Farmhouse Wood Sign Tutorial | How to paint signs with no bleeding

In this video, I show you a farmhouse wood sign tutorial. If you've ever wondered how to paint signs with no bleeding or how to make a framed wood sign, you've come to the right video! I also will show you tips and tricks on getting crisp paint lines EVERY time! I will also show you how to make a stencil with silhouette cameo.These are methods that have taken me years to learn and I am happy to share them with you!
What you need to make wood signs:
- Birch Plywood (I get the 4ft x 8 ft size to make a bunch of signs at once, but they also have smaller sizes as well).
- 1" x 2" furring strips (One strip will make a 12" x 24" wood sign)
- Miter saw (lowes and home depot may cut for you- just ask!)
- Orbital sander or sandpaper if you want to do this by hand. (Walmart has orbital sanders very reasonably priced!)
- Wood stain (I used Minwax Dark Walnut in this video).
- Staining pads (you can use these or a rag or something similar).
- white paint (I use regular wall paint in semi gloss).
- 4 inch paint roller
- Vinyl or Stencil Vinyl (I used Oramask 813)
- Transfer tape (I use AT65 Rtape clear choice- best tape hands down.)
- Black chalk paint ( I use waverly chalk in the color INK)
- Minwax polycrylic (This isn't necessary, although it very good to have.)
- A nail gun of some sort
- Air compressor (I got mine at Harbor Freight. This isn't necessary if your nail gun is battery powered.)
-If you use a stencil, best to have a vinyl cutter such as the Silhouette or Cricut.
What I use:
Silhouette Cameo 4: amzn.to/3g9Bb0i
Dewalt orbital sander: amzn.to/305cNHO
Oramask 813: amzn.to/3g9Bb0i
Transfer tape: www.uscutter.com/RTape-Clear-Choice-AT65-All-Purpose-Medium-Tack-Application-Tape-100yd
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[@nicholekennedy362]

I’m telling ya sweet little Sallie you are truly heaven sent. The amount of craft supplies that I have is absolutely ridiculous. Someone could come in and start a huge boutique of there own. For some reason I just haven’t had the motivation or the knowledge to know where to even start when it comes to crafting . I think k I’ve overwhelmed myself with too many things . I have all these diy’s in mind to make so I go out buy all the things and then don’t have a clue what I even bought them for. You have been my biggest KZbinr inspiration to attempt diy’ ing again. I’m telling ya you will be so blessed for your kindness and willingness to help others grow as a crafter . YOUR THE BEST

[@SimplySallie]

Aww thank you so much for these kind words! I totally get it, it is easy for our brains to want to do so many different things at once. I do the same thing! You are so sweet! 💕

[@RMC1299]

I could not agree more, she is a blessing. Just so kind so share, I am in the same boat as you, I am overwhelmed and trying to get these boards down and with your generosity of knowledge, you have made me feel so much better and now really wanting to do this and so inspired. Thank you so much!

[@shannongomez9027]

Hi Nicole! It’s been a year. How is it going for you? You sound EXACTLY like me. I just found Sallie and her video. But I’m so worried this will be another “failed project” for me

[@southerncrazydonnastuckont2884]

G.I.R.L......OMGGGGG....I have been "trying" to do stencil signs using everyone's input and tutorial , trying them out to no avail. I mean , I have been painting over everything I've attempted to create because it was messed up. THEN......AHHHHHH.....angels singing.....I found your video. I tried it and IT WORKED!!! Good thing you aren't any where near me because I would plant a wet one on you. Thank you , thank you ...thank you sister for helping me AND for saving my family as I have been all kinds of ugly for not getting it right all this time.

[@kimdunkelberger5001]

I am so grateful for your videos! Thank you very much!

[@gillygals7633]

OK! Yeah, this kind of frame is more my speed! Thank you so much for sharing your tips with us and teaching us how to make these! I could totally do this! Heading to Home Depot to price out some miter saw’s!

[@christh3gman]

Love it- so thorough, thank you!

[@nikideefluck]

This is an amazing tutorial and beautiful sign!

[@lizannpulido]

Excellent job! Thank you for all the tricks!

[@SimplySallie]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching! 💕

[@alkalinesource441]

Wow! This is such a great video! I love it!

[@yourunclesam6780]

The best video i have found.Thank you ,thank youuuu.

[@tracymorrison1584]

beautiful work

[@mtkawlni1203]

This is amazing tutorial.

