GRANITE HOMES SIGNAGE

 

Granite Homes approached us with a vision to bring character and authenticity to their building’s exterior through a ghost sign-style mural. Ghost signs, remnants of hand-painted advertisements from the early 20th century, offer a nostalgic charm that blends seamlessly into older brickwork. Our task was to replicate that vintage aesthetic while maintaining brand recognition in a way that felt natural and historically grounded.

The Process & Challenges

The project took careful planning and execution, beginning with the three-stage scaffolding setup to reach the upper façade safely. This was crucial given the building’s height and the rough brick surface, which posed an additional challenge in achieving clean, readable lettering. Unlike smooth walls, brick absorbs paint unevenly, meaning extra time was needed for careful layering and adjustments.

For accuracy and efficiency, we used vinyl stencils to establish the logo’s foundation, ensuring the proportions and alignment were correct before applying paint. However, since the goal was to create a faded, timeworn appearance, we couldn’t simply leave the design crisp and clean. Instead, we employed various faux-aging techniques, including:

  • Dry brushing to create uneven coverage
  • Layering washes of diluted paint to soften edges
  • Strategic distressing of key areas to mimic years of natural weathering
  • Selective fading to simulate sun exposure and erosion over time

Achieving the perfect balance between legibility and authenticity was key. Too much distressing and the logo would become unreadable; too little, and it wouldn’t achieve the desired vintage look.

A Logistical Challenge

The location of the project also posed an added challenge. With the site being a long drive from the city, careful logistical planning was essential. We had to bring all necessary materials, scaffolding, and equipment in a single trip, ensuring there were no delays once we began work.

With weather playing a role in how outdoor murals are completed, we worked efficiently to get the job done within the allotted time frame while still allowing for natural drying and layering to achieve the ghost sign effect.

The Final Result

The finished piece blends seamlessly into the architecture, looking as though it has been there for decades. The distressed yet elegant style adds an element of timeless craftsmanship, reinforcing the Granite Homes brand with a nod to historical signage traditions.

This project showcases how ghost sign techniques can enhance modern branding with a nostalgic, handcrafted feel, creating a lasting impression without overpowering the building’s natural character.