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make this: easy metal sign

Any time I make over a space, you can pretty much place a bet that I’m gonna make something snazzy to go on the wall. I just can’t seem to help myself. For my kitchen I was inspired by a vintage metal sign that I saw in a local shop, but could not fathom giving $200 for a piece of painted metal (even if it was vintage & collectable.) So I did what I always do, I made one. Want to make this easy metal sign? Let’s do it!

easy-metal-sign

For this project you’ll need:

  • a piece of 24 inch by 24 inch metal (I found mine at Lowe’s for $10)
  • black spray paint (I like Valspar paint + primer)
  • white spray paint
  • 1 inch painter’s tape
  • adhesive vinyl (I used black from my friends at Happy Crafters)
  • vinyl transfer tape
  • tape measure or yard stick
  • Silhouette Machine
  • drill with metal bit
  • screws for hanging

DIY sign tutorial

Start by cleaning the metal well, then spraying it with several light coats of black spray paint until thoroughly coated.

DIY sign tutorial

Using light coats will help you get better coverage.

DIY sign tutorial

Next, cut your vinyl with the words you’d like to use (I used self service only in Arial font). It all fits well onto one sheet that’s 24 inches long.

DIY sign tutorial

Once you’ve picked off all the negative space on the vinyl, cut the words apart, so you can place them individually.

DIY sign tutorial

Using the transfer tape, put it over the letters and burnish it well to the vinyl with your thumbnail. There are tools for this, but I’ve found that nothing works better than a fingernail.

DIY sign tutorial

After the black paint is dry, apply the painter’s tape to tape off a border around the edge of the sign, using the edge of the metal for a guide to get the tape straight.

DIY sign tutorial

Before applying the vinyl letters, measure off the 6 inch, 12 inch and 18 inch marks on each side, plus the center at top and bottom, applying just a dab of tape (make sure to remove it before painting.)
DIY sign tutorial

Next, apply the vinyl to the sign using those guide marks. Take your time and be careful so it’s all lined up. (One more time: remove those tape bits for the marking centers.)

easy metal sign

Now spray several coats of white paint, once again light coats are your friend.

easy metal sign

When the paint is dry, drill a hole in each corner, peel off all the tape and vinyl and hang your sign using the screws.

easy sign tutorialStand back and enjoy your sign! And, if your family asks what’s for dinner, just point to the sign and smile πŸ™‚

*Thanks to Happy Crafters for partnering with me on this post. All ideas, photos, words & opinions are 100% my own, yo.*

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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. Dawn says

    April 17, 2014 at 6:13 am

    Super cute Gina, and I wouldn’t pay $200 for a sign either. Yours turned out fabulous πŸ™‚

    Reply
  2. Stacy says

    April 17, 2014 at 7:35 am

    That is super cute! I don’t have a Silhouette so I would have to think differently about the letters but I do keep forgetting you can go get small sizes of sheet metal! Thanks for the reminder.

    Stacy
    http://www.anygirlcandoit.com

    Reply
  3. Cynthia says

    April 17, 2014 at 9:33 am

    I’m doing this! I love it! Thank you!

    Reply
  4. Diane @ Vintage Zest says

    April 17, 2014 at 10:07 am

    Awesome sign! Side note: Where are those awesome stools from? I have been searching around and these look perfect! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  5. Carlene Danielek says

    April 17, 2014 at 1:18 pm

    Yes!! So awesome. Where did you get those stools!!!!! Please tell us!
    Carlene

    Reply
    • Gina Luker says

      April 18, 2014 at 4:55 am

      They came from Homegoods – love that place!

      Reply
      • Michele says

        November 20, 2017 at 2:22 pm

        ❀️

        Reply
  6. Susan says

    April 18, 2014 at 12:25 am

    Love this whole concept! Except I don’t have a Silhouette for the letters. So cute!!

    Reply
  7. Chris Hawley says

    April 20, 2014 at 9:29 pm

    I use my pampered chef scraper to “burnish” my vinyl. Works GREAT!!! I love the sign!!!!

    Reply
  8. Denise says

    April 29, 2014 at 2:38 pm

    Are your wood floors actually flooring? Can you refer a link to what you used? I love it!

    Reply
    • Gina Luker says

      April 30, 2014 at 7:05 am

      We do our own flooring with this method: http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2013/06/diy-wood-floors-and-upcoming-project.html

      Thanks for reading!

      Reply
    • Gina Luker says

      September 28, 2016 at 7:15 am

      Here you go Denise πŸ™‚ http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2013/06/diy-wood-floors-and-upcoming-project.html

      Reply
  9. Traci says

    September 9, 2014 at 7:03 am

    Love the sign πŸ™‚ I’m going to make it for my sister’s birthday! Can you tell me how tall your letters are?

    Reply
    • Gina Luker says

      September 10, 2014 at 7:37 am

      They’re six inches tall πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • Traci says

        September 13, 2014 at 10:02 am

        Thank you! Getting started today! πŸ™‚

        Reply
  10. Bonnie says

    September 27, 2016 at 11:37 am

    I love this. What kind of machine did you use for the letter printout? Where can i find one?

    Reply
    • Gina Luker says

      September 28, 2016 at 7:19 am

      Hey Bonnie,

      Thanks so much! I used a Silhouette Cameo, you can buy them from Amazon, Walmart or any large craft supply store. They are a bit pricey, but if you put it to good use it’s worth it!

      Reply
  11. Kelley Winkles says

    September 9, 2017 at 9:55 pm

    Great tutorial! My husband is cutting some metal for me as I type this so I can make my own sign (no way would I pay $200 for one!). I’m just getting started on my own blog with DIY projects. I love the way your’s looks. Great job.

    Reply
    • Gina Luker says

      September 10, 2017 at 9:55 am

      Thanks so much Kelley! Good luck with your project and your blog!!

      Reply
  12. Norma Rolader says

    November 20, 2017 at 6:52 pm

    You are great with all your inspirations Thank you and may you and your family have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving

    Reply

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ARE YOU A FARMHOUSE FAN?
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