[@izzthatright00]

OMG, I love your videos. I just ran accross them and now you have me convinced I can start my own sign business. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos, and learning more from you. Who said you can't teach an old dog new tricks. You got a new subscriber here and I try and like every video I watch of yours. your almost at 3k right now. great job.

[@SimplySallie]

Thank you so much!! 💕

[@bmrs.g7108]

Love this! Thanks this is sure a much more simple way :-)

[@verobeier]

Excellent video.

[@tpcustomz5414]

Great tutorial

[@rosastratton6503]

Love it!

[@heyitsjennyd]

man you did so good! like honestly perfection haha i would just be a whole mess..

[@SimplySallie]

Aww thank you so much! After practice it really does get easier. 😊

[@FixinTo]

I know this was done a while back & some techniques have been tweaked 😉. I only have two questions....what settings did you have for your Silhouette? Pressure, Blade, etc? Also it looks like you cut with no mat, is that correct?? And GIRL!!! the tip about laying down your stencil with the backing on, getting it lines up then placing the tape down the middle is AWESOME!! 👍 Thanks for all the tips & tricks!! 😀

[@heatherholdren4490]

I always take my stencils off when the paint is still wet, I've NEVER had any luck with letting it dry all the way, it always peels on me..... ty SO MUCH for making your videos, they help me out tremendously! I'm wanting to open an etsy shop sometime soon!

[@JefeDog]

Important distinction - dry to the touch. I would agree that waiting for it to cure would result in peeling, but I find that the 30 minutes to an hour where it is just past tacky is the best time to peel.

[@LoreannsCreations]

That’s what I do, I never let mine fully dry!!!

[@melissataylor2209]

Hi! 🙋🏼‍♀️ Love all your videos! You may have already had this question, but do you use the 1/2 in birch plywood for Large signs as well or something else? (Example- 24x48 size sign)Wasn’t sure if it would make it to heavy or not. TIA!

[@julienichole7667]

This is pretty! I don’t use a stencil.. I hand letter and hand paint my farmhouse signs! But this way looks a lot less time consuming.

[@SimplySallie]

Thats amazing! I've always wanted to learn to handletter. That takes some great skill!💕

[@paulettereid9894]

Great video Sallie, I just love your sharing! BTW what is the wood you use to make your 3" wood ornaments in your Etsy shop, is that 1/2" Birch plywood that you use for your wood signs? Thank you!

[@je2ny83]

love your videos!! can u do one on how you make your stained background signs?! I am so over little touch ups from bleeding and noticed u don’t seem to have that happen with yours. I love the colored pencil tip. that works amazing!!

[@SimplySallie]

Thank you! Yes I definitely will do a video on this. 😊

[@lisakochanski483]

Hello Sallie, I just found your videos and they are so so helpful! Thank you for making them. I am a complete newbie to this. What size rolls of the Oracal 813 and AT65 Rtape do you recommend to get started on my first stenciled sign?

[@mdgtluver]

I LOVE your videos! I just started making wood door sign hangers and it's so time consuming and a pain in the rear when I don't put my vinyls on correctly.

[@SimplySallie]

Thank you so much! I know the feeling, practice and it gets so much easier! If you use vinyl I definitely recommend the hinge method. That way it's much easier to apply straight on any object.

[@mdgtluver]

@@SimplySallie What's the "hinge method" ? Right now, I just eyeballed everything. 😑

[@mdgtluver]

@@SimplySallie I found a video on the hinge method! I can't wait to try it out! Thank you for sharing this tip!!

[@timonsix]

Thank you for the tips. I only peel my tape off while the paint is wet when it is chalk paint because it chips when dry.

[@bryanoreilly8954]

Great video, very helpful. The link in your description for the oramask takes you to Amazon to buy a cameo.

[@SimplySallie]

Thanks for letting me know, I'll update this!

[@Sooz3112]

Such beautiful work. Do you know if there's an alternative please, to using an electric nail gun? x

[@melissagraham6180]

I lightly (very, very lightly) sand the first coat of paint (background color) just level with the stencil to help prevent letters from peeling with the stencil, but not enough to break the seal. And I have tried both dry and wet removal, but I have a terrible time with the wet paint! It's too difficult to manage the vinyl (with wet paint) while removing/weeding and I always make a mess of it! lol

[@SimplySallie]

I totally agree on the wet paint method. I don't get how people can do it and get good results 😆

[@roshaniview33]

Loving all your videos. Just discovered you this week and i think i have watched nearly all the videos. Wondering why you used the oramask 813 in this one versus the 651 in the others.

[@SimplySallie]

Hey! So sorry for the delay. Thank you so much! I actually only use oramask 813 for my stencils. I only use vinyl for decals. Hope this helps!

