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!
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
Start by cleaning the metal well, then spraying it with several light coats of black spray paint until thoroughly coated.
Using light coats will help you get better coverage.
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.
Once you’ve picked off all the negative space on the vinyl, cut the words apart, so you can place them individually.
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.
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.
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.)
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.)
Now spray several coats of white paint, once again light coats are your friend.
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.
Stand back and enjoy your sign! And, if your family asks what’s for dinner, just point to the sign and smile 🙂
*Thanks to Happy Crafters for partnering with me on this post. All ideas, photos, words & opinions are 100% my own, yo.*
Super cute Gina, and I wouldn’t pay $200 for a sign either. Yours turned out fabulous 🙂
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
I’m doing this! I love it! Thank you!
Awesome sign! Side note: Where are those awesome stools from? I have been searching around and these look perfect! 🙂
Yes!! So awesome. Where did you get those stools!!!!! Please tell us!
Carlene
They came from Homegoods – love that place!
❤️
Love this whole concept! Except I don’t have a Silhouette for the letters. So cute!!
I use my pampered chef scraper to “burnish” my vinyl. Works GREAT!!! I love the sign!!!!
Are your wood floors actually flooring? Can you refer a link to what you used? I love it!
We do our own flooring with this method: http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2013/06/diy-wood-floors-and-upcoming-project.html
Thanks for reading!
Here you go Denise 🙂 http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2013/06/diy-wood-floors-and-upcoming-project.html
Love the sign 🙂 I’m going to make it for my sister’s birthday! Can you tell me how tall your letters are?
They’re six inches tall 🙂
Thank you! Getting started today! 🙂
I love this. What kind of machine did you use for the letter printout? Where can i find one?
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!
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.
Thanks so much Kelley! Good luck with your project and your blog!!
You are great with all your inspirations Thank you and may you and your family have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving