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Available worldwide - theSignpaintersacademy.com

Online Signpainting Courses by a Working Professional

Learn the Beautiful Craft of Signpainting. Taught as Online Courses by a Professional

Beginner to advanced courses, available worldwide. Learn at your own pace, from your own home, guided by a working Signpainter with over three decades of experience. Read More

Find the right course for me
The Signpainters Academy — Never Stop Learning
Not sure which course is right for you? Send Paul a message and we'll point you in the right direction.

Online Signpainting Courses for Every Level

Taught by a pro, at your pace and watch as many times as you need.

Learning a craft properly takes time and the right teacher. Books can give you the theory side, and a one day workshop can give you a taster, but neither can give you what watching a seasoned professional work in real time does. We’ll talk you through every brush stroke, trick and technique accumulated over more than 35 years.

Every course is taught by Paul, a working Signpainter with 35 years’ experience. Every demonstration is filmed in real time, close up, with commentary. You can pause, rewind and re watch as often as you like, at any time of day, from wherever you are in the world.

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There is no cheat or shortcut to really learning a craft. You can learn from someone who has already made mistakes and knows how to help you avoid them. In more than 35 years of painting signs, Paul has developed techniques, tips and shortcuts that simply are not in any book standard video. The Signpainters Academy passes this knowledge on to you.

Whether you want to change career, build a side hustle or learn something beautiful, The Signpainters Academy gives you the structure and tuition to make progress. Students who commit to the courses regularly go from complete basics to producing professional standard work within their first year.

Tell me more about the courses
Hand-painted gold leaf lettering on a traditional sign

Learn from a real professional

35 years of working experience, not theory

On-demand video

Watch whenever you want, as often as you need

Four courses to choose from

Complete beginner to advanced techniques

Students worldwide

UK, USA, Europe and further afield

Personal support

Direct email contact with Paul throughout

30 day money back guarantee

Applies to the Full Course

“I’m not new to using a brush or letter writing, but I’ve been winging it for some time now as a fan of the craft at amateur level at best. Now, because of correct practice techniques, focus and brush drills through your direction, my ability has transformed remarkably. My feel for the paint is more dialled in now and my confidence has grown too.”
Jason Fitzpatrick
“The course has been great. I’ve been looking for a creative outlet that might also become a bit of a ‘side-hustle’ for me. The structure of the course and the content has helped me know where to start, and the recommendations on equipment gave me the confidence to jump in and start making things. Being able to re-watch the videos is crucial — I’ve got small kids and limited time. I think it’s been great value.”
Ben Unsworth
“Paul, thank you so much for offering this course, it has inspired me so much. It has given me so much more confidence and following your instructions has really helped. The videos are awesome and I love being able to watch anytime I want. The projects are awesome, especially for the beginners.”
Bobby Wiltshire
“There really is a lot to work with here. Perfect whether you’re starting out or want to give what you already paint that ‘pop’ to make it stand out.”
@jpabloscott
“Paul teaches all you want to know about sign painting, and all the stuff you didn’t know you wanted to know.”
@daniellyne
“Omg amazing, I cannot wait to get started on these beautiful letters!! And with Paul’s clear and detailed instruction I am confident I can pick this up in no time.”
@punter.signs
“There’s so much information packed into this course, but Paul breaks it all down for you. I’ve learned loads already and I’m only up to ‘M’.”
@c_j_cain
“Started six month ago on this course and I am so inspired. Loving the videos that are helpful as I’m a total novice with no graphic or arts background/education. All the crafts I have done in the past are self taught and by watching YouTube …”
68tulip
“Thirty years ago I trained as a signwriter and then pursued other careers. In my semi-retirement I have picked up my brushes again. Signing up with the Signpainters’ Academy was the best decision I could have made as it is exactly what …”
Steve Watson
“This is a fantastic course! It’s jam packed with everything from the basic brush strokes & various letterforms such as Script, Roman, Casual, Block and then the many techniques of shading, blending and even gilding! Paul talks you through …”
Katrin Gaska (Chic Sign Studio)
“If you are a hobbyist or are looking to become professional it's a great course. You have to keep at the practice though and be quite dedicated to get the most out of it. The print out practice sheets and Pauls videos are clear and helpful …”
Clifford Pope
“I’ve really enjoyed the Sign Painters Academy course with Paul. It’s very well paced and easy to follow, although challenging in places, but that is the point if you want to really progress. He takes the time to show all the little nuances …”
Brian Haverty
“The Signpainter's Academy has been the centre of my sign writing journey since I started 5 years ago. It's been an absolutely priceless resource. Thoroughly comprehensive, seemingly unending amounts of content along side the main structure …”
Adam Makowiecki
“Indepth signpainting course, easy to follow and has helped me greatly in my sign painting journey.”
Lisa Good