[@carmenymigue2010]

I watch your all your videos more than once 😂, they relax me!!! How many coats of stain did you apply?

[@SimplySallie]

Thank you so much! Only one coat 😊

[@Artsygoons]

Be sure if you use any kind of cloth to stain you let it completely dry isolated to stop the chemical reaction, which can cause it to spontaneously combust. Firefighters say stain cloths are a big cause of garage fires due to this. I like to put mine in water in an old Gatorade of Powerade container and chuck them that way. I don't reuse my stain cloths for this reason.

[@kittiesweet]

Love it! What kind of paint you use for lettering?

[@ThePuppetman1]

I really appreciate the step by step! Thank you so much. I do have one question. You add your poly acrylic at the end as a last step. Do you think it would do any harm to add the polyacrylic before final assembly?

[@SimplySallie]

I don't add any polycrylic to the fully painted part, just the frame. Nope it doesn't matter when this is applied 😊

[@panhiamoua4980]

When you make stained signs how long do you wait in between staining the board, the seal, the seal for the lettering, the white lettering paint and the final seal?

[@leacarter1814]

Thank you for the great tutorial! Do you buy large sheets of the birch wood, then cut them to size, yourself? is it half inch?

[@SimplySallie]

Yes half inch and yes I buy large sheets 😊

[@janiceluciano6951]

Love all your videos. One question, what sand grit do you use for your signs?

[@SimplySallie]

Thank you! I use 120 grit

[@sarahknight2586]

Looks great, what kind of ruler are you using? You do such an amazing job. Keep the videos coming please, thanks for sharing

[@SimplySallie]

I believe it was a quilting ruler, I got it at walmart in the scissors area. They also have them on amazon 😊

[@sarahknight2586]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@ednamarbaniang3249]

Do you have to apply any varnish or coat after the lettering so that it does not peel out or fade ? Really appreciate your help. ! 😊

[@renetester8894]

This looks amazing!! Just wondering what thickness of Birch plywood are you using?

[@SimplySallie]

Thank you! It is 1/2 inch 😊

[@carolinascreenprinting9957]

What font name is the Good old days? Keep me from having to search for it 😁

[@shaesmith720]

Hi Sallie love your videos. What is the name of the fonts you used please 😊

[@paulalyden3132]

I'm wondering this too. I love this font on "the good old days"

[@shellytorres726]

Do you use the polycrylic to the inside part of the frame?

[@leticiahoskins3296]

What brand and type of white paint is this? I use rust oleum linen white paint for my background. Do you think this method would work with chalk paint?

[@judynajar3678]

Can you use regular black paint in semi gloss?

[@tabithawarinner6958]

I agree the 813 is the best stencil vinyl. However, I’ve had some issue with it being so sticky that it pulls my paint up when I pull my stencil. Do you think it’s bc of the base paint I’m using?

[@SimplySallie]

It is more than likely the base paint! Try using semi gloss paint and letting it dry at least a day.

[@sherrybradshaw6504]

Do you paint the back of your signs?

[@miaassi986]

12:19 Sally i need help please ! My nails keep popping out through the plywood. I posted a question on your group with pictures hoping to get help.

[@haileysaunders7281]

How thick is the birch board that you framed?!

[@Sooz3112]

Another couple of questions..sorry 🤦‍♀️💕. Do you use pine wood for the frame and why does it have to be untreated please? Many thanks x

[@djproductiontime2570]

I was wondering the same

[@chelseagraw7990]

Can you tell me what the transfer tape is that you’re using? Where yo purchase? Thanks

[@sassypants3436]

The link above for the Stencil vinyl is the same link to the Silhouette Studio cutter, just an FYI. 😄

[@SimplySallie]

Thanks for letting me know, ill get it changed today!

[@shaiwhitaker7399]

Which white paint in particular do you use?

[@kelseylucido3166]

Just curious...Why dont you use matt black oracal 651 for the words instead of painting the words on with black paint ?

[@jacquelinemorris3841]

What kind of base paint and black paint do you use?

[@dominiquegonzales2996]

Hi :) so if I’m making a 12x12 sign. Do I cut the plywood 11x11 because the border will complete the 12inces on each side? Or how do I do that?

[@SimplySallie]

That is totally up to you! I actually cut mine 12 x 12 because it's easiest, so the actual sign measures larger.

