Creating an American Garden Barn Quilt

MDO board

All of my American Garden Barn Quilts are made of Sign Board or MDO Board (Medium Density Overlay). MDO Board has a paper finish that allows me to draw my designs on a smooth surface and allows for precision painting.

I don’t use construction plywood. Plywood is a uneven surface and is prone to water damage and peeling.

Board Prep - Sanding

After cutting the MDO Board to the desired size, I sand the entire board to prep the board for priming.

Board Prep-Gluing

All the edges of the MDO Board are then sealed with multiple layers of wood glue. This prevents moisture intrusion into the Barn Quilt edges.

Board Prep- Priming

Final Step to Board Preparation is Priming. I use a high quality Primer and apply a minimum of three coats on both sides of the Sign Board and edges.

Barn Quilt Design - Layout

All my Barn Quilt designs are then drawn directly to the Sign Board. This can be the most challenging part of the Barn Quilt process - depending on the complexity of the deign. This often required a fair amount of geometry to make sure the design is balanced and symmetrical. Barn Quilt Design and Layout are an integral part of my American Garden Barn Quilt craftsmanship.

Painting

I use only high quality outdoor paint on my American Garden Barn Quilts. I also apply multiple coats of paint to assure proper coverage and added durability to the Barn Quilt.

I have a wide variety of paint colors from which to choose. I often mix colors to make each barn quilt unique, create shadow or to create the proper contrasting color.

Painting details and sharp clean lines make my American Garden Barn Quilts exceptional quality Barn Quilts and also a piece of artwork.

Barn Quilt Sealing

All my Barn Quilts are finally sealed with a water-based Protective Sealer. This is the final step to making your American Garden Barn Quilt weather resistant.

I don’t use any type of polyurethane as this can discolor your barn quilt over time.

Packaging for Shipping

If shipping is required, your American Garden Barn Quilt is wrapped in plastic for a moisture protection barrier. Then your Barn Quilt is securely packaged in a custom corrugated box, with reinforced corners, to assure your Barn Quilt arrives undamaged. I use FED EX GROUND for shipping.

My Studio

All of my American Garden Barn Quilts are fabricated, handcrafted and hand-painted in my Columbus, IN Studio.

You can be assured of the high quality and workmanship of your hand made American Garden Barn Quilt