The Courses

More people than ever are learning traditional crafts online and Signpainting is growing quickly. The Signpainters Academy offers four structured courses, each is designed for a different starting point:

The Full Course at

£447

The most comprehensive Signpainting course available online, anywhere in the world. Takes you from complete beginner to professional standard. Your learning will start with the Beginners Bootcamp. Includes The 26 Letters as a free bonus.

Beginners Bootcamp at

£297

A full 12 month course for complete beginners. Covers all the fundamentals, the four main lettering styles and how to start getting paid work.

The 26 Letters at

£147

26 real-time demonstrations of every letter in the alphabet, packed with techniques, tips and tricks. Over 27 hours of content.

The Gold Leaf Masterclass

Coming Soon

Specialist tuition in the art of gold leaf gilding, one of the most prized and sought after Signpainting skills.

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Not sure which course is right for you? If you are serious about becoming a professional Signpainter or want the most comprehensive foundation possible, The Full Course is for you as it’s the closest thing to a traditional apprenticeship, without you having to go anywhere! If you are starting from scratch and more structure over a year, the Beginners Bootcamp is the best first step, you also have the option to upgrade later. If you are already painting and want to push your skills, The 26 Letters is an option. If gold leaf interests you, The Gold Leaf Masterclass will teach you one of the most beautiful skills in the trade.

Help me choose the right course
Old Red — hand-painted and gilded lettering on glass

Ready to pick up a brush?

Find the right course for your level and get started today.

Why learn with The Signpainters Academy?

There is a lot of Signpainting content online. Clips, tutorials, Instagram reels. What there is very little of is well structured, professional grade tuition from someone who does this every single day for a living. That is what makes The Signpainters Academy different and better.

35 years of working experience

Real-time video (nothing edited out!)

Access to a global student community

Personal support throughout

Why choose The Signpainters Academy for your Signpainting training?

Taught by a working professional

On-demand video

Four courses

Personal email support

Students worldwide

Learn at your own pace

Signpainting courses & signwriting training

We will not be beaten on content, experience or value.

No fluff, shortcuts, recycled YouTube clips. Just proper, good professional Signpainting tuition. We’ll see where you are starting from and build your skills before moving on to the more advanced techniques. The courses cover everything from tools and materials through to the four main lettering styles, gilding, glass work, shading, blending and more.

The Full Course

The Full Course

The most comprehensive online Signpainting course available anywhere in the world. A full year of structured tuition taking you from complete beginner to professional standard, with hundreds of hours of real-time video demonstrations, downloadable practice sheets, project briefs to build your portfolio and direct support from Paul throughout. The course starts with the Beginners Bootcamp to get you up to speed. The 26 Letters (worth £147) is included free. A 30-day money-back guarantee means there is no risk.

£447 Join The Full Course
Beginners Bootcamp

Beginners Bootcamp

The perfect starting point for anyone who is new to Signpainting. The Beginners Bootcamp covers all the fundamental skills you need – the right equipment, how to handle a brush, the four main lettering styles (Casual, Block, Script and Roman) and how to start building a client base. Structured over 12 months with weekly module releases so you build knowledge gradually and confidently.

£297 Start the Beginners Bootcamp
The 26 Letters

The 26 Letters

Twenty-six real-time demonstrations – one for each letter of the alphabet – packed with advanced techniques, tips and tricks built up over 35 years of professional Signpainting. Surface gilding, glass gilding, marbling, blending, cast shade, fake neon, airbrush and much more. Over 27 hours of content. This is your encyclopaedia of Signpainting technique. Included free with The Full Course, or available as a standalone purchase.

