How To Build A Professional Looking Wooden Sign With Raised Letters // Woodworking / DIY

[@TheseusTitan]

I come from a family sign company that has been in business for almost 75 years. Considering you’re not in the industry you did a nice job cutting everything out. We use lifts worth of MDO. However, we considered MDO to be a temporary material. So we don’t use MDO for this type of sign. We would have either laminated redwood together or used a 2” thick synthetic urethane sheeting. When we do use MDO, we completely primed and painted the entire sheet of MDO before mounting anything to it. I would have primed everything, including the letters, logo, etc. before applying any finish coat of paint. If you had gone to a sign company and asked them to plot and perforate your layout out, they could have given you one large sheet of paper of the entire sign. We have a couple electric perforators and our plotters also have perforators on them to plot patterns. Chalk is ounces through the holes leaving an outline of whatever is pounced. You can use that outline to cutout your letters and then again to mount the letters to the panel. Instead of nailing everything down (which will rust eventually and could drip down the sign face), we would have used silicone or epoxy (depending).

[@jeffreyfenwick2898]

I am a graphics artist at California Wayfinder Sign Company, and usually signs that big require a plotter and CNC machine. I didn’t think it was possible to print the artwork like what you did. You are truly one of the smartest sign people I have seen! Great job and NEVER quit.

[@comsigninc]

I’ve been making signs for 45 yrs. You’ve done very well. We seal the edges of MDO with epoxy. For the backer sheet we often use Alumimum Composite Panels (ACP) Dibond is a brand name. I still like MDO. We buy it with a factory finish on the face and primed on the back. You used adhesive so the plain MDO was the way to go. Nice bandsaw work! Good on you for taking on the project.

[@timsmith3603]

Is there anywhere we can see some of your work?

[@bazingabert3346]

who needs a cnc machine anyway! nice job!

[@MHTutorials3D]

Wow, that must be one hell of a friend !

[@Talkitoutt]

I got anxious watching this video. The level of patience you portray is unparalleled. I’m sure the rest of the video was great, but i had to bow out before the end. My heart was going to explode!

[@jarvisstewart]

"I don't know how to do any of that stuff" Love the honesty. Great video.

[@bstephens5280]

Hello Chris, Thank you for this awesome video. It gave me the courage to make four entrance signs for my neighborhood. Our signs have fallen apart and need replacing. So another neighbor and I have decided to take on this challenge after getting a quote for $4,000 for just one. This was a huge undertaking and your video tips were quite helpful. Once completed, I will come back with pictures.

[@dharradi]

What a fantastic job. I hope you're proud of that. I make shop front signs with a CNC router (all I've ever known as I'm new to the signmaking business ) watching this is amazing. Great effort and a fine result. Really cool to see a craftsman doing a better job than a CNC!

[@dianec2218]

Very nice. I was in the sign business for 20 years. We had CNC machines, computerized cutters, letter benders and large format printers. You did just as good a job. Im impressed.

[@BDUBZ49]

That looks amazing. The sad thing is most of the people you (me, we, whomever) do artwork for tend to not appreciate it. I mean... the painstaking effort to make clean looking letters, the aesthetic of the shadow effect by the black edges, whether you use semi-gloss, satin or eggshell finish, etc... They're usually like...that looks nice. Thanks.

[@Vir9il]

"When you do things right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all" (from Futurama)

[@rpaynejasper]

been at it for 15 yrs steady.. research foam board..sand blasting for production...for a friend this was a lovely labor of love...good work!!!

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thank you. I have researched the sand blasting technique and looks awesome. I wish I had the space and money for that equipment. Ill have to check out the foam board stuff havent heard of that yet.

[@dawnmccladdie7652]

Man, that was absolutely amazing! I've been trying to figure out how to make the sign for my outdoor bar/kitchen and came across this video, lol I'll definitely be stealing this method. I love that you took the time to describe everything you were doing and all the tools you used. This was my first time seeing a video of yours, I will definitely be subscribing!

[@BruceAUlrich]

I agree with you...having the white on the tops of the letters with the black sides gave it a nice shadow effect. Nice job!

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thanks Bruce. Im glad I went that route too. turned out better than I expected.

[@utseay]

I’ve never watched a sign video, but I’m glad I did today. That’s a good looking sign.

