We see these signs everywhere we go. But why not make it exactly how you want and even save a little bit of money?
To begin, decide how large you would like your sign to be. Remember, really large signs need some serious hanging hardware, so be mindful when selecting a size.
Without buying a Cricut machine, you can easily use your computer, tracing paper and some paint to create your own wording for your sign using the Pencil Tracing Method.
Start by cutting your wood to the desired size, finish the edges if you want with a fancy edge if you want, and then sand smooth (wipe clean after). If you want the background painted, do that now, or stain it, if that is your look.
Types of Paint for Wood Signs (background color):
Any type of paint can be used for painting a wood sign, but some work better than others. Here are a few common paint types:
Latex Paint – Interior based latex paint that you can find at any home improvement store in basically any color is usually the best kind of paint to use for painting DIY wood signs. It comes in multiple colors (or mix), is easy to apply, and provides great coverage. It also cures to a hard, durable finish.
Chalk Paint – is nice because it doesn’t require a primer to be used before painting. Chalk paint is formulated to be easily sanded or distressed (and can scuff easily). So, if you want a rustic, distressed sign then use chalk paint, but if you want a more classic wood sign, with no distressing, latex paint is best to use.
Acrylic Paint – is easy to find at craft stores, is inexpensive, and comes in many colors. If you’re making a small sign and this is all you have on hand, it works. I’d avoid using acrylic paint on a larger sign as it comes in small bottles. Also, in my experience, the coverage of acrylic paint isn’t as strong compared to latex paint, unless you put a varnish on top.
Prime Wood Sign Backing (if using latex or acrylic paint)
It’s always good to add a coat of primer to raw wood, even if your latex paint says it has primer in it, especially if you have any dark spots or wood knots, it really helps provide good coverage. Using a roller (or a paintbrush) to clean up any excess primer dripping on the side of the can.
Then with your computer, use Microsoft Word or any word processing software and create the phrase you want, in a cute font. Be mindful, that you don’t want the font to have lots of curls and swirls, since they can be challenging to paint, especially for your first project.
Take your phrase that you have had printed on white paper and place tracing paper over it and trace the outline of the words onto your tracing paper.
Next place the tracing paper on the wood and stick carbon graphite paper between your tracing paper and your painted wood surface, then trace all the words with a fine stylus. If your painted background is light in color, use a dark graphite paper, use light color graphite if the background is dark.
Remove the tracing paper and you should see all the words now on the wood.
Take a small paint brush and fill in the lines. A paint marker is another great option because it makes the tracing the design outlines much easier and it’s painted in a marker instead of on a paintbrush!
Once dry, either apply a second coat or if you are okay with the look, apply a coat of satin water-based varnish.
Add hanging hardware and you are ready to hang.
If you wish to purchase a finished piece, click here to purchase our Give Thanks Plaque.