DIY Wood Sign with an Epoxy Finish

It is fun making signs for all occasions using my Cricut. I wanted to add a twist to my original post last year titled “Let’s Make a Wood Sign Using Vinyl.” I have had lots of success using Epoxy on tumblers and trays. So, I decided that Epoxy would be a great way to seal my wood signs. This this week’s Inspiration Friday is making a wood sign with an Epoxy finish. During this DIY tutorial, I will show you how to make a wood sign using vinyl and then seal it with Epoxy. I will also share with you my tips and tricks to make the vinyl stick to wood. 

Supplies:

• Wood Board
• Permanent Vinyl
• Transfer Tape
• Cricut Maker
• Plastic Gloves
• Plastic Cups
• Mixing Sticks
• Epoxy/Resin
• Paintbrush

*Disclaimer: Links above are affiliate links. By clicking on these links, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Some products may have been provided to me by vendors; however, all opinions and reviews are strictly my own.

Picking the Saying for Your Wood Sign

Picking the design for the sign is so much fun. Sometimes I design my own sayings from scratch, or I use a couple of sites to find ideas. For the sign we are doing today, I found a great saying on DesignBundles.com. They have so many great designers, and the SVG files are very reasonably priced. In fact, I picked up the SVG we are using today for $1.50. It is called “Welcome To Our Patio Sippin Grillin Chillin Wood Sign.” Another site I like to check out is Lovesvg.com. They have lots of free cut files that you can download and use too!

Download the File for Your Wood Sign

If you have found a saying that you like on Design Bundles or Love SVG, you will need to download the file and upload it to Design Space first. The nice think about using one of these sites is that the file is already in a format that Design Space will recognize, SVG. This is a cut file format. It stands for Scalable Vector Graphics. So, once you download it, you need to use the upload feature in Design Space and give it a title and save it and then insert it into your project.

I had to edit the version that I downloaded because of my sign size. I used the “Slice” feature in Design Space to make the design fit my sign size. You can see the steps that I took in the video tutorial that I have linked above.

Prepping the Wood for Your Sign

I found my wood at a local craft store and thought it would make an excellent sign for outdoors. My niece has an upcoming birthday, so I thought this sign would be great for her patio.

Since we are using Epoxy for this project, I first like to prep my workspace. Any time you are working with Epoxy, you want to protect your workspace. I like to cover my table with paper. Any type of paper will work. Just make sure that you have a couple of layers of paper on your workspace.

Mixing Epoxy/Resin

Epoxy has precise instructions, and I have learned that you want to make sure you follow precisely; otherwise, the Epoxy may not harden for you. Make sure you put on a pair of gloves before you start working with the epoxy/resin. 

• Use equal amounts of resin and hardener.
• Measure Part A into a measuring cup 
• Measure Part B into a measuring cup 
• Combine each part into a new cup
• Mix slowly for 2 minutes. I use a popsicle stick.

First Layer of Epoxy

I use 2 tablespoons of Part A and 2 tablespoons  of Part B for the first layer. Once you have thoroughly mixed the Epoxy, pour it onto the wood. I use a paintbrush to give the wood a thin, even coat. I do this first layer of epoxy/resin because it provides an excellent surface for the vinyl to adhere to in our next step. You want to make sure that you have the entire piece of wood covered and make sure to include the edges of the wood to. The Epoxy will naturally spread out over the wood as long as you have an even surface. This layer needs to dry overnight. I like to come back and check on it within 30 minutes of pouring the first layer to check for drips or missed spots. 

Size Your Design and Cut

Now it is time to size your design to fit your wood and cut it out. I like to add a rectangle shape in Design Space, the size of my wood to help me size my project. This also the step when I used the slice feature in Design Space to move around the words in the original downloaded design from DesignBundles.com. Check out the video tutorial to see the steps I took to rearrange the layout