I love making wooden signs and every 4-6 weeks I host sign making workshops at my house. I cut all the wood and adhesive vinyl stencils before the girl tribe arrives. Today I’m answering all the questions and sharing a video on the stencil process.
This post contains affiliate links to products I use and recommend. By making a purchase I may receive a small commission.
I cut the wood and put all of my signs together. I cut the vinyl using my Silhouette Cameo and then apply the vinyl as a stencil. Once I’m finished painting I peel the vinyl off to reveal the finished project.
Painted Wood Sign Process Video
This painted wooden sign video went viral on Instagram and I’m still getting questions on the post and in my DMs. Watch and then feel free to ask any questions I haven’t answered in the comments at the bottom.
Painted Wood Sign Q&A
The design done in paint versus vinyl is a personal preference thing. I personally love the look I get with paint and the way I can easily paint different colors or sand for a worn look. As far as pricing goes I can buy 12×24 inch sheets for $1.50 on HappyCrafters.com or a five yard roll of adhesive vinyl for around $14 on ExpressionsVinyl.com
I buy the wood from Lowes or Home Depot and cut it using my miter saw. More on this process soon!
I use oracal 631. I have used 651 in a pinch and it left a sticky residue behind. I’ve also tried the stencil vinyl and felt it didn’t have enough stick which resulted in paint lines that weren’t crisp.
Let’s be honest – YES! I wish I could say no. That is why I use an old giftcard or squeegee to smooth things out. Watch the process video to see what I’m talking about.
It is extremely important for stains and paints to be completely dry before applying the stencil or they won’t stick. Stain can be dry to the touch but not dry enough for the stencil. I personally like to allow my stain to dry overnight but at sign parties I have the girls do any staining first since we don’t have as much time.
Painted Wood Sign Supplies
- Silhouette Cameo or Cricut cutting machine
- •Easter Egg Cut File (at the bottom of this post)
- Oracal 631 adhesive vinyl
- Weeding hook
- Old gift card or vinyl squeegee
- Scissors
- Transfer tape or contact paper
- Wooden Sign
- Paint
- Foam Brush
Download the Easter Egg Cut File
Enter your name and email below and the Easter Egg cut file will be sent to you in a ZIP folder. The ZIP folder contains a DXF file for Silhouette users, a SVG for Cricut users and a PNG to print or trace.
Donna Bos
Friday 25th of February 2022
Thanks for sharing!
Patricia Grieve
Wednesday 23rd of December 2020
I don't see the link to download - is this still available?
Kelsey
Tuesday 29th of December 2020
Thanks for letting me know! It is all fixed now :)
Sara
Wednesday 16th of December 2020
Thank you for sharing!
Sandy Brown
Thursday 11th of April 2019
Love this! What are the dimensions of the wooden sign?