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Do It
Yourself Sign Boards & Vinyl Lettering!
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There are all sorts of
sign boards that are already made so as soon as they are
shipped you can find the perfect spot for display.
You can also get just the vinyl lettering that can be
applied to any smooth surface - a signboard, walls,
tiles, glass, etc. Below are the instructions for
crating a signboard and applying the vinyl to any smooth
surface.
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To create a sign board, you’ll
need the following items: |
- A sign board - you can
either purchase a board at a hardware store and cut it
to the desired length, or you can purchase one with
decorative routed edges from Creative Signs. The
sign board can be made out of MDF and comes in different
widths (4, 5, or 6 inches or larger) or a regular hard
wood (pine). We find that the MDF style is smooth,
uniform and easier to work with.
- Also necessary is custom
vinyl lettering that you can purchase from Creative
Signs as similar to our pre-made signs or whatever quote
you would like.
- Finally, matte clear coat
finish (found in the spray paint section of your
hardware store).
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Directions for creating the
signboard: |
- Clean
the wood with a damp cloth.
- Let
wood dry completely before painting.
- Apply a
generous coat of acrylic paint in your desired color.
- Dry the
paint with a hair dryer and then apply another coat.
- If
you’d like to have distressed edges, use a sander to
sand down the edges of the board before applying the
lettering. If you do distress the board, remember to
wipe it down with a damp towel, and let it dry before
applying the vinyl.
- Apply
the vinyl lettering according the the “Vinyl Application
Instructions” listed below.
- Apply
two coats of matte finish spray.
- Install
saw-tooth hangers on the back of the board, which you’ll
use to hang the sign on the wall. Again, a
"saw-tooth hanger" can be purchased at a hardware store.
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Vinyl Application
Instructions |
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Use a ruler to determine the exact
area where the quote will be placed
and locate the middle. We recommend
drawing a light horizontal guide
line or use a small piece of masking
tape to make a guideline. Make sure
the surface is clean and smooth. The
vinyl lettering will not adhere to
stucco or brick like surfaces. Words
can be cut apart and stacked in
rows, put on an angle, or arranged
around and on windows, doors or on
most wallpaper. Taping them lightly
in place first will help you plan
your layout
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Some quotes will come in rolls
because of the length. Unwrap the
quote and let it set flat until it
stops wanting to roll its self up.
The vinyl lettering has a transfer
tape (looks and feels like clear
tape) on one side and backing paper
(white and shiny) on the other.
Before peeling the back paper off,
use the included application stick
to burnish (rub) the surface of
transfer tape to insure the quote is
adhered solidly to the transfer
tape. (Letters may pull away from
transfer tape during shipping)
- Peel
the backing paper away from the
quote, which should remain on the
transfer tape. The quotes can not be
repositioned, so be careful to line
them up where you want them. Place
the taped quote on the pre-measured
surface, using the lines to position
the vinyl correctly onto the
surface.
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Using the application tool that
comes with your lettering, carefully
press
any
air bubbles out from underneath the
words. Rub again, applying more
pressure over the entire area.
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Carefully peel back the transfer
tape, and re-rub any areas that
don’t transfer to the surface.
This will leave the quote on your
surface.
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