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5 Simple Tips on How to Make Wooden Signs

Wooden signs can add a rustic and personalized flair to any room decor while simultaneously being an enjoyable DIY craft project for beginners!

Before creating wooden signs, there are a few key things you should know before beginning to create them. Here are five easy tips on How to Create Wooden Signs!
1. Choose the Right Wood

Utilizing the appropriate wood is key to creating signs that stand out. There is a variety of species out there for you to choose from depending on your style preferences.

Softwoods like pine are popular choices for making signs due to their affordability and ease of use, but may require protective finishes in order to remain looking their best.

Hardwoods such as walnut are popular choices for high-end carved signs due to their vibrant hues and beautiful grain patterns, not to mention their durability in outdoor conditions without becoming damaged.
2. Stain It

Staining wood provides it with color while protecting it from moisture and UV rays. Water-based stain is often preferred over oil-based stain. Before staining begins, lightly sand the sign to remove any rough or uneven spots before proceeding with application of stain.

Use chemical-resistant gloves and a face shield to shield yourself from the stain. Working outdoors or in an area with adequate ventilation is best; using either a paintbrush or rag, spread stain evenly along your canvas surface before stirring periodically as you go.

For transferring designs onto signs, carbon paper (with black carbon on one side and tissue-like white printable paper on the other) is an ideal medium. Simply lay your printed design over it, trace over it with a pen, remove carefully afterward, filling out with marker or black paint as necessary.
3. Paint It

Wooden signs add an elegant, classic aesthetic that conveys stability and quality for any business. Carved, painted or stenciled with letters or designs - wooden signs provide businesses with many promotional benefits when used to their fullest extent.

Before applying paint to the sign, use 120-grit sandpaper to sand away any rough spots or splinters, leaving an even surface ready for painting. This step ensures a successful outcome!

Apply one or two thin coats of paint to your sign. For an authentic rustic feel, lightly wet distress the paint using a damp rag to bring out its colors underneath and add texture and character. Allow this step to dry fully before adding your stencil - this step will prevent bleeding or smudging!
4. Add a Stencil

If you want to create a wood sign with a stencil on it, the process is relatively straightforward. Simply center your vinyl stencil over the sign backing; either by eye or using a ruler can work.

Start by running the stencil over with a squeegee to ensure it is attached securely. If carved wood signs of the vinyl starts peeling away from your sign, use a knife to carefully cut away at it.

Once the stencil is in place, apply a coat of matte Mod Podge to the sign to help prevent paint seepage under the stencil and ensure better adhesion of paint to its surface. Be sure to tap your brush dry after each time applying more paint!
5. Add a Finish

Once the stain has dried, apply a coat of white paint. For Carved signage , wet distress it for added character.

Use a stencil with the word or phrase you would like to include on your sign as a guideline and trace over it with pencil. Place tracing paper between it and the wood for reference before carefully tracing over the stencil with pencil.

When mounting your sign, begin by marking where you would like the brackets on the back with a sharp pencil and screwing in their screws. Next, attach a sawtooth picture hanger for easy hanging of your wooden sign! Enjoy your new rustic touch in your home; maybe add more than one to create a gallery wall!
Read More: https://competitivesigns.com/custom-wooden-signs/