DIY Reverse Stencil Wood Sign Using Vinyl

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This post is for all of the mamas out there who love being creative without breaking the bank! I don’t know about you, but I am pretty obsessed with all of the word signs out there, but they get to be so expensive! I wanted a sign that looked professional, without spending a ton of money. I used this sign on my DIY coffee bar and absolutely love the way it has all turned out!

This post is not about how to use your cricut or silhouette to create the stencil. I’m going to start from the point where the stencil has already been cut.

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Items you will need to complete this project:

I used the reverse stenciling method. I attempted to use the vinyl as a stencil (first picture below) and it was a mess! You can see in the second picture, that the black lettering bled all over the place and even peeled off my lettering! As a mom of two, I don’t have time to be wasting time, and I was VERY unhappy with it!

So I did a little research, and decided to give the reverse stencil method a try.

Step 1: Create your stencil, using the actual words as the vinyl, and place the transfer tape over it.

Step 2: Use your tool to press over the transfer paper to ensure a good connection or “sticky-ness.”

Step 3: Paint the background of the sign you are using, the same color as you want the letters to be.

So in my case, I wanted my lettering to be black. So I painted my entire background that color. I used craft paint.

Step 4: Place the vinyl lettering on the wood. Remember to use your scraper tool, then peel off the transfer paper.

Step 5: Paint over the lettering, the same color as your background, to seal it so that it won’t bleed.

Step 6: Paint over the entire background, the color you want the background of your sign to be. Repeat as many coats as necessary per your preference of the look you are going for.

In my case, I wanted my background to be white and I used 3 coats.

First coat of white paint.
Second coat of white paint.

Step 7: Slowly peel off the vinyl.

Look at the CLEAN line!

And there you go! My beautiful sign for my coffee bar is finished! I’m a much happier mama going this route than I was when I just used the vinyl as a stencil!

Additional info: I purchased the wooden sign from hobby lobby, and stained the outside with mahogany minwax stain to create a “framed look.”

I hope this helps you with your own projects and creativity! Remember, pinning is loving!

Happy Home Sweet Home!

Love, Brittany