[@catherine6802]

That is awesome and I'm so glad you did it old school as half a million dollars for precision equipment just isn't in the budget. Thanks for posting.

[@andrewaustin6941]

You should post a short video of the sign up on location when it's done!

[@Angela-dh2nl]

@@thechauchy so awesome!!!!

[@josephwatson8448]

Those birds look like they all committed suicide. Like all said, "Fck It..."

[@noplacelikemauihawaii103]

How much would u charge for that work. ? Wow

[@tazzthedoodle7861]

Amazing piece of art

[@Ontrackearthworx]

I’m really excited and encouraged to see great ingenuity and completing a job with the talents we have. Great job!!! Pass it on.

[@slundy]

No suggestions except to DO MORE! That sign is epic! Great craftsmanship and creativity.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thanks slundy, I plan too!

[@suckonmyrealname]

That white on black looks incredible. Awesome work.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thanks, I totally agree. Im going to making some new signs pretty soon too

[@tomx63]

All handmade. Your work on that was simply fantastic. Love the homage to Utz. As of today I see 52 people who were kicked in the by a mule also watched your video.

[@juliangoulding]

Great suggested vid by youtube. I was literally just thinking about how to do the signage for our shipping container bike shop project and stumbled onto this. Great sign, great vid, I will be copying this idea shamelessly!

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thanks Julian! I am so happy glad KZbin is pushing my stuff out there haha. share a pic on facebook or instagram when you get finished. Id love to see.

[@ekoulak]

If you are planning on doing much painting I would suggest looking into a paint sprayer. Especially when applying poly, it would save you a ton of time. Great work on the sign by the way, looks spectacular!

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thank you, and a spray gun would have helped me on numberous occassions. Ill invest in one one of these days

[@houtjeboom]

That is a great looking sign.... I loved the redbrown couler of the boards more than when you painted them. But that is personal. All with all a great job !!

[@emanuelsantos6754]

This woodworking book is really detailed, *TopFineWoodworking. Com* ! With the aid of this plan, I was able to use words, drawings, real images and different diagrams. It is really an informative product. I am presently making furniture together with my brother and thanks to this product, I feel like helping him is possible.?

[@extemos6476]

This is a true piece of art. I never thought it was possible to do all this with a band saw. Excellent work.

[@JohnSmith-oy1ev]

Awesome sign. I’ve always saw these done with cnc machines. Glad to see it can still be done by hand. I’m gonna start doing some of these. Thanks for the inspiration

[@Robocoppat]

Well John Smith, if that is your real name, it goes to show that it can be done..lol

[@ummaandhalmi]

wow...I admire your work. I am just a DIY beginner, your work inspires me. what is that white dots you put on each letters at 7:33 mark? Thanks

[@jeffloitz1682]

Yea I would love to see it up at the club as well.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

find me on instagram. I will post some pictures on there.

[@CRISTOFF17]

I'm normally one of the 'crayon monkies' working in studios that send the logos to a sign maker, then later (always wondering why it took so long) getting photos of the finished product in an email. I'll forward this link to all at work to remind them that the creative process didn't end with us sending the file to the sign maker. Really awesome job. Thank you.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

I really wish I had your skill set. Ive been dabbleing trying to teach myself illustrator and some other softwares and I just cant do it. Wayyyyy to advanced for me. I need to take a formal class or something. Thanks for the kind words sir

[@samdub]

This looks fantastic. You put so much time and effort into these jobs, bravo.

[@uknowulikethat4042]

all the work paid off, sign looks great.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thank you. I appreciate that.

[@toddweller]

It turned out awesome! UTZ is awesome too! I'll bet the owners at Pine Hill were thrilled.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thanks todd! They did like it.

[@Hampteezy]

You crushed that project, wow dude. Amazing work. I have these tools but the amount of time this took!

[@drkevorkian2396]

Put a roof over that thing, looks too good to be exposed to the rain and snow.

[@TheCbrown6767]

The fact that you did that with Microsoft paint and by hand is very impressive!!!!!

[@hanswellenbrock9786]

Amazing work! Loved how the colors popped.

[@markshumate5377]

Great work on the sign! You are a talented Woodworker!

