before paint.
  • Aftercare — Touch-up plans and maintenance guidance for long-term durability.

Need help preparing files? See Artwork Setup.

Good fit for

  • Storefront Murals — Big, readable statements that make your location impossible to miss.
  • Window Lettering — Hours, logos, and “open” messaging with a premium feel.
  • Interior Feature Walls — Photo-friendly backdrops for lobbies, cafés, and studios.
  • Event + Pop-Up Signage — Temporary installs that still look elevated.
  • Wayfinding + Wall Graphics — Directional messaging with personality.
  • Brand Campaigns — Painted one-offs for launches, collaborations, and activations.

How it works

  1. 1) Share the space

    Send a photo of the wall/panel, rough dimensions, and any brand assets (logo, colors, examples you like).

  2. 2) Mockup + scope

    We propose layout options, confirm surface prep needs, and quote the work (including access and scheduling).

  3. 3) Paint + protect

    We prep the surface, paint the design, and apply a protective finish when appropriate.

  4. 4) Install (if needed)

    For panels, we ship or install in the Bay Area. For murals, we complete on-site and leave it photo-ready.

FAQ

Do you paint directly on brick and textured walls?

Yes, when the surface is sound and accessible. For heavily textured or weathered walls, we’ll recommend the best prep and paint system—or a painted panel that mounts cleanly.

Can you match our brand colors?

Yes. We match brand palettes and can do test swatches for critical colors. Keep in mind: the wall color and finish can influence how paint reads in different lighting.

How long do hand-painted signs last outdoors?

With the right surface prep and protective clear coat, exterior-painted signage can hold up for years. Longevity depends on sun exposure, moisture, and wall condition—share photos and we’ll advise.

Is this only for “vintage” styles?

Not at all. Hand-painted can be crisp and modern—clean edges, minimal palettes, and bold typography are all on the table.

What do you need to start?

A photo of the space, approximate size, city/address (for access and scheduling), and any logos or inspiration. We’ll take it from there.