[@alexandralaroche8201]

Where do you store your wood while waiting for orders? I’m have issues storing in the garage do to the humidity

[@SimplySallie]

I store mine in the garage, no issues here with storage and humidity and I live in the south. Maybe you could look into a dehumidifier? Or precut your wood, sand it and bring it inside. Hope this helps!

[@juliahernandez9572]

I peel it when it’s wet!

[@fuzzyfrenzycrafts3269]

Love your channel! Do you put your logo on the back?

[@SimplySallie]

Thank you so much! I do not, but I am considering doing this soon.

[@fuzzyfrenzycrafts3269]

Simply Sallie I’m looking into making wood sights using a reusable stencil. I did not see where listed your materials. What kind of paint do you use and how do you package your signs?

[@SimplySallie]

Sometimes I use chalk paint and lately I've been using regular black paint from lowes and gotten great results! I am actually making a video in a couple of days on how I package my signs, so stay tuned 😊

[@randallmasoner]

Very nice! Have you ever tried the pre stain conditioner?

[@SimplySallie]

I have never used it! Wondering if it makes a huge difference.

[@randallmasoner]

@@SimplySallie it definitely evens out the blotches and makes the stain more uniform, only adds a few extra minutes to the build.

[@piritheeve8425]

Hi Sallie! I'm not sure if you are able to help me with this but I have exhausted my resources... When I use a cutting map on my Silhouette Cameo sometimes the right side roller blade slides off the guide bar and slides my mat around ruining my cuts. I made sure that the roller was locked on the slit thingy on the bar. The locking mechanism is showing its locked but I don't understand why its doing this. Thank you!

[@SimplySallie]

Hey there! Yes, it could be a few things. Although it is locked down, there is a little lock on the roller as well that you need to check too. Sometimes mine will come unlocked and do the same. It could also be that your roller is snapped in to far to the right. I'd be happy to check if you want to send me a message on facebook and send pictures of your machine!

[@03treefitty]

Have you ever had your vynal peel the lettering up with the vynal when being removed? The backing paint doesnt peel just the paint on lettering like its connected to the vynal.

[@kailatorres4717]

I’ve had that happen to me and I’ve been wondering the same thing! Glad I’m not the only one!

[@juliahernandez9572]

I use a acrylic latex paint and when you peel it, peel slowly and with the grain

[@03treefitty]

@@juliahernandez9572 same here what i foumt to do is paint stencil with same paint as background and on background i only use primers for white when dry use acrylic paint can peelboff anuway you want on stained wood i would use poly coat light sand then paint. After 500 trials best results for me

[@juliahernandez9572]

@@03treefitty that’s what I do too!

[@peggyvoisin1416]

What kind of transfer tape do you use?

[@christh3gman]

Sallie what size nails are you using & size nail gun and compressor? Please, thank you.

[@SimplySallie]

I use 1.5 inch nails for a 1x2 frame 😊

[@kaylacollin9772]

How thick is the birch wood you are using?

[@kellyj.795]

Do you stain or paint the back of the sign? Or do you leave it as is?

[@SimplySallie]

I do not stain the back of my framed signs, but I do for my pine wood signs!

[@travisgoodspeed4400]

Do you use matte or gloss poly and paint?

[@NeitaFajita]

How long do you typically let the paint dry?

[@SimplySallie]

Usually several hours on the base board, then 20 mins or so between coats for the lettering!

[@jaymemonson5639]

Is the birch plywood 1/" or 3/4"?

[@angelahill4663]

Whats the thickness of the birch plywood?

[@katrinaholleman4193]

What thickness is the birch wood that you use? Is it from Home Depot or Lowe’s?

[@SimplySallie]

1/2 inch. I get it from both places

[@krystalball0313]

How long do you let the paint dry. Does the stencil not pull off some of the paint?

[@SimplySallie]

I let it dry at least an hour, sometimes overnight. The stencil will not pull up paint as long as whatever you placed it on is dry. So if its stained or painted, at least 24 hours (but the longer the better).

[@christh3gman]

Hi Sallie, I know you said you used the Silhouette for cutting, what size was the design & how wide was your stencil roll? It seems like it was wider than 12"?? Thanks

[@SimplySallie]

The stencil I buy is oramask 813 in a 15" roll. 😊

[@christh3gman]

@@SimplySallie Can you make a video how to cut wider than 12" vinyl on the Silhouette please?

[@SimplySallie]

I trim it down to just over 12", the 15" roll costs almost the same and I like it a little larger so it stays on the roller lol.

[@jmeyer24]

How do you saw the birch polywood so it doesn’t chip? What kind of white paint do you use?

