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make this: DIY metal arrow sign

Metal arrow signs are so trendy these days, but even at discount home decor sales & stores they can still be a pretty penny. I wanted one, but there’s no way I was going to pay retail. Plus, I didn’t want cheesy words, I just wanted the shape of the sign. So I DIY’ed it. Isn’t that always my solution? Yeah, but guess what? You can make one, too. And, you don’t have to make an arrow – you can make practically any shape you’d ever want with these easy steps.

DIY metal arrow sign

DIY metal arrow sign

 

Start with corrugated metal roofing. It’s less than $20 a sheet at Lowe’s* and you can make several out of a single sheet (so gather up your buddies and see who all wants a sign.) You’ll also need a straight edge (I used a scrap of 1×6 pine), a tape measure, a pencil and a permanent marker.

Mark out whatever shape you’d like – but to get my arrow I used the straight edge to mark a 10 inch width on the straight parts, then measured in on the point at top and bottom and used the straight edge again to get everything lined up. After that, I free handed the curves of the turn. Once I had it all done in pencil, I went over it with marker to make it easier for cutting.

DIY metal arrow sign

 

If you mess up, it’s all good – alcohol will take off the marker. And when you’re done cutting (see below) you can use it again on the edges before hanging.

 

PLEASE BE CAREFUL HANDLING THE METAL – IT WILL CUT YOU. Like seriously. Use gloves!!!

DIY metal arrow sign

See, I just traced it out. And then I realized I couldn’t find my metal cutting shears, so I went to see my father in law (because he rocks!) To cut it out you’ll need those plus a sharp utility knife.

DIY metal arrow sign

 

For the curved bits and on the wavy parts of the metal, use the metal shears. Please wear gloves. PLEASE.

DIY metal arrow sign

 

On the straight parts, we figured out it was better to use a knife. You’ll have to score it 3 or 4 times (at least) to finally get through the metal, but it’s much cleaner and easier than the shears. Be patient, grasshopper.

DIY metal arrow signOnce it’s all cut out, then lightly sand the edges with fine grit sand paper (or a sanding sponge) and you’re good to go. Love that rustic finish? Learn how to age galvanized metal roofing in this post.

LCI-Sum14-SubscribeBloggerBadge-392x140Want more fun DIY ideas? Be sure to check out the Lowe’s Creative Ideas Magazine!

*Thanks to Lowe’s for partnering with me on this post. All ideas, words, photos & opinions are 100% my own.*

 

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Filed Under: DIY

About Gina Luker

Gina Luker is a writer, photographer and lover of all things quirky. She's usually found with a drill in one hand and a cocktail in the other while blogging along the way. She's addicted to coffee, polka dots, rock stars, Instagram, and everything aqua.

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Comments

  1. Michelle P says

    July 1, 2014 at 5:25 am

    I love it!!!

    Reply
  2. mileah curtis says

    July 1, 2014 at 6:58 am

    Hi, I’m a “newbie” to blogging, having just started my web-site. I just found you on Facebook, Instagram, and now your blog. You have such wonderful, creative ideas. I really love your mobile home “stuff”, as I’m seriously considering getting into one! Great to meet you!

    Reply
  3. Robin C says

    July 1, 2014 at 7:34 am

    ok – you could seriously sell a ton of these. get right on that so I can buy one! ha.

    Reply
    • Gina Luker says

      July 1, 2014 at 7:38 am

      Yeah… umm…. Haha! I bet you could find someone to make it though 🙂

      Reply
  4. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    July 1, 2014 at 8:50 am

    How fun is this. Love it.

    Reply
  5. Becky says

    July 1, 2014 at 9:34 am

    I love it! I do not enjoy cutting metal at all, but might have to pull the tin snips out and try this!

    Reply
  6. Ashley @ Cherished Bliss says

    July 1, 2014 at 10:33 am

    This is fabulous!! : ) Pinned!

    Reply
  7. Cecilia says

    February 12, 2015 at 7:37 am

    Great! Thanks for the tutorial! I have several leftover pieces of tin that will be perfect for this!

    Reply
  8. Jackie says

    July 10, 2015 at 8:58 am

    If you go to a Harbor freight store( online/brickandmortor) you can get an electric metal cutter for about 20.00 or less. cuts like a dream. kind of have to get the hang of cutting the ribs on the metal roofing , but what a great tool and time saver! still sharp when done, so be careful, but cuts fast and nice!

    Reply
  9. Pat Rhodes says

    October 2, 2015 at 2:51 pm

    you had me at quirky! I love your blog and will be making several of these, although I absolutely adore Harbor freight and will be checking into that electric cutter first!

    Reply
    • Gina Luker says

      October 20, 2015 at 1:07 pm

      So glad you stopped by Pat 🙂

      Reply
  10. Kelly Wes Foust says

    December 5, 2018 at 4:56 pm

    Your Aw right girl!

    Reply
    • Gina Luker says

      December 6, 2018 at 9:09 am

      Thanks Kelly 🙂

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. how to age galvanized metal says:
    July 2, 2014 at 8:15 am

    […] I shared how to make a DIY metal arrow sign. Today I’m going to show you how to age it to perfection. I’m not real crazy about […]

    Reply

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ARE YOU A FARMHOUSE FAN?
Get instant access to this free guide to The Best Sources for a Farmhouse Style Home on a Budget!
YOUR NAME:
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