How to make woods sign with vinyl lettering + free svg files

PAINT YOUR VERY OWN WOOD SIGN WITH VINYL LETTERING WITH MY STEP-BY-STEP TUTORIAL AND FREE SVG FILES.

I have always adored quote boards that I see in my friend’s houses, but I haven’t decorated my home with any yet.  I never know which one to get and I’m not the best at organizing home decor.  But one day I was at Joanns and saw some towels with quotes on them that I really liked and decided it was time to make my own wood sign with vinyl lettering so I could have some quotes of my own.  They’re really simple to make.  The hardest part is waiting for the paint to dry.

First, lets talk about the wood sign.  I bought mine at Joanns.  They have a huge selection of wood items that you can choose from.  Or you could also use reclaimed wood.  If you’re going to use reclaimed wood, I would sand it down really well to get any splinters out and make it nice and smooth.  The wood items at Joanns are already pretty smooth and don’t need much sanding.

The paint I used was Folkart multi-surface and outdoor acrylic paint.  You could also use interior or exterior house paint that you buy at your local hardware store.  You could even use spray paint if you tape everything off really well.

The quotes I chose are cut out with my Cricut Maker.  You could also use a Silhouette.  I used permanent glossy Cricut vinyl which cuts really well.  I love how well my new Cricut Maker is cutting.  For years I had a Silhouette SD and would get very frustrated with it because it wouldn’t cut all the way through the vinyl in some spots and I would spend so much extra time cutting the parts that it missed.  I haven’t had to do that at all with my Cricut Maker and I’m excited to make lots of crafts with it.

Are you ready to make your own?  Let’s get started!  This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Read my full disclosure policy.

Material needed to make a wood sign with vinyl lettering

Painting the wood sign

Step 1. Painters tape

Put painters tape on the inside edge of the border to keep it from being painted.  I’ve tried being careful and not getting paint on the border, and it just doesn’t work.  Painters tape will be your friend.  Also, if you have a hanging string on it like mine, tape it to the back of the wood sign.

Step 2. Paint your board

Put your paint on a paper plate and use your sponge brush to paint the inside square of your board.  Let the paint dry.  I used one layer of paint and that was enough.  If you think you need a second layer of paint, go ahead and paint another layer and let that layer dry.

Step 3. Remove painters tape

After the paint has dried, remove the painters tape.  Then add more painters tape onto the red paint to protect it while you paint the border.

Step 4. Paint the border

Use your sponge brush to paint the border.  I started with the inside edge and then worked my way to the top and outside surfaces.  Since this was a lighter color, I painted two layers so I couldn’t see the color of the wood underneath the paint. Let the paint dry.  After the paint has dried, remove the painters tape.

Cutting and applying vinyl lettering

Step 1. Download file

I’ve created a free SVG file with these quotes for you and you can download them by filing out the form below.  Upload them into your cutting machine software.

Step 2. Resize quote and cut it out

Now you can resize it to fit your board.  If you’re using a Cricut, remember it can’t be any bigger than 11.5″ when using the 12×12 mats.  When you have the size you want, cut it out.

Step 3. Weed your vinyl

Now use your weeding tool to remove all the unwanted parts.  That will be the inside of the letters and everything outside of the letters.  All you will have left is the quote.

Step 4. Apply transfer tape

Next, you need to apply your transfer tape on top of your quote.  Cut your transfer tape to the size of your quote.  I hold the transfer tape in both of my hands so it makes a “U” shape.  The bottom of the “U” shape is the middle of the transfer tape.

Then I have the bottom of the “U” shape touch the middle of the vinyl lettering.

Then I lower one hand slowly to lightly lay down the transfer tape.  I use my hand to smooth out the transfer tape from the middle towards the edge.

Then I repeat with the other side. After you’ve smoothed it out, use the scraper tool to scrape all over the surface of the transfer tape.  This will get the vinyl stuck to the transfer tape so you can peel of the paper backing.

Step 5. Peel off paper

Carefully peel off the paper backing.  If there are any parts that are not sticking to the transfer tape and still stuck on the paper backing, use the scraper tool again.

Step 6. Apply quote to board

I use the same method in step 9 to put the quote on the board.  I eyeball where I want to put it.  In this case I centered the quote on the board.  You could measure and mark on the board and transfer tape if you want a guideline to work with.  After you place the quote on the board, use the scraper tool and rub all over the quote to get it to stick well to the board.

Step 7. Peel off transfer tape

To peel off the transfer tape, I pull it at a 45 degree angle in a slow movement so I can make sure I don’t accidentally pull off a piece that isn’t sticking.  If you come across a piece that is coming off when you pull off the transfer tape, place the transfer tape back down and rub it some more with the scraper tool.

Step 8. Seal your board

An optional step is to seal the quote with a sealant.  I chose not to do this because it will be inside and I used permanent vinyl.  If I were to use re-positioning vinyl or have the sign outside, I would seal the quote with something like mod podge, or a UV- resistant spray sealant.

Creating your own wood sign with vinyl lettering is a quick and easy project you can do in an afternoon to add your own unique touch to your home, or to give as a gift.  I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and would love to see what you’ve created.

GET MY FREE SVG CUT FILES TO MAKE YOUR OWN WOOD SIGN WITH VINYL LETTERING

WANT TO REMEMBER THIS FOR LATER? PIN THIS WOOD SIGN WITH VINYL LETTING TUTORIAL TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!

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