KELSEY’S – FAUX PAINTING & SIGNAGE – 2013

 

FAUX PAINTED EXTERIOR & CUSTOM RESTAURANT SIGNAGE

📍 Kelseys Original Roadhouse
📍 1011 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

This project was a full faux finishing and hand-painted signage job for Kelseys Original Roadhouse, as part of their rebranding and renovation efforts. The goal was to create a timeless, vintage look—as if the building had been there for decades—by employing distressed paint techniques to replicate the look of an old ghost sign.

A design team and Kelseys management worked closely with us, ensuring that every detail matched their vision. We conducted multiple test samples to refine the faux painting techniques until we achieved the perfect aged-brick effect.

TECHNIQUES & PROCESS

FAUX BRICK PAINTING – CREATING A WEATHERED LOOK

  • The building was first primed to create a strong base.
  • We applied multiple layers of Benjamin Moore paint to achieve a worn, distressed finish.
  • A combination of paint rollers, mini rollers, and various brushes was used to layer the whitewash without achieving full opacity, creating a naturally aged look.
  • The effect was gradually built up with soft, uneven coats, ensuring the brick’s natural texture came through.

HAND-PAINTED SIGNAGE

  • Signage was painted across multiple locations on the building, including:
    • The entrance facade: Featuring large typography and a marquee-style “HELLO” sign.
    • Side walls & patio signage: Showcasing Kelseys branding with inspiring messages.
    • Interior walls: Adding to the rustic atmosphere inside the restaurant.
  • Vinyl stencils were used for precision on smaller signs, while projection techniques helped scale up larger designs.
  • To maintain the faux-aged effect, we used light layers of paint and subtle distressing techniques, so the signs appeared to have faded naturally over time.

INTERIOR SIGNAGE & DISTRESSED WALL ART

Inside the restaurant, the distressed brick look continued. Several large-scale wall graphics were painted, including:

  • “KELSEY’S SINCE 1978”—painted with a faded, vintage effect that seamlessly blended with the textured brick.
  • Layered stenciling techniques were used to apply shadows and highlights, making the signage appear worn yet readable.
  • Ghost lettering techniques added to the illusion of an old, industrial-style print that had been on the walls for years.

ACCESS & EQUIPMENT

  • A Genie boom lift was used for high exterior walls.
  • Scaffolding was set up along multiple areas for stable access to the signage.
  • Care was taken to preserve the natural imperfections of the brick, making the entire effect feel authentic and organic.

PHOTO BREAKDOWN

📸 First Image (Front Entrance):

  • This shot captures the main signage above the entrance, featuring bold typography and the “HELLO” marquee sign. The aged brick effect makes the building feel like a historic landmark.

📸 Second Image (Interior 1978 Wall):

  • Inside the restaurant, “KELSEY’S 1978” is painted in large, softly faded numbers, reinforcing the brand’s legacy. The brick texture enhances the authentic aged look.

📸 Third Image (Interior Kelsey’s Logo):

  • This close-up of another interior wall shows the deliberately worn branding. The layered brush strokes and faded colors make it feel like a decades-old industrial print.

📸 Fourth Image (Side Exterior & Patio):

  • The side of the building continues the distressed branding theme, with “KELSEY’S” lettering faded into the brick. The patio signage was also hand-painted, complementing the modern yet vintage aesthetic.

KELSEY’S – BRAND HISTORY & RENOVATION

Kelseys is one of Canada’s original roadhouse restaurants, known for bold flavors, big portions, and casual dining. Their rebranding aimed to capture a modern yet nostalgic atmosphere, incorporating classic vintage-inspired aesthetics.

As part of the renovation and rebranding, this location introduced:

  • A new slogan: “Ambitiously hardworking & socially unpredictable.”
  • Updated color schemes & design elements, giving the restaurant a refined yet approachable vibe.
  • A revamped bar menu, emphasizing craft cocktails and premium beverages.

The Queensway location in Etobicoke was chosen as one of the first to undergo this transformation, setting the standard for other locations to follow.

📍 Location: Etobicoke, Toronto’s suburban district, known for its rich diversity, lush parks, and vibrant restaurant scene.

For more hand-painted signage and faux finishing projects, check out our Portfolio.

FINAL IMPACT

This project successfully combined high-level faux painting, branding, and hand-painted signage to create a timeless, vintage aesthetic. The aged-brick effect and faded lettering techniques made the restaurant look like it had stood the test of time, aligning with Kelseys’ brand story.

Interested in achieving a vintage hand-painted look for your business? Learn more about our Sign Painting Services.