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thanks Mark. I just try to do my best :)

[@SwankeyMonkey]

After mentioning that you did your logo printout using Windows Paint, I insta-Subbed. Simplicity and creativity using the bare minimal tools you know how to use, make you a great craftsman. BTW, a good inexpensive Scroll Saw might benefit you greatly doing all the small cutting for letters and art. It definitely has helped in all of my projects since getting one.

[@bigfootseahawk5686]

You couldnt have done a better job. Those colors work well off each other. Great job !

[@PDPipes]

This was a great build and really turned out amazing. Would have been awesome to get a full shot of it at the end but great job.

[@OffendedByThought]

This is awesome. The attention to detail is nothing but perfection. The manipulation of the saws to get this finished product is amazing. Hopefully I can learn something

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thanks for the message man, i really appreciate that! i hope you learn something too :)

[@billabney243]

Wait a second! You're saying that you don't need a CNC and/or a 3D printer to make an awesome sign? Hmmm Well done.

[@dennycarroll4991]

It probably took 10x longer without a CNC but it can be done.

[@MondoRockable]

Time and money. It's all a tradeoff.

[@SwankeyMonkey]

Buy a $100 scroll saw, and he will halve that time even further.

[@opinandocontonyperez]

What a great sign art. Love it. I made couple of signs and I am looking around to see if I can make a living with this. I am a painter for homes. But I noticed is not as easy as anyone can imagine.

[@SIAFU]

Amazing work...truly something worthy of pride.

[@patrickclinton4277]

Very nice sign your buddies is lucky to have you build that for him

[@pollymonopoly8803]

“Professional looking“... no, that’s straight up professional.

[@loganfreeman8237]

I can just say you are very talented how you did everything by yourself without any help and it looks very professional as well not just the sign also how you work.

[@leehodge7907]

Really enjoyed this. Nice to see it being skilfully done by hand, makes for better viewing than a CNC machine lol

[@RoddyDa]

You nailed it brother

[@coloringoutsidethelines9755]

Absolutely love your channel... almost as much as I love UTZ!! BIG FAN of those dogs and love that he is your "shopmate" and that you include him in the vids!! I am a jack of all trades and an artist who hopes to start my own design/ creator/ maker channel one day -we have an Airedale Terrier named "Murphy" that follows me everywhere that would love to be a part of my shots - if I can get him to sit still long enough and stop eating all the shop scraps! Beautiful sign - keep up the great work & keep the vids coming; my wife & I always look forward to them!

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

I'm so glad to hear that. Very kind words! Utz and I will definitely keep at it. Thank you so much for being a part of the channel, commenting, and watching. I very much appreciate it!

[@murphy1865]

Murphy is a good name. ;)

[@stevechandler2630]

your project of the sign really looked amazing, My only comment to make your own life easier would to use a HVLP spray gun which will ensure every bit of the sign would be coated in Varnish, Laquere or any thing else... Top project though mate, ive learnt so much by watching this video,, Thanks mate :)

[@vesslewiththepesstle]

I watched this when you first did this and again just then, how does it look 2 years on?

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

I was just there guiding yesterday and it looks awesome still. Very happy

[@jdcook9977]

That's nice craftsmanship. Do a resto fresh paint nice clear epoxy ...look good, last long time!

[@indiandy03]

That is a lot of work. I am a sign maker and really aprciate the work you have put into this

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thanks. It was a lot of work, but I actually really enjoyed this! Do you do the sandblasted type of signs?

[@indiandy03]

I used to write signs the old way but when computers came into the business we had to hop on. I still do a little of a more traditional sign for my own amusment

[@samiam7]

Dude that looks great. Nice video too. Would love to see it in place

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

check out my instagram page. I posted a couple nice pics

[@ntsakoshilubane5025]

this guy is a CNC ROTTERY MACHINE PERIOD, That's some rare skills

[@edwardallen3062]

spray painting right next to your cars, your'e a braver man than me!

[@Thom4123]

Awesome job and you weren't kidding A LOT of sawing but you did just as much sanding lol. As as always beautiful work.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Oh man, I think the sanding was actually worse hahaha.

[@Bv791510]

Very nice. A scroll saw and HVLP spray will make your life easier.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

for sure!

[@user47362]

A cnc machine will save you even more time

[@jenikapike2116]

Qwerty Qwerty I scroll saw all my signs, and I was gifted a CNC machine for Christmas from my lovely husband, but man the CNC is a learning curve! I could have 5 signs cut out from the time I’ve spent learning it lol

[@dream-_weaver4769]

Gheez!! We all need friends like you! GREAT JOB!!!!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Outstanding Chris! small thought... Can you get your mic volume louder? In some clips it was very low.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Yea, I noticed that and wasn't able to fix it in editing. Not sure why my mic did that this time. I think there is something messed up on my computers settings. gotta figure that out for sure!

[@abeljoiner6222]

you sir are a bad ass been in the business a long time never seen it done by hand like this

[@jamesogorman3287]

Very attractive sign, but I'm shocked that no one has taken you to task for the apostrophe in "at it's finest". It's is a contraction of "it is", you don't want the apostrophe. FYI, thanks for a good video.

[@metal_mo]

Good catch

[@kalel33]

He probably thought "It's" was the possessive form of it, but it doesn't get an apostrophe for a possessive.

[@natasharichards2048]

Gotta remember that "it's" always means "it is", lol. It happens. Amazing sign and work

[@schwamforfreedom]

Penguinbot 5000 He probably just copied the sign he was replacing that had the apostrophe as well.

[@Paul-id1kb]

I think its ok. 😉

[@CROWLEY2478]

Thats a badass sign. Lot of great ideas for a sign that I have to make in the future. Well Done!

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thanks jimmy. Send me a picture of your on facebook or instagram when you are done

[@fortunatewoodcraft6855]

I liked the work on the sign. My only criticism has to do with the video editing. Try increasing the voice-over volume relative to the rest of the audio, and raising the overall audio a bit. The balance just isn't quite there.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

I couldnt agree more. I totally missed to mark on the edit. I dont know what happened. The mic just wouldnt pick up the audio loud enough and I just use the free windows movie maker and I couldnt get the volume up there either. Ill make sure to fix it for next video. Thanks for the honest feedback.

[@Paul-id1kb]

Give the guy a break. He admitted he wasn’t the greatest with technology. He used the paint program for his graphics. I didn’t think it was bad considering he probably used a mini cassette recorder and a Commodore 64 to edit! Just kidding I was only here for the craftsmanship I would have never noticed the audio. Good job!

[@thecarpenter7526]

That turned out really nice.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

thanks chad!

[@42lookc]

What a vivid looking sign! Such great contrast in colours! All of your effort to weatherproof it should pay off for your friend.

[@randytellez2451]

Quite impressive. You applied great attention and patience in that build.

[@Scott-RoyalExplainer]

Nice job going old school without a CNC! Looks great!

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thanks Scott.

[@gazgough9264]

wow looks like a lot of work but well worth it, the end result looks great!

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thanks bud, It was a lot of work, but a labor of love. Hope all is well across the pond for you bud!

[@darianblaine4810]

True craftsman right there.

[@painterzedgellc473]

Dude you killed it! Major improvement over the original. Excellent job!

[@Costner_built]

Awesome Video! Sign turned out great!

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thanks bud. The sign is good, but I couldnt get the audio working on this vid. hmmmm

[@SouthernGinger]

Dude that turned out great! I bet your buddy loves it!

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

haha, yea he was pretty happy!

[@jessepicken1662]

Omg i just got a router and started making small signs so i was looking up videos to learn more but wow I found this!!!!! absolutely amazing a lot of hours spent im sure great job i hope one day i have the tools and shop to make things like this

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

yea aquiring tools is a lifelong journey. I get what I can here and there and just keep trying to improve

[@B33SON1]

Looks beautiful. One way to do this a bit faster would be to use a CNC machine. If you can use paint, you can use the software for a CNC machine. Prices have come down a lot on them too.

[@panosp94]

Awesome trip to the past - that' s how my Dad used to do it - having said that: RESPECT MAN !!!! Splendid job, you' re a true Craftsman! (maybe you should UP your Labour charges...LOL) This sign is BEAUTIFUL.... more power to you! Cheers

[@michaelbreaux9164]

Awesome. love the 2 color letters

[@rockymountainhandyman840]

WOW what a sign really great craftsmanship if I say so myself. Nothing to improve or do different on your end my friend you keep making the signs the way you have been making them what works for some doesn't always work for most.

[@gokblok]

That's badass, man. Great design as well as execution. Letters are laser-straight and the paint layering looks great.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thank you! and someone above commented that I should by a laser-level. I thought I did pretty good with just using the ol' eyeball.

[@zippertag]

crazy talent bro.....cant believe you didnt mask off that stuff.....if i twas meI would have gotten paint over everything.

[@DoItProjects]

Dude... whoa! Very impressive work. You'd never catch me cutting all those by hand like that. I hope you charged him a boat load! That's a beautiful sign.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

hahaha, no I gave him the major friend discount. It was a lot of work that is for sure.

[@Jackvworks]

Excellent work! Came out beautiful! Happy to see guys like yourself still building all by hand. Now a days everyones ones “a pro” by pressing buttons!

[@adamcturnbull]

That is STUPENDOUS considering what you started with !!! Those edges I think impossible to seal and the side trims, though pretty, will seal IN the water and if your area has rainy months then it'll rot out in about 5-8 years.....that being said theres no such thing as a wood sign that lasts forever. Thats absolutely gorgious and will be gorgious for atleast 5 years.

[@rhealdugas4376]

You are a VERY GOOD friend.

[@timmahoney2763]

Beautiful sign. Mine is going to be nothing like it but you have shown me how easy it is to put together the different materials that I hope to use.

[@LifeofBliss]

At first I was like "No! He's painting that wood!!" but it turned out awesome looking man!

[@brooksbrooks6805]

Well at the very least, he was using barnwood. Which looks great rustic but it would be worse if he painted over like cedar or redwood...

[@jamesbrede8700]

Looks great !!! I’m a sign maker and you are good !

[@rizwanahmed9566]

Mind blowing it is stunner I like your colour combination you are an amazing craftsman

[@kenbrown5449]

Excellent Work! I know how painstaking the letters are. Great video!

[@GardnersGarage]

The sign turned out fantastic! Looks like a heck of a lot of work, but worth it in the end I'm sure! Good job!

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thank you. I definitely think it was worth it

[@offgridsweden]

That sign is totally awesome. Greetings from Andreas on Off Grid Sweden

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

outstanding! I love when folks from other parts of the world watch and say Hi. Thanks for the kind words friend.

[@vathanye7834]

MBL Love International Design LED M4

[@splinn1614]

Thank you for showing us how this can be done. I've been struggling with my own logo for a while, but after watching this, I found the motivation to bust out my own sign. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@eddiev1980]

Great work, when i selected this video i expected to be watching a CNC sign making video. Amazing amount of work and excellent result

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

haha. There must be a lot of boring CNC videos out there because you aren't the first person who expected a cnc video

[@eddiev1980]

I actually overlooked the video a few times thinking it was going to be another CNC video. Then it was late and i was bored so i thought i would watch and was really surprised. I can suggest if your doing a few get a CNC and turn it into an afternoon project

[@dieztroykabron]

One note, I saw you applied the paint without any primer on the wood, if the paint you used was paint+primer I would've still put on an exterior wood primer because it helps tremendously for a better bond between wood and paint. Nevertheless awesome craftsmanship and detail to your work. Thanks for sharing

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

great tip David, thank you. I was wondering if I should take that step or not. I definitely will next time!

[@chexstix]

Excellent job, and so much time and attention to detail!

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thank you I appreciate the kind words!

[@timothyralph6111]

Very nice, great letter work on the bandsaw.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Im surprised at how well it turned out!

[@scottross9270]

Old School is the best school. Nice job!

[@jbratt]

I did a very similar sign. I took each letter and coated it in epoxy along with the face of the sign before using boat paint for color. I used this technique after building the boat on my channel. The sign is showing some problems after 5 years and it is getting close to time for an overhaul. Your sign looks great. It’s nice to see a different approach to an almost identical problem.

[@DNHandcrafted]

That looks fantastic Chris!!! Looks amazing. I love the idea of the black sides with the white top, that really made it looks awesome. You should be super happy with how his turned out!!

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thanks man. For attempting something like this for the first time and doing a bunch of unknowns I am very happy with how it turned out. Lets hope my buddy it too! I drop it off tomorrow.

[@LoneOakWoodworks]

Who else saw the link for the video and thought it was going to be a cnc router video? lol My thought was something like 'you gotta be kidding me' when I realized you were cutting it all by hand...very nicely done!

[@bevryan175]

Thats probably the best sign I've ever seen made from start to finish 👏. A+