£147 Get The 26 Letters
The Gold Leaf Masterclass

The Gold Leaf Masterclass

Gold leaf gilding is one of the most beautiful and sought-after skills in traditional Signpainting. The Gold Leaf Masterclass provides specialist tuition in this technique, from laying imitation leaf and surface gilding to the advanced art of glass gilding and directional burnishing. Whether you want to add this skill to your existing practice or learn it from scratch, this masterclass gives you the knowledge and confidence to produce stunning gilded work.

Coming Soon Explore The Gold Leaf Masterclass
Tell me more and help me choose the right course
“I’m not new to using a brush or letter writing, but I’ve been winging it for some time now as a fan of the craft at amateur level at best. Now, because of correct practice techniques, focus and brush drills through your direction, my ability has transformed remarkably. My feel for the paint is more dialled in now and my confidence has grown too.”
Jason Fitzpatrick
“The course has been great. I’ve been looking for a creative outlet that might also become a bit of a ‘side-hustle’ for me. The structure of the course and the content has helped me know where to start, and the recommendations on equipment gave me the confidence to jump in and start making things. Being able to re-watch the videos is crucial — I’ve got small kids and limited time. I think it’s been great value.”
Ben Unsworth
“Paul, thank you so much for offering this course, it has inspired me so much. It has given me so much more confidence and following your instructions has really helped. The videos are awesome and I love being able to watch anytime I want. The projects are awesome, especially for the beginners.”
Bobby Wiltshire
“There really is a lot to work with here. Perfect whether you’re starting out or want to give what you already paint that ‘pop’ to make it stand out.”
@jpabloscott
“Paul teaches all you want to know about sign painting, and all the stuff you didn’t know you wanted to know.”
@daniellyne
“Omg amazing, I cannot wait to get started on these beautiful letters!! And with Paul’s clear and detailed instruction I am confident I can pick this up in no time.”
@punter.signs
“There’s so much information packed into this course, but Paul breaks it all down for you. I’ve learned loads already and I’m only up to ‘M’.”
@c_j_cain
“Started six month ago on this course and I am so inspired. Loving the videos that are helpful as I’m a total novice with no graphic or arts background/education. All the crafts I have done in the past are self taught and by watching YouTube …”
68tulip
“Thirty years ago I trained as a signwriter and then pursued other careers. In my semi-retirement I have picked up my brushes again. Signing up with the Signpainters’ Academy was the best decision I could have made as it is exactly what …”
Steve Watson
“This is a fantastic course! It’s jam packed with everything from the basic brush strokes & various letterforms such as Script, Roman, Casual, Block and then the many techniques of shading, blending and even gilding! Paul talks you through …”
Katrin Gaska (Chic Sign Studio)
“If you are a hobbyist or are looking to become professional it's a great course. You have to keep at the practice though and be quite dedicated to get the most out of it. The print out practice sheets and Pauls videos are clear and helpful …”
Clifford Pope
“I’ve really enjoyed the Sign Painters Academy course with Paul. It’s very well paced and easy to follow, although challenging in places, but that is the point if you want to really progress. He takes the time to show all the little nuances …”
Brian Haverty
“The Signpainter's Academy has been the centre of my sign writing journey since I started 5 years ago. It's been an absolutely priceless resource. Thoroughly comprehensive, seemingly unending amounts of content along side the main structure …”
Adam Makowiecki
“Indepth signpainting course, easy to follow and has helped me greatly in my sign painting journey.”
Lisa Good

More information about Signpainting and our courses.

Signpainting and Signwriting: the same craft, two names

Signpainting and signwriting are one in the same thing. The craft involves using a brush and paint to create lettering, imagery and decorative elements by hand — on glass, wood, metal, vehicles, walls and just about any surface worth marking. The only real difference is geography. In the US it’s called Signpainting and almost everywhere else it’s Signwriting. Both words describe a skill that takes years to develop, demands good technique and produces work that no machine can truly replicate. Whether you’ve searched for Signpainting or Signwriting, you’ve found the right place. The Signpainters Academy covers both disciplines, with a strong emphasis on the traditional skills and techniques that underpin all quality hand-lettered work.

Do I need any experience to join The Signpainters Academy?

No. The Beginners Bootcamp and The Full Course are both designed for complete beginners. You do not need any prior experience of Signpainting, lettering or brush skills to start. Paul takes you from the very beginning – choosing your tools, getting paint to work for you, basic brush technique – before moving on to the four main lettering styles.

