How to Make Wood Signs with Vinyl Using Cricut

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So many crafters buy a Cricut machine to make DIY wood signs. They're beautiful for home decor, weddings, holidays, showers, and more. I remember as a new Cricut Crafter being so confused by all the different information on the internet about staining and making wooden signs, so I created this tutorial for you based on the method that I have used for the past couple of years. I am not a professional woodworker, but as a crafter, this staining, polyurethane, and vinyl process make a beautiful wood sign.
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Starcraft HD Permanent vinyl: www.143vinyl.com/starcraft-hd...
Clear medium tack transfer tape: www.143vinyl.com/transfer-tap...
iVyne Weeding Berry: amzn.to/3k9tudp
Weeding Tools from 143VINYL: www.143vinyl.com/vinyl-tools/...
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#WOODSIGN #CRICUT #DIYSIGNS
MUSIC CREDIT ✨
------------------------------
Campfire by Scandinavianz / scandinavianz
Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0
Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/_campfire
Music promoted by Audio Library • Campfire - Scandinavia...
------------------------------
🎵 Track Info:
Title: Campfire by Scandinavianz
Genre and Mood: Pop + Inspirational
---
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Google Play: bit.ly/GooglePlay-Campfire
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[e-mail]
/ scandinavianz
kzbin.info/door/qEN...
open.spotify.com/artist/4iZxN...
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itunes.apple.com/us/artist/sc...
www.deezer.com/us/artist/1499...
/ scandinavianz
/ scandinavianz
/ thescandina. .

[@tschmath]

As a woodworkers, I see where you left out an important step. After sanding to 220, you should take a damp cloth and wipe down the wood. This raises the grain. Then you sand again to 220. Now, when you stain, you'll get a really smooth finish.

[@DIYAlex]

Great tip! Thanks!

[@rjscrimo2627]

OMG I'm so glad I found you! Finally a crafter that doesn't spend half the time talking. You get right to the point and I appreciate that! Definitely following you :)

[@DIYAlex]

Thanks so much! I like my videos to the point, so that's the kind of videos I make! :)

[@shamakagoodloe1942]

this was perfect. I've been watching tons of vinyl videos trying to find one that shows every single step and yours is the only one I've found that does. Thanks so much. I can't wait to start my project.

[@DIYAlex]

I'm so glad to hear that! I can't wait to see it! Don't forget to tag me if you post it :)

[@thechamp2585]

Yeah. She is tbe first we found too

[@MrsAnimalLover12]

This was so helpful, thank you! Love the applying vinyl tip!

[@caseybrooks3974]

Thank you so much for this video Alex. I've been looking into doing signs & your step by step instructions make it look so much easier than I had imagined.

[@DIYAlex]

You’re welcome! It’s not hard once you have the process down!

[@debbieluttrell-mccune9387]

Love love love your videos! I can’t wait to try this!!

[@angiearriaga318]

Wow, looks great Alex... Definitely trying your method to add vinyl!!Love it ❤️

[@DIYAlex]

I didn’t come up with it ☺️ it’s called the hinge method, but it’s great! It changed the game for me!

[@heatherarms4631]

Thank you so much for this video. I love your videos. They are very helpful and I really needed this tutorial.

[@DIYAlex]

You’re welcome! I’m so glad it’s helpful!! ☺️

[@mojo2613]

Thanks! Very helpful tips! Can't wait to try one now!!

[@DIYAlex]

Yay! I hope this makes it easier!

[@Cricuter]

Great video, Alex! Wood rounds are such a fun Cricut project! Thanks for sharing!

[@DIYAlex]

Yes they are! You're welcome!

[@jamesbarlowjr.3762]

Pre Stain is always another good step to help with blotching. Very Nice Work! I just got my Cricut Mach. It can be frustrating but I’m trying to push through it. I also do wood working so between the two is will be an awesome marriage! 😊

[@jamesbarlowjr.3762]

But I’m sure by now after this video being a year old. I’m sure you figured out the Pre Stain. 😊

[@ShoryoTombo]

This is awesome! The last part was even the best with the transfer using the painter's tape. My biggest struggle! Thank you for sharing!

[@DIYAlex]

You are so welcome!

[@samanthawhite3500]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@HanksMakerMentor]

This super helpful! Thanks for the short version when I need a refresher!

[@DIYAlex]

You’re welcome! ☺️

[@TheLipscombLifestyle]

New to Cricut and want to start making wooden signs. I am so glad that I found your video because you explained the process in detail and it is easy to follow. I subscribed to your channel!

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you! I am so glad this helped!! Thanks for the kind words! -Lindsay

[@tammywoyak5477]

Great video!! Thank you for all of your help !

[@DIYAlex]

You’re welcome! I’m so glad it’s helpful!

[@thebeardedmanswoodshop2611]

Simple and to the point, Keep rockin' it!

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you!

[@jenniferwade727]

Thank you for this! I'm trying to create a sign for our family campground using a slice from a tree that was there throughout my childhood but recently fell, and I was wowing how the heck I was going to make it work.

[@DIYAlex]

Glad it was helpful! Make sure to sand it to be mostly smooth so the vinyl sticks well :)

[@rachellewis7713]

Thanksfor the step by step seriously perfect!

[@DIYAlex]

You’re welcome!

[@thechamp2585]

Finally someone who knows what they are doing with the poly and giving demos in a video.

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you! I appreciate that!

[@chuck1deb]

Love this!! Thank you!!

[@DIYAlex]

You're welcome!

[@vinylcuttinginspiration]

Love your work DIY Alex!

[@DIYAlex]

Aw thanks so much! ☺️

[@neadmakeup9198]

This helped so much thank you!

[@DIYAlex]

I"m so glad to hear that! You're welcome!

[@Frsuarezj]

Wow that was a good explanation very detailed thank you

[@DIYAlex]

You’re welcome!

[@abigailtolud2342]

This was very helpful thank you.

[@DIYAlex]

Glad it was helpful! -Lindsay

[@natashafreeman6286]

Wow thank you so so much I love that you walk through it and your so kind I'm new here and will be following you

[@DIYAlex]

I’m so glad it helped, Natasha! Welcome to my Crafty Fam! 💕

[@tracyshuman3944]

Simple and informative. Tx

[@DIYAlex]

You're welcome!

[@melissabutler9155]

I am so glad I found your channel

[@DIYAlex]

I’m glad you did too! Welcome! 💕

[@lindsey_28]

Ironically about to be doing an order with a stain wood sign! Perfect timing 😂👌🏻❤️

[@DIYAlex]

Yay! I’m so glad! We’re good like that 😂

[@lindsey_28]

DIY Alex totally killing it with reading my mind 👌🏻😂😂😂

[@DIYAlex]

Hahah all crafters could have used this at some point for wooden signs!

[@janetmeredith9334]

Thanks for the video. It’s very informative, especially the “hinge method” of applying vinyl. I do have a question. How long do you let the board dry after the second coat of poly before you put the vinyl on?

[@DIYAlex]

I let it sit overnight usually.

[@thebeardedmanswoodshop2611]

@@DIYAlex 100% correct.

[@chrisnewfie]

Love this video…ty

[@DIYAlex]

You're welcome!

[@heatherbostic1153]

Hi Alex! I'm new to creating wood signs. Exactly what kind of wood finish are you using for this video? I couldn't tell in the video. Love the end result!!! Thanks!

[@DIYAlex]

Thanks! This is stain in English Chesnut followed by polyurethane.

[@yourfriendlyneighborhoodle2555]

Hey there, love the video. I do have a quick question though, I am making a sign that will be outdoors year-round and needs to last. Do you have any recommendations on sealants I could use to preserve it?

[@DIYAlex]

You should follow the same method I showed in this video. There is no need to seal over top of the vinyl because that can actually get underneath the vinyl and cause discoloration and bubbling. Just seal the wood and let the vinyl do what it does best! :)

[@aim4christ532]

Hi Alex! I've been watching your video and gathering supplies to get started on my first ever signs woohoo but I do have a question...I dont have a cricut machine so im going to be painting with stencils so should I still follow all these steps or do I need to paint before the polyurethane? Thanks!

[@DIYAlex]

Hey Aimee! I'm excited for you! If you are painting, then you need to paint instead of stain, and then you can decide if polyurethane is necessary for stenciling. If you're going to lay down a sticky stencil, then polyurethane is probably a good idea. Just make sure if you're painting with white that you use water based polyurethane so it doesn't yellow your paint.

[@sexxyitalianchic]

Awesome video. What is the best brand of vinyl and transfer tape that you would recommend?

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you! I love StarCraft HD vinyl and Clear Medium Tack transfer tape. Both are from 143vinyl.com.

[@debbieabbe3111]

That looks awesome!!! Did you stain the back? If you wanted to make that into a tray with handles would you need to do anything extra to the vinyl?

[@DIYAlex]

Thanks Debbie! I did not stain the back, but if I were using this as a tray I would have. No, I wouldn't do anything extra to the vinyl even while using it for a tray.

[@althiawynter4565]

Thanks so much for this video. I want to be able to change the wording on my sign and reuse it. Can removable vinyl be used?

[@DIYAlex]

Awesome! Sure, removable vinyl is fine as well.

[@jennifergarcia4027]

Such a helpful video! Gathering supplies now! Just one question. About how long between each coat of stain and poly do you let dry?

[@DIYAlex]

Yay! I'm so glad you liked it! Let then dry until they're no longer sticky. Dry time will vary with humidity and temperature.

[@jennifergarcia4027]

@@DIYAlex another question! I got water based polyurethane? Does that matter?

[@lovely31bluprint]

Great Video where did you get the place holder to hold the wood sign on the table?

[@DIYAlex]

That is the largest self healing mat that Cricut carries. You can find it on Amazon here: amzn.to/3669S3g

[@lindachapman4352]

If your putting vinyl on say a lazy susan that you're going to have things stored on, would you put a coating over it or just leave the vinyl unsealed? Your tutorial was very helpful, thanks!

[@DIYAlex]

I still wouldn't seal it since it wouldn't help the vinyl stick any better for a lazy susan. You're welcome!

[@debbiegates8912]

Is this what you would do for an outdoor sign that will be exposed to the elements as well? Or would you need to seal again?

[@DIYAlex]

No, you can actually get sealer underneath the vinyl and cause it to lift by sealing over top. You'd follow the same process for indoor and outdoor signs.

[@emeritawatson5367]

I love the sing.

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you!!

[@emeritawatson5367]

DIY Alex no problem 😁

[@fizzazaidi1653]

Was your vinyl glossy or matte? Im doing this for a nursery and wonder what would look better. Thanks!

[@DIYAlex]

Mine is matte. That's my preferred finish of vinyl!

[@debbieryan3844]

Great video. I would like to purchase a cricket to make signs but very interested in your suggestion of a model.

[@DIYAlex]

Go for it! It is a great investment.. and so much fun! 😃😃- Lindsay

[@wendyp818]

Hi Alex once you put the vinyl on do you seal over it with polyurethane or polycrillic and which do you prefer or are they the same?

[@DIYAlex]

No, you don’t seal over top of the vinyl. The video explains the whole process. ☺️

[@mattsmith1737]

Get what’s called a “tack cloth” it’s beeswax infused cloth to pick up sanding dust and wipe down between Poly coats. Just use it till it’s no longer sticky.

[@DIYAlex]

Thanks for the tip!

[@honorflowerday3046]

Hey, I'm in the UK and finding it so hard to find pine wood like this! Can I use any other type of wood? thanks, x

[@DIYAlex]

Sure! Any kind of wood that you can find is fine! I chose pine because it's cheapest and easy to find here in the US, but basically any wood will work the same way.

[@s.baxter3891]

Did you varnish again after the vinyl went onto the wood? I watched someone else’s video and they put the poly on after the vinyl lettering was applied. You mentioned that the vinyl sticks better to the poly but I wanted to make sure.

[@DIYAlex]

No, it's not necessary to add anything over top the vinyl. The surface underneath the vinyl is the most important part :)

[@vickymorris9876]

Why do you use polyurethane to seal instead of poly acrylic after staining? I am making a door sign for the outdoors in extreme heat. Thanks

[@BirdieHillFarm]

Which model would be the best to make these signs? I know the video is older and new models have come out. Still learning and want to purchase the best machine to focus on wood vinyl signs. Thank you.

[@DIYAlex]

Any Cricut machine on the market can cut vinyl, so anything will work! I wouldn’t get a Joy or Joy Xtra because they’re small. So anything from an Explore Air 2 and up will work!

[@jeannetteperez-villa2257]

Hello Alex, how do I cut a round design that is bigger than 12” to put on wood?

[@DIYAlex]

Hi Jeannette! It's definitely doable, but it's hard to explain. I recommend you look up Larger Than Mat Projects to see a tutorial on how to do it!

[@user-fp5lp6ec7k]

Do you ever do a coat of polyurethane on top of the vinyl to seal it? Making a sign for an arts studio and it’s going to be exposed to the elements so I’m trying to figure out the best course of action- your video gave me great insight of my starting points, thank you!

[@DIYAlex]

No I don’t. Always seal underneath instead of on top.

[@GDISinc]

Would Vinyl work on Bar Taps made of wood and if so how long do you think they would hold up to high traffic? Thanks!

[@DIYAlex]

I would think it would work, but I’m not positive! I think it depends on how big the vinyl pieces. The bigger the vinyl/ text is, the more adhesive to stick to the surface.

[@jennagolter1879]

I read through the comments and saw that you don’t recommend using poly over the vinyl because it’s not necessary for a sign. Wondering if it’s necessary if it’s being used for a tray or a lazy Susan where things are being put on top of it and removed on a regular basis. Just want to make sure that it lasts!

[@DIYAlex]

It still shouldn't be necessary. Permanent vinyl is way stronger than we give it credit for. It's more beneficial to seal underneath the vinyl than to seal on top :)

[@brendayslas8602]

Do you add a layer of some sort of protection to prevent the vinyl from lifting?

[@DIYAlex]

Yes! I cover what to use and when to apply it in the video ☺️

[@alyssakinder8360]

do you recommend sealing again after placing the vinyl or is the vinyl sticky enough to not worry about it peeling?

[@DilBriJake]

If it is permanent vinyl and is applied properly, it needs no sealing.

[@DIYAlex]

Once you seal the surface, that gives vinyl enough to stick to and stay without needing to be sealed over top.

[@alyssakinder8360]

DIY Alex thank you!

[@lnparker88]

This video is helpful but, I do have a question: how long do you let the stain dry before doing the polyurethane step? When I stain, I do the polyurethane BUT when I go to lay down my vinyl it does NOT want to stick and I honestly get so frustrated lol Am I doing something wrong? I feel it shouldn't be that hard for the vinyl to stick. I am using 651 permanent vinyl from Expressions Vinyl

[@DIYAlex]

It needs to dry until it’s not sticky anymore. You may need more than one coat in order for it to sick. Make sure you sand with steel wool until in between coats.

[@tracyerickson7532]

How long does it take the drain to dry before you do the polyurethane?

[@faithsworld9299]

Do you still have to mirror it since youre using transfer tape?

[@DIYAlex]

No, you don't need to mirror adhesive vinyl.

[@chemistrysimplified198]

can you print out these vinyls using laser printers? i have a color brother printer and wonder if i’d work the same using vinyl paper?

[@DIYAlex]

No it won’t work the same way.

[@chemistrysimplified198]

@@DIYAlex which printer do u recommend?

[@spiritualstyles6107]

What type of vinyl did you use we have htv or you using a different type

[@DIYAlex]

Permanent adhesive vinyl.

[@alainacasha118]

Hi Question instead of staining the wood could I paint it then put the polyeurothane over that??

[@DIYAlex]

Sure thing! That would work just fine

[@noelurban3105]

@@DIYAlex what type of machine are you using

[@loysheker]

Awesome!! Btw you look like Melissa Joan Arc. :)

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you! :)

[@tasneemkhwaja8096]

Hi Alex, can I put vinyl directly on my serving platter and is it safe to use and will it peel after washing it?

[@DIYAlex]

Once you put vinyl on it, it’s no longer fold safe. It will not peel off when hand washed.

[@ambernewsome3041]

is the polyeurtheme required? or is it optional?

[@DIYAlex]

A sealer is required if you want vinyl to stay long term. Vinyl doesn’t stick well to surfaces that are very porous like wood so sealing is very important.

[@LauraMartinez-cb6dh]

Hi so I did the prices but my vinyl comes up. Anything I can to to make out stick?

[@DIYAlex]

Use less tacky transfer tape if it's coming up while applying. If it's coming up after you apply it make sure you do an extra layer of polyurethane to seal.

[@shantelmiller2223]

If I am making a sign for outside should I use poly on it?

[@DIYAlex]

Yes. Follow this same process.

[@sulemadeleon1234]

Hi, where did you get the vine leaves picture from?

[@DIYAlex]

The SVG file I used is linked in the video description ☺️

[@TamaraBrodnicki50]

For this project did you have to mirror your image?

[@DIYAlex]

No, you don't mirror with adhesive vinyl.

[@maryhilker7526]

Thank you for the video. I love your work! Which Circuit Maker do you have? I haven't decided on one yet. Not sure which one to purchase.

[@DIYAlex]

I have both! I like the original Cricut Maker better, but honestly both machines are great.

[@monicamuzzy]

What vinyl and transfer tape used? My Cricut brand sticks so bad I can peel the transfer tape off...

[@DIYAlex]

I used Starcraft HD permanent vinyl and clear medium tack transfer tape! You can find both of them here: Starcraft HD vinyl: www.143vinyl.com/starcraft-hd-permanent-adhesive-vinyl/?partner=403469 Transfer Tape: www.143vinyl.com/transfer-tape/?partner=403469

[@animal1064]

Really nice job... didn't catch what you used to seal the stain???? Was it Polyurethane?? Lol... great job..x

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you! Yes, it's polyurethane.

[@BigDawg972]

@@DIYAlex You mentioned that you used Poly-urethane and it can be used indoors or outdoors.... if you read the directions of Poly-urethane it actually tells you that it should only be used indoors. Spar-Urethane (Spar-varnish) should be used outdoors. Poly-Urethane will eventually become cloudy when exposed to moisture.

[@DIYAlex]

Oh gotcha. I’ve never had any issues with my polyurethane clouding, but my porch is covered so it may be because my signs aren’t directly exposed to water. I’ll have to look into that. Thanks for the info!

[@pamrodgers7409]

Question I have a maker 3 but when I cut my Vinyl it doesn’t come off like it should I’m varnishing it and I’m putting of paper down but it’s still tears what am I doing wrong

[@DIYAlex]

Make sure you’re using high quality vinyl. My favorite is StarCraft HD!

[@DanzaVirgenDelCisneWorcesterMA]

How long do you let the stain dry?

[@DIYAlex]

It varies a little bit, just until it's no longer tacky.

[@yolandavarnado9928]

How long you let the stain dry before you do the next step?

[@DIYAlex]

It depends on the weather outside. Just touch it when you think it’s dry and when it’s no longer sticky it’s dry.

[@cookiemonster1232010]

How long should it dry after stain?

[@DIYAlex]

It depends on the temperature and humidity.

[@haleymancuso2968]

Help! I am currently doing this, but as I’m trying to peel off the transfer tape, the vinyl doesn’t seem to be sticking and is peeling the finish off the wood any tips?

[@DIYAlex]

Try using a tennis ball to work with vinyl into the wood. Also make sure you’re peeling the transfer tape at 180 degrees (not pulling up when you peel).

[@rhondasimonson6631]

I am new to Cricut. What type of vinyl are you using?

[@DIYAlex]

This is permanent vinyl!

[@meagandekam2154]

What kind of vinyl paper do you use?

[@DIYAlex]

permanent vinyl.

[@amberray1210]

If I use removable vinyl instead of permanent, I can apply a coat of polyurethane on top of the vinyl to secure it in place correct? I was thinking of using spray on polyurethane. Would this work?

[@DIYAlex]

You don’t need to seal over vinyl. If you do the sealer can get under the edges and cause peeling. I recommend the method that I teach in this tutorial.

[@karlagarza6468]

Did you stain both sides ?

[@DIYAlex]

I usually don’t just because of the extra dry time.

[@RavenPunk-w9g]

what kind of vinyl do you use?

[@DIYAlex]

Permanent vinyl

[@Johnny-qy4uv]

Can the piece of wood be painted if I don't want to stain the wood.

[@DIYAlex]

Yes for sure!

[@mamijames9191]

Which vinyl did you use?

[@DIYAlex]

My favorite permanent vinyl is Starcraft HD.

[@samanthaburns1204]

what font did you use?

[@DIYAlex]

I can’t remember off the top of my head, but I think it’s linked in the description!

[@ambero5383]

What kind of vinyl did you use

[@DIYAlex]

Permanent vinyl

[@teresahoffman1300]

Need to sand in between coats.

[@lesleighjutson7637]

what are the dimensions of the board?

[@DIYAlex]

It's about 18"x18"

[@sarahgoodman1622]

I cannot get the vinyl to get off the transfer tape to stick to a wood cutting board (bought from dollar store)

[@DIYAlex]

It’s probably due to the transfer tape being too sticky, or because your wood is not sealed. Next time stick your transfer tape to the table or your shirt to remove some of the tack before applying to your vinyl.

[@jennyoconnell442]

@@DIYAlex i have siser psv and oracal 651are you able to use those on wood , if so do i just follow your video ? im new to this whole thing sorry

[@lupemurguia6587]

What size is that

[@DIYAlex]

The size of the vinyl decal is the wood round? I believe the wood round was 20 inches.

[@googleismegoogleisme2130]

What type of vyni

[@DIYAlex]

This is permanent vinyl.

[@googleismegoogleisme2130]

@@DIYAlex thank you

[@cassanovana]

Hi hi. Just found this. Is this permanent vinyl?

[@DIYAlex]

Yes it is.

[@cassanovana]

@@DIYAlex thank you so much.🥰

[@georginafrayre-pecoraro7567]

You are talented but could not help noticing, very wasteful..

[@DIYAlex]

I didn't create the process. I just teach it.