Sharing is caring!

Hand-painted signs are so popular in home decor. Did you know that it’s really not that hard to make a stencilled wood sign? You do need a few supplies, but the process is really quite easy.

First, let’s look at the elements of a stencilled wood sign. You’ll need to gather a few supplies and then you’ll be good to go.

Supplies to Make a Stencilled Wood Sign

These are basic supplies. You may wish to supplement with other items depending on the type of wood you are using and the design that you are doing.

I kept it simple with only one colour for the base and one colour for the design.

I find that chalk paint provides a nice look to my stencilled wood signs. It’s easy to make. Check out my post on how to make chalk paint here.

• wood base; this can be blocks of wood (like a cut-up 2×4) or a piece of plywood; there are also wooden rounds available at stores like Home Depot
• stencil; I use my Cricut Maker to cut a stencil out using Oracal Oramask 813 stencil vinyl and use transfer tape to put it on the wood
• stain for the wood
• sandpaper (optional) – medium grit
• foam brush or brush and rag for the wood stain
• modpodge
• foam brush for the modpodge
• chalk paint for the message
• makeup sponge to apply the chalk paint
• newspaper for ease of clean up
• green painters tape
• pin or needle
• Polycrylic or some other similar clear coat (optional). I personally prefer a matte finish. However, you can also use a satin or glossy finish if that is your preference.

While I have provided Amazon links for some of the above, certain things like foam brushes and makeup sponges may also be found at your local dollar store.

Step by Step Procedure to Make a Stencilled Wood Sign

• Prepare your wood. You will want it to be smooth (the finish goes on easier). You can spend more money on wood that is already cut to size and smooth. Otherwise, you may need to sand. Be sure to make sure your wood is dust-free (a baby wipe works well for this – make sure it is dry before finishing). You can sand the edges if you want a worn look (optional).
• Finish your wood. This is the background finish. Sometimes I like a dark finish to match the wood. A water-based finish makes for easy cleanup. I’ve also used gel stains which produce a nice finish, but take longer to dry. Be sure to do this in a well-ventilated area. Do this on some newspaper so that cleanup is easier. Depending on your finish, you may wish to use a sponge brush, an actual paintbrush or even a rag to rub it on. Some finishes will require a second coat. Do not go on to the next step until you are happy with how the base looks. Make sure it is completely dry as well.
• Prepare your stencil. I use my Cricut Maker to cut a stencil on Oracal Oramask 813 stencil vinyl. After it is cut, you will want to weed out the areas that you want to paint – I call this reverse weeding.

• Apply transfer tape. I use a scraper to make sure that the transfer tape comes into contact with everything.

• Remove the backing on the stencil (the Oramask). The stencil should be stuck to the transfer tape.
  TIP: I find it easier to flip it upside down and then roll the backing off. Be careful of the inside of some of those letters – be sure that everything is stuck to that transfer tape.

• Transfer the stencil to the wood using transfer tape. Again, use the scraper to make sure that all the bits and pieces are attached to the wood.
  TIP: I use a quilting ruler to make sure it is straight.

• Remove the transfer tape. I find it easiest to do at a 180-degree angle and slowly.
• I like to tape down the stencil as well – along the edges. This is helpful is the wood is bigger than the stencil. I use green painters tape for this as it has just enough stickiness to work. You don’t want something too sticky as you run the risk of lifting up the finish as well. This is also to mask off areas to protect them so that you don’t accidentally get paint where you don’t want it to be.

• To make sure that the stencil is completely stuck to the wood, I put a thin layer of modpodge over the stencil. This ensures that there will not be any leaking or bleeding when you apply your paint. All you need is a thin layer. I use a sponge brush to apply. Let the modpodge dry.

• Using the makeup sponge, dab your chalk paint on. Use very little paint. It is better to use less paint and build it up slowly. You don’t want to brush or rub as you run the risk of bleeding. Just use gentle dabs.

• Once you are satisfied with the coverage, carefully remove the stencil. I do this when the chalk paint is still wet.
• You will notice that on the inside of letters, the stencil will still be there. To get those little bits, use a pin to gently pull them up.

• Allow the paint to dry completely.
• Optional: for extra protection, you could add a clear coat on top. I prefer to use some matte Polycrylic for this. A light coat is all that is needed.

I really love how this stencilled wood sign turned out. This was for my son’s high school graduation.

Here are some other stencilled wood signs that I have made.

The beauty of a stencilled wood sign is not only that you can create something custom but the fact that no 2 are alike. Due to the nature of wood, each stencilled wood sign is different.

These make great gifts and keepsakes. They are good as graduation gifts, weddings or housewarming events.

Want to remember these step-by-step directions on how to make a stencilled wood sign? Be sure to save this to your favourite Pinterest board.