If you already have some experience, The Full Course will still push your skills significantly further. Many students who have been painting for years report learning more from the first eight weeks of the course than they had in years of self-directed practice.

If you are already fairly proficient and want to develop advanced techniques – gilding, glass work, shading, marbling and more – The 26 Letters is designed specifically for you.

Can I make a living from Signpainting?

Yes – and a growing number of Signpainters Academy students already do. Signpainting is a skilled trade with genuine commercial demand. Businesses, pubs, restaurants, retailers, vehicle owners and property developers all commission hand-painted signs and lettering. Because the skill base has declined over several decades, good Signpainters are increasingly rare and correspondingly well-regarded.

The Signpainters Academy courses include practical guidance on how to start getting paid work, build a client base and develop a portfolio. Students who commit to The Full Course and put in the practice regularly go on to work commercially within their first year.

What is the best online Signpainting course for beginners?

The Signpainters Academy’s Beginners Bootcamp and Full Course are widely regarded as among the best structured Signpainting courses available online. Unlike one-off workshops or short YouTube videos, they provide a full 12 months of structured, progressive tuition – starting with the basics and building methodically to professional-level technique.

What sets them apart is the quality and depth of the instructor’s experience. Paul has been a working Signpainter for over 35 years. The tips, techniques and shortcuts he teaches are ones he uses every day on real jobs – not theoretical knowledge from a textbook. Students worldwide have used these courses to change careers, build side businesses and develop a serious skill.

How does online Signpainting tuition work?

All courses are delivered as on-demand real-time video demonstrations. Once you enrol, you can access the course content at any time, from any device, and watch each demonstration as many times as you like throughout your course period.

For the first 8 weeks modules on The Full Course and Beginners Bootcamp are released weekly in the early stages to encourage methodical learning – it is important to build confidence and technique gradually before moving on. After the initial module sequence, the full course library is available for you to work through at your own pace.

You also have direct email contact with Paul for individual feedback and support, and access to a peer-to-peer student community. Practice sheets and project briefs are available to download throughout. The courses are designed to fit around full-time employment, family commitments and busy lives.

How do I access the content?

You gain access to the content once you become a member of Sign Painters Academy. If you’d like to become a member please head to this link.

The craft of Signpainting is experiencing a remarkable revival. Here is why it matters more than ever.

Gilded and painted letter R on glass

Demand for traditional craft skills is growing across the UK and globally

The Creative Industries Federation reported that demand for traditional craft skills – including hand lettering, gilding and decorative painting – has grown significantly as consumers and businesses increasingly seek bespoke, handmade alternatives to digital and mass-produced work. The hand-lettered aesthetic, once at risk of dying out with the rise of vinyl cutting and digital print, is now actively sought after by brands, restaurants, retailers and property developers worldwide.

UNESCO — Intangible Cultural Heritage and Traditional Crafts

The online learning market is projected to exceed $253 billion globally by 2035

According to research from Market Research Future, the e-learning market is one of the fastest-growing sectors worldwide, valued at over $100 billion and projected to reach $253 billion by 2035. Craft and creative skills courses have been among the strongest-performing categories, with demand accelerating significantly following the shift in working and learning habits seen since 2020. For learners, the ability to access professional-grade tuition from anywhere in the world – at their own pace – has transformed what is possible.

Market Research Future — E-Learning Market Summary

Career changers are one of the fastest-growing groups in vocational skills training

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that the number of UK adults actively seeking to retrain or change career has increased year-on-year since 2020, with creative and trade skills among the most popular destinations. For many, the appeal of a skilled, independent craft – one that can generate income from relatively modest equipment and a dedicated workspace – is significant. The Signpainters Academy has seen strong growth in enrolments from students in their 30s, 40s and 50s looking to build a second career or supplementary income.

ONS — Adult Skills and Learning Participation Survey

Signpainting is one of the few traditional crafts where demand outstrips supply

Unlike many traditional trades where automation has reduced demand, Signpainting has resisted full mechanisation because the most valued work – gilded glass, hand-lettered murals, bespoke pub signs, decorative window work – requires human skill, judgement and artistry that machines cannot replicate. The result is that skilled Signpainters who can produce this quality of work are consistently in demand and typically able to command strong commercial rates. The Signpainters Academy exists to help the next generation of practitioners develop exactly that level of skill.

Crafts Council — Craft Economy Report