You don’t have to buy a cutting file to make a stencil, but for this particular order my customer wanted a specific font style, and this was almost a perfect match to what she requested! I also liked the light wreath around the phrase. However, for this project I just wanted the words. So in my Cricut Design Space, I edited the image and removed the wreath. Once you are satisfied with your stencil design. “Make It”  once it is cut, you will “weeder” out your design, which means take out all of the negative space that you won’t need for your design. Now that your stencil is ready it’s time to get started on the sign!

 Now that your board is prepped it is time to start transferring your stencil… I usually tape my stencil to a hard surface or I will sometimes leave the vinyl on my cutting mat until I apply the transfer tape then remove from the board! This will help keep your vinyl from rolling up and will help prevent air bubbles in the tape!

With your secured vinyl in place, lay your Transfer Tape on your stencil. Once you have the tape flat over the stencil, use a vinyl squeegee to smooth out air bubbles. This will also make the vinyl stick to the tape making it easier to remove the paper on the back!

The best tip I can give you to removing the paper from the back of your vinyl is laying your stencil face down then peel the paper off slowly. If you see that the vinyl is not sticking to your tape just press the paper back down with your  index finger.  After the paper is removed, lay your stencil on your board! Use your vinyl squeegee and firmly smooth the stencil. Once everything is secure, remove the Transfer tape. **Do not throw out your transfer tape, it is reusable** until you notice it isn’t sticking very well. Trust me this is a tip I wish I had known when I started using this process! It would have saved me so much money!

This step is crucial and super cool! **But before you start slapping the Podge on your stencil, make sure there are no parts sticking up on your board. Trust me!

Once you are sure your stencil is secure, cover  all of the open space with your Modge Podge. I just use an old brush! You want to make sure you are applying in a nice even layer, that way it dries level.

When you are done, before you do anything else, rinse out your brush! You’ll thank me later. Patiently wait for the Podge to dry.. Drink some wine… Snack on something… I

sit mine under a fan to    speed up the process..

 When your Modge Podge has dried completely it’s time to paint! Using your choice of Stencil Brush  and paint, dab your paint in the desired space!

You don’t want to glob the paint on your brush. You just want enough to cover the design. If you think you need more paint, let the first layer dry then go back with another coat or two!

 Ahhhh.. We are super close to the finish line! That moment of satisfaction…. I love peeling off the vinyl… It’s so satisfying 🙂

It’s your choice at this point, if you want to wait for your paint to dry a little then wait, if you want to peel right after you are done painting go for it! Just be careful not to smudge the wet paint! I use an X-ACTO knife to peel up the middle of letters and pieces that are left behind..

Let your sign dry for no less than 30 minutes! Then apply a layer of finish! I use Wise Owls Matte Varnish, It brings out the color of the paint and stain leaving you with a beautiful finish unlike most! Seriously you should try it! My other choice would be Minwax Polycrylic. Both Finish options are non-yellowing!

I sure hope you found this Helpful! If you have any questions or comments, leave them below!

Don’t have time or patience to make your own? Check it out in our shop! Along with our other awesome custom signs! Don’t see what you want, contact us and we will create something perfect for you or your loved one. 🙂