Sandblasted Wooden Signs are created by applying the design as a 'mask' over a prepared blank. Sand is forced through a nozzle against the exposed wood, eroding what's not protected by mask. This leaves a raised 'design' portion, and an indented background which displays the grain of the wood. ( Harder portions, such as the growth rings, are eroded less, causing the varied texture indicative of real wood.) Design detail is then hand-painted on the flat surface.

It should be noted that sandblasted signs have essentially two layers: the raised, smooth design area, and the sandblasted background.