Want a farmhouse look for less? Try this Distressed Chippy Kitchen Sign tutorial with layered paint and packing tape distressing.
How to make a bamboo cutting board sign, with a chippy, distressed chalk paint finish.
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Why I love this craft
If you love farmhouse décor, you’re going to adore this project! Today we’re taking Dollar Tree’s new large bamboo cutting board and transforming it into a Distressed Chippy Kitchen Sign that looks straight out of a high-end boutique.
The secret? A layered paint technique combined with a simple roll of packing tape that gives you that perfectly weathered, chippy finish. This is an inexpensive and fun DIY that’s great for your kitchen or anywhere you want to add a little rustic charm.
Video Tutorial: Distressed Chippy Kitchen Sign
Watch this quick video to see how this craft came together:
Distressed Chippy Kitchen Sign
Want a farmhouse look for less? Try this Distressed Chippy Kitchen Sign tutorial with layered paint and packing tape distressing.
Materials
- 1 Dollar Tree bamboo cutting board (large size)
- Americana gel stain (or substitute brown paint)
- Dollar Tree taper candle (or any wax candle)
- Green chalk paint (any shade works!)
- Cream chalk paint (example: “Parchment”)
- Clear packing tape
- Dark green adhesive vinyl (or lettering)
- Transfer tape (for vinyl application)
- Matte Mod Podge (for sealing and protection)
Tools
- Paintbrushes or foam brushes
- Smoothing tool or credit card (for packing tape)
- Cricut or other vinyl cutting machine (for lettering)
Instructions
- Watch the video tutorial. Follow along with the video tutorial for a step-by-step walkthrough of how to make your own kitchen sign.
- Stain the Base. Brush a coat of Americana gel stain across the cutting board, working in long strokes in the same direction. Let it dry completely before moving on.
- Add Wax for Distressing. Rub a taper candle over the stained surface, especially along edges and random spots. This wax layer will help create that worn, distressed chippy look once the paint is applied.
- Apply Green Chalk Paint. Paint the entire board with green chalk paint, making sure to cover the edges. Wipe away excess wax if needed, then let the board dry.
- More Wax + Cream Paint Layer. Rub more wax in a few areas, then brush on a coat of cream chalk paint (like “Parchment”). Don’t stress about perfect coverage—some of the green peeking through adds to the rustic style. Let dry completely.
- Distress with Packing Tape. This is where the magic happens! Press strips of clear packing tape firmly across the painted board. Smooth down with a tool, then peel back to reveal layers of color and texture. Repeat in sections until you’re happy with the finish. For a more dramatic look, reapply tape in new spots to pull off additional paint.
- Add Lettering. To turn your project into a sign, cut a farmhouse-style phrase from dark green vinyl and apply it with transfer tape. This extra touch really brings your Distressed Chippy Kitchen Sign to life.
- Seal the Finish. Brush a coat of matte Mod Podge over the entire piece to protect the paint and help the vinyl lettering last—especially handy if you’ll be displaying it in the kitchen.
The finished craft:
And there you have it—a budget-friendly Distressed Chippy Kitchen Sign that looks straight out of a farmhouse décor catalog. The layered paint technique and packing tape trick give you a boutique-worthy chippy finish without the price tag. Try this method on other surfaces like frames, trays, or thrift store finds for even more rustic DIY fun. Grab a few bamboo cutting boards on your next Dollar Tree trip and get creative!
PIN this craft for later:
Packaging Tape Crafts You Must Try
This craft was part of a compilation video over on my YouTube Channel, along with DIY Washi Tape using Packing Tape, Dollar Tree Craft: DIY Distressed Notepad Holder, Dollar Tree DIY: Distressed Chippy Kitchen Sign, DIY Pressed Flower Bookmarks… Using Packing Tape!, DIY Image Transfer Candle Craft (Dollar Tree Hack!), Photos on Glass – This DIY is Easier Than You Might Think, DIY Packing Tape Stickers.