Make Your Own Custom Wood Signs

I love signs, okay.. I may be a bit obsessed with signs really. So instead of buying ones that were close to what I wanted I thought I may as well make my own custom wood signs! This is an easy step by step tutorial on how to make your own (trust me, it’s super easy to do)!

Side note: the vinyl and sign you see me making in this is not the same one pictured above, I ended up making a different one in similar style that was larger.

Make Your Own Custom Wood Signs

Supplies needed:

Block of wood for the sign

Vinyl quote/wall sign (you can use a silhouette if you have one or purchase a cheap quote on Amazon here)

Paint color of choice

Stain for wood (optional)

 

Step 1 – Stain the wood

I like the look of a dark stain so I thought it would be nice to do a dark stain and white paint to really make it stand out! So first step is to stain the block of wood whatever tone you prefer, I went with the darkest option available. Use a rag and dip it into the stain and rub it onto your wood for the desired color.

 

Step 2 – Add your vinyl quote

Place the vinyl quote onto the wood where you want it to sit, make sure you’ve cut your wood and vinyl to match in size and fit properly. Use transfer tape (pick it up at your local Walmart in the section with the drawer mats) and place it on top of the vinyl, rub it in and peal the white backing off. Once that’s fully off you’ll transfer it onto your block of wood with the transfer tape, rub it in again and pull off the tape.

 

Step 3 – Paint your wooden sign

Now the fun part! With your paint of choice go over the vinyl on the board with a good solid coverage (you may need to go over it a few times), make sure to cover all of the vinyl so the letters form properly at the end.

Once the paint is on you will want to peel off the vinyl, I used chalk paint on mine and it dries a lot quicker than acrylic paint would so I was able to start pealing the vinyl off after about 25 minutes. I recommend even if your paint isn’t full dry to go ahead and peel the vinyl off as it can leave a sticky residue if it’s left on too long.

Tip: Use a sharp pair of tweezers to easily peel off the vinyl lettering

If you’re using your sign outside you may also want to go over it with a few coats of polyurethane to seal it properly against the weather.

And that’s it, you have a fully custom wood sign! Super easy to do and it can get addicting, just a warning. 😉