SUPPLY LIST:
Wood Sign
Vinyl Stencil (I use contact paper)
Die Cutting Machine (I have a Silhouette Cameo)
Transfer Paper
Squeegee (or credit card)
Mod Podge Matte
Paint Brush
Xacto Knife (or weeding tool)
Acrylic Paint(s)
Masking Tape (optional)
Using the squeegee, apply the transfer paper to your stencil. I use contact paper all the time as it's available at our local store and it's cheap!
Turn the stencil over and carefully peel the grid backing off. Go slow as the vinyl sometimes comes up with the backing. If it does, I press it back down onto the transfer paper and continue to peel the backing off.
Holding the long ends, gently set it over the wood sign to center. The stencil can be easily moved as it's "hovering" over the sign.
Once the stencil is centered, start in the center and use both hands to press the stencil down and slide your hands out. Continue until all of the stencil is adhered to the sign.
Once the stencil is centered, start in the center and use both hands to press the stencil down and slide your hands out. Continue until all of the stencil is adhered to the sign.
Start at a corner and peel off the transfer paper. Again, go slow as the vinyl can come up with the transfer paper. If it does, press the vinyl down with your finger or squeegee and continue to peel slowly.
Make one more pass with the squeegee to make sure the vinyl is bubble and wrinkle free, especially along the design, as the paint will bleed.
OPTIONAL: If the design is close to the edge of the stencil, add a border with masking tape. It will prevent any "painting outside the lines". Since this design was not close to the edge, I didn't use any masking tape.
Paint a thin layer of Mod Podge over the design. I LOVE using this as it and creates a "barrier" along the design to help prevent bleeding. If the Mod Podge bleeds under the stencil, it dries clear, so no worries! Let the Mod Podge dry completely before painting.
Paint one thin coat of acrylic paint. I used Light Buttermilk. Indoor latex paint works well also. Let it completely dry before painting on the second coat. I use two coats of paint for a solid paint color. Use only one for a more rustic, brushed look. Some colors, especially yellows and reds, tend to need 3 coats.
When the paint is completely dry, peel off the vinyl. I start at a corner and slowly peel it off.
Using an xacto knife, gently pick up the vinyl left inside of the letters without gouging into the wood. If I happen to gouge the wood, I touch up the stain with a cotton swab. A weeding tool or your finger nails can be used as well.
I brush on a coat of sealant and let it dry overnight.
Happy Crafting!
