Sandblasting is generally done on wood surfaces, with the aid of an abrasive material under moderate air pressure. The entire wood surface is covered with a rubber resist mask. The approved design is transferred to the mask and then carefully cut to expose areas of unmasked wood. This unmasked wood is then etched away to expose the natural grain patterns of the wood.

Other processes can be used on signs that are sandblast carved, such as hand lettering and painting, goldleaf, and handcarving.