The Sign Painter is me, David Mearns, owner and Director of Signmode, an award winning signage company. I am one of the few traditional signwriters left within the industry who hand paints signs. I have been in the sign industry for over 40 years and as well as signwriting have worked in all aspects of the sign industry and so truly appreciate what it takes to make a beautiful sign.

THE COURSE


Our signwriting course is designed to give a comprehensive insight into the techniques involved in producing signwriting of a high standard. Like most skills, becoming proficient in signwriting requires practice and it is hoped whilst attending the day you have the bug to continue with learning this amazing trade.


We will enable the signwriter to produce work to standards required in the commercial world while being comfortable with a more freestyle form of lettering.


We offer a one day course that includes:

  • Equipment and care of tools
  • Lettering development
  • OHV method of teaching one dimension lettering
  • Layout & Tracing
  • Paint mixing
  • Surface preparation
  • Brush techniques
  • Paint application
  • Finishing and cleaning up

The course will be limited to 4 people. Participants should wear old clothes or bring apron/overalls and we recommend bringing a notebook to take notes.


We are based in old converted units within beautiful orchards, in the lovely, sleepy village of Long Furlong. There is parking and toilet facilities on site.

Signwriter illustration
  • Equipment and care of tools
  • Lettering development
  • OHV method of teaching one dimension lettering
  • Layout & Tracing
  • Paint mixing
  • Surface preparation
  • Brush techniques
  • Paint application
  • Finishing and cleaning up

The course will be limited to 4 people. Participants should wear old clothes or bring apron/overalls and we recommend bringing a notebook to take notes.


We are based in old converted units within beautiful orchards, in the lovely, sleepy village of Long Furlong. There is parking and toilet facilities on site.

BOOKING


PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR OUR AVAILABLE SIGNWRITING COURSE DATES:


2026:

Friday 25th September

Friday 23rd October

Friday 27th November



2027:

Friday 29th January 2027

Friday 26th February 2027

Friday 19th March 2027

Friday 30th April 2027

Friday 28th May 2027

Friday 25th June 2027

Friday 30th July 2027

Friday 24th September 2027

Friday 29th October 2027

Friday 26th November 2027


Click here to book your place (advising on your preferred date)

Our one day course costs £200 + VAT per person, which includes tuition, tea/coffee and a light lunch. We will also supply you with some basic signwriting kit to take away and practice at home with.*


EDUCATIONAL VISITS – CONTACT US WHEN YOU WANT TO BOOK US

We work with schools and colleges, and will come to you to make it easier to attend the course.*


*Please note that if the attendance is cancelled by you within 10 working days of the event, the full amount of the invoice will still be payable. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.


The Sign Painter and Signmode may use photos taken on the day and the company names of delegates on their social media pages. Please let us know by reply if you wish to opt out of any social media mentions.

PHOTO GALLERY

WHAT PEOPLE SAY


“A fun day of professional development on the signwriter intro. David has a great one-day taster course worked out, which moves swiftly across a variety of skills involved in traditional hand painted signage.


He clearly loves the craft and enjoys sharing generously from a wealth of entertaining and illuminating stories gathered across a lifetime of experience in the business. Not only was this a useful day developing new skills but it also which offered a first hand insight into the work and practice of a professional signwriter.


Highly recommended for anyone inclined to give it a go or even just vaguely interested. David is friendly, easy going and a good teacher. Oh – and the lunch and take-home starter kit were an added bonus.


You’ll thank me later!”

Take a look at some of our other incredible feedback for our one day signwriting course:


I had a fab day with David. Learning about the products and controlling your brush. Lovely facilities and great to see a showreel of David’s work! I love letters and wanted to learn from someone passionate about his job.

Louise G

I am so pleased that I joined David's signwriting course - it was a great intro to the different techniques, practical, and his passion is contagious. He shared his years of experience with warmth and humour. Thank you David!

Esther A

I really loved the course - the day went so quickly. We covered so much, and I left feeling very inspired. David is a brilliant teacher, and gives you the confidence to experiment, and build your brushwork skills. Thank you so much.

Frances H

Very good at explaining techniques and very easy to get along with. I went along to know a bit more about brush care and how to get a smoother flow. Came away feeling I had achieved that.

Gary M

I had a lovely day with David. Informative and with practical exercises and advice to improve my basic skills in sign painting. The day was relaxed and we all had some good chats which made me feel at ease. I am inspired to keep practicing!

Dana C

David is a really great teacher, highly recommend the workshop. You get to experience and learn expert knowledge in a lovely environment. Super fun, informative, engaging and relaxing.

Izi I

I had such a great day at the full-day workshop with The Sign Painter. David was so attentive and encouraging, and with the small group size it felt really relaxed and hands-on.

Charlotte H

I'd be keen on any follow on courses you may offer in future and if there is any chance to shadow you and be a free second set of hands, please let me know.

B. Goater

She had an absolutely brilliant time btw, she hasn't stop talking about the day!!

R. Knowlson

Thanks so much, I had a great day and look forward to receiving my poster so I can continue practicing the skills you taught me. 

C. Joyce

I had a fab day with David. Learning about the products and controlling your brush. Great to see a showreel of David’s work! I love letters and wanted to learn from someone passionate about his job, sharing his knowledge.

Louise G

I am so pleased that I joined David's signwriting course - it was a great intro to the different techniques, practical, and his passion is contagious. He shared his years of experience with warmth and humour. Thank you David!

Esther A

She had an absolutely brilliant time btw, she hasn't stop talking about the day!!

R. Knowlson

I really loved the course - the day went so quickly. We covered so much, and I left feeling very inspired. David is a brilliant teacher, and gives you the confidence to experiment, and build your brushwork skills. Thank you so much.

Frances H

Very good at explaining techniques and very easy to get along with. I went along to know a bit more about brush care and how to get a smoother flow. Came away feeling I had achieved that.

Gary M

I had a lovely day with David. Informative and with practical exercises and advice to improve my basic skills in sign painting. The day was relaxed and we all had some good chats which made me feel at ease. I am inspired to keep practicing!

Dana C

Absolutely superb day, lots of painting, great snacks, great stories and great fun too!! Highly recommended if you want to peek inside the magic world of this traditional craft.

Dale

David is a really great teacher, highly recommend the workshop. You get to experience and learn expert knowledge in a lovely environment. Super fun, informative, engaging and relaxing.

Izi I

I had such a great day at the full-day workshop with The Sign Painter. David was so attentive and encouraging, and with the small group size it felt really relaxed and hands-on.

Charlotte H

I'd be keen on any follow on courses you may offer in future and if there is any chance to shadow you and be a free second set of hands, please let me know.

B. Goater

I had a fab day with David. Learning about the products and controlling your brush. Lovely facilities and great to see a showreel of David’s work! I love letters and wanted to learn from someone passionate about his job, sharing his knowledge.

Louise G

I am so pleased that I joined David's signwriting course - it was a great intro to the different techniques, practical, and his passion is contagious. He shared his years of experience with warmth and humour. Thank you David!

Esther A

I really loved the course - the day went so quickly. We covered so much, and I left feeling very inspired. David is a brilliant teacher, and gives you the confidence to experiment, and build your brushwork skills. Thank you so much.

Frances H

Very good at explaining techniques and very easy to get along with. I went along to know a bit more about brush care and how to get a smoother flow. Came away feeling I had achieved that.

Gary M

I had a lovely day with David. Informative and with practical exercises and advice to improve my basic skills in sign painting. The day was relaxed and we all had some good chats which made me feel at ease. I am inspired to keep practicing!

Dana C

Absolutely superb day, lots of painting, great snacks, great stories and great fun too!! Highly recommended if you want to peek inside the magic world of this traditional craft.

Dale

David is a really great teacher, highly recommend the workshop. You get to experience and learn expert knowledge in a lovely environment. Super fun, informative, engaging and relaxing.

Izi I

I had such a great day at the full-day workshop with The Sign Painter. David was so attentive and encouraging, and with the small group size it felt really relaxed and hands-on.

Charlotte H

I'd be keen on any follow on courses you may offer in future and if there is any chance to shadow you and be a free second set of hands, please let me know.

B. Goater

She had an absolutely brilliant time btw, she hasn't stop talking about the day!!

R. Knowlson

VOUCHERS


Why not treat a friend or loved one to one of our one day signwriting course vouchers? A novel idea for a Birthday, Christmas, Wedding, Father's or Mother’s Day gift! Available from £200 + VAT.


Click the voucher below to order yours!

The Sign Painter vouchers

VOUCHERS


Why not treat a friend or loved one to one of our one day signwriting course vouchers? A novel idea for a Birthday, Christmas, Wedding, Father's or Mother’s Day gift! Available from £200 + VAT.


Click the voucher below to order yours!

The Sign Painter vouchers

VOUCHERS


Why not treat a friend or loved one to one of our one day signwriting course vouchers? A novel idea for a Birthday, Christmas, Wedding, Father's or Mother’s Day gift! Available from £200 + VAT.


Click the voucher below to order yours!

The Sign Painter vouchers

CONTACT US

Contact Us

OPENING HOURS

Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm

Sat: Training by appointment

Sun: Rest day