DIY Shiplap Welcome Sign

By: Southern Revivals
April 15, 2016

Over a year ago now I found a sign at Home Goods that I absolutely fell in love with. I should have gotten it at the time but for whatever reason I didn't. Many futile searches later I realized I'd missed my chance so I decided if I wanted one I'd have to make it myself. Using leftover cedar planks from previous projects I created this DIY Shiplap Welcome Sign.

Items needed:

• Americana Acrylics 2oz - Snow (Titanium) White
• Americana Decou-Page (Glue-Sealer-Finish) 8oz - Americana Decou-Page Outdoor
• Americana Acrylics 2oz - Chartreuse Yellow
• 1x3's for frame (my frame is approx 18 x 34)
• Cedar Planks
• Vinyl
• Vinyl Transfer Paper
• Paint Roller
• Paint Brush
• Nail Gun
• Saw
• Sawtooth Hanger
• Wood Glue
• Fine Sandpaper

Instructions:

Here's how you can make your own.

I made my top and bottom pieces the same length as my braces, 16". This way my side pieces, 34", would hide the unattractive ends of the 1x3s without having to do any fancy miter cuts.

I put my frame together using my brad nailer. You can also add wood glue for an extra tight bond.

I attached the top and bottom of my frame to the sides first and then added the braces down the center.

I used my saw to cut the planks wide enough to cover just to the edges of my frame. I attached these using my crown nailer since it uses staples and I thought that might keep the planks in place better. If you don't have one using a nail gun and adding wood glue will work just as well.

Once the planks were securely attached I wanted to paint the base coat of my sign.

I used American Acrylics in Snow as a base coat and allowed that to dry.

While the base coat was drying I designed the lettering using my vinyl cutter's software. I measured each section prior to cutting to make sure all of the words would fit just the way I wanted. Once they were cut I laid them out just to double check.

Using vinyl transfer paper, transfer each section onto your frame. This will create a painting mask that you'll remove later.

I had a hard time choosing which of the new 2016 Americana Acrylics I wanted to use. They are all so beautiful.

In the end I narrowed it down to two, Chartreuse Yellow and Teal Mint.

Finally I realized the Chartreuse Yellow would be perfect in the space I was putting the sign. Plus, I've always been a sucker for chartreuse.

Using a roller I completely covered the sign, vinyl letters and all, with the paint.

I wanted a full, bold coverage so I opted for 3 coats. I used approximately two 2 oz bottles of each color to achieve the coverage I wanted. Allow to dry thoroughly between each coat.

Once the paint has thoroughly dried you can gently peel away the vinyl letters to reveal your brand new sign underneath.

Use a fine sanding sponge to remove any rough edges left behind from pealing up the letters. Add a little extra sanding if you want a distressed look.

Don't forget to seal your project. Ours is going in our clubhouse so I used Americana Outdoor Decou-Page to seal. I added sawtooth hangers to the back to hang but you can also place this on a shelf. I adore this sign, its message and that color!

Be sure to visit Southern Revivals  for more projects and to learn more about Jamie.