How to Make a Wood Sign Using Stencils

Have you ever wondered How to Make a Wood Sign Using Stencils?  I’m here to walk you through a step by step on how to create a beautiful sign using stencils.

The first thing we need to do is gather our supplies:

-Wood sign or wood plaque

-Stencil

-Stencil brushes

-Painter’s tape for holding stencil in place (optional)

-Paint, acrylic, latex, or chalk paint works great for stencil application

-Paint or stain and sealer for the wood sign

Now that we have our supplies ready, let’s get started.

Step 1: Prep the Sign

If you’re making a sign using a wooden plaque or scrap wood of some sort, it’s best to sand the wood smooth before any stencil application.  Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using sandpaper and sanding equipment.

Step 2: Stain, Paint, or Natural

Now that the wood is smooth, you can choose to stain, paint or leave it the natural wood color. 

If you’re staining the wood you can either stain before or after you apply the stencil; if you’re staining before stencil application just make sure the stain is dry before stencil application.  

If you’re painting the wood sign you’ll want to paint the surface and then apply the stencil.  I prefer to use a flat or satin paint finish to stencil on.

Step 3: Apply Stencil

If you’re surface is prepped and dry, it’s time to apply the stencil. 

You can tape the stencil down and use a stencil brush to apply the design. 

You can also hold the stencil in place with one hand and stencil with the other hand, and if it moves you can just line it back up.

I believe the key to a beautiful stencil job is the amount of paint in the stencil brush or applicator.

As you can see from the picture the stencil brush was loaded with paint, then the paint was pounced off on cardboard, leaving a very small amount on the brush to apply the stencil.  

I’ve written a tutorial on How to Stencil: a Beginner’s Guide that you can check out for more details on stencil application.

Step 4: Remove the Stencil

After your stencil application is dry, which it should be pretty quick if you’re using a small amount of paint, then you can remove the stencil and marvel at your beautiful handiwork.

Step 5: Seal the Sign

When the stencil is applied and everything looks wonderful, and I know it will, then you can choose to seal your work with wax, polyurethane, polycrylic or the sealer of your choice. 

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on whatever sealer you choose.

Step 6: Enjoy Your Sign

Now take a step back and enjoy your sign.  It’s gorgeous! Great job!!

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