[@Artsygoons]

Masking tape over where you are going to cut plywood will help keep it from chipping. Also, more teeth on a sharp blade helps.

[@dbreezy1201]

Is the white flat paint latex? What brand

[@smeg8557]

Not sure if Im the only one but when I remove the vinyl pieces with tweezers or the weeding tool, it leaves little holes in the wood from the picking, I tried this with oracle 651, could that be why? ( stickiness) or is that unavoidable?

[@yolandapierce4258]

I do 2 coats of final color, let the first coat dry for 3 minutes, apply next coat and peel when wet. Anytime I let it full dry, something always peels up. I wait until it is completely dry before removing the centers of letters; and never have an issue with peeling 😂 It's weird.

[@SimplySallie]

Haha it's funny how we all have our techniques that work!

[@sarahrobson9479]

What size thickness do you use

[@dbreezy1201]

Where did you get that large ruler?

[@sydneywilcox6072]

How much does it cost you to ship this size sign? This is something I’m having trouble with!

[@andreafakaro8139]

May I ask what fonts you used??

[@katiecatron7673]

How thick is the plywood?

[@cynthiapalmer7112]

Where do you buy your lumber????

[@sheilahtrevino7676]

how do you know how much to charge for wood signs

[@tamylarge1090]

I can't get the oramask 813 to stick to my wood.

[@iriss.e]

Have you ever had your stencil pull up the polyacrylic?

[@iriss.e]

My stencil pulled up my clear coat and it looked all flaky😩

[@olivasvlogs9937]

Why did you use chalk paint? Any particular reason?

[@amandaescamilla]

What grit of sanding paper do you use?

[@SimplySallie]

120 grit 😊

[@roxyroxy197]

Do you add hanging hardware?

[@SimplySallie]

Yes I do! With framed signs I always include sawtooth hangers installed to the back. For regular wood signs, I ask if they would like hangers and include them if they want them. I get a big pack on Amazon.

[@alexandrianorman2484]

Where do you purchase your birch plywood? :)

[@SimplySallie]

Home depot or lowes!

[@ivorytee1]

What kind of transfer tape are you using? Where do you buy it? Ty

[@SimplySallie]

Rtape chear choice at65. I get it at US cutter!

[@magalysanchez1923]

@@SimplySallie is it the high traffic or medium?

[@kimslater1546]

How thick is the birch plywood you use?

[@SimplySallie]

1/2 inch!

[@carmenymigue2010]

What’s width is that transfer paper??? Looks big!!!

[@SimplySallie]

I either get 24" or 15" x 100 yard roll of my transfer tape 😊

[@carmenymigue2010]

@@SimplySallie thanks 🙏

[@Beardbreak]

My nails keep going above and below the picture when I nail it in so I spend hours on making the sign and then with the last step it's ruined completely. Tips?

[@Amy-MyLoveCreative]

She has a video on making framed wood signs that's newer than this one. It helped me a lot...there's a part where she talks about getting the nails in the right spot 😁

[@kellyj.795]

Whenever I use Oracal 813, it always bubbles. Any advice?

[@SimplySallie]

It bubbles when you apply it to the wood, or just the vinyl in general?

[@kellyj.795]

It bubbles a little bit for the vinyl in general but once I apply it to the wood, it bubbles a lot!

[@HeartlandFamilyDesigns]

Why not cover in poly before you put it together? Why not cover the painted sign in poly too?

[@michelerodgers4051]

Do you stain or paint the back of the sign?

[@SimplySallie]

Nope not the framed signs!

[@michelerodgers4051]

@@SimplySallie one more question. Do you poly the white paint or the design after you paint it?

[@paulromansr5850]

hello. If you purchase a rubber mat of some kind, you will be able to sand the entire piece of wood with out it vibrating and moving all over the place.

[@carolinascreenprinting9957]

You can use a piece carpet padding under the wood .. it won't move as you are sanding or painting .. I use the carpet padding with the different color pieces in it .. I dont know if it matters just what I've used for years.

[@katies5545]

So I used 813 oramask for the first time tonight on paint and it ripped some of my paint away! I was surprised cause it worked flawlessly just before on a stained sign. It was sooo sticky and i was surprised it didn’t leave any residue. What could I be doing wrong?

[@SimplySallie]

Usually this happens if the paint is not fully cured, if you applied sealer over the paint, or it could be the brand of paint! Let me know if you figure out what it was.

[@katies5545]

@@SimplySallie I think it was either the paint, or not curing long enough. I used a different paint and let it cure for 24+ hours and no issues! 🥰

[@Arifin-pm9ql]

Is it paper