Word art is cut from steel about as thick as a nickel. We offer a variety of finishes. The do-it-yourself raw steel, unfinished sign is intended to be painted once you receive it. It is coated with an oily film to prevent rust during transit. While we use brand new steel and use rust preventative measures on the mild steel, your raw steel sign can develop slight surface rusting during shipment to your location. This is most likely during transits in high humidity and/or the package being delivered in the rain. Any light surface rust is easily removed by lightly sanding or scuffing with a green scrubbing pad before painting or display. We recommend lacquer based paint thinner, acetone, automotive brake cleaner or solvent based wax & grease remover to clean the oily film off of the sign before painting. Sanding with a 220 grit or finer sand paper or using a green scrubbing pad to scuff the surface of the metal will greatly enhance paint adhesion. Spray paint with primer is an easy coating for this type of sign. We do not recommend water-based paint on raw steel products as it can cause rust instead of preventing it. Always paint the back side first, so that the front will not be placed down after painting. Naturally rusted signs are intended as on outdoor only item. Naturally rusted signs are cut from real, natural steel. Irregular colors are to be expected, and with time outdoors the entire item will turn a golden rusty brown. Rusted steel can stain fabrics and leave residue on your hands. Please be aware that the item may have sharp edges. Gardening gloves are recommended. The naturally rusted finish is not intended as an indoor product. All color choices are covered in a durable powder coated finish. Ready to install and safe to display indoors or out! Signs can be hung with commercial grade double-sided tape, Command strips, or you can use small finish nails through the openings in letters. We hope to provide you with a great starter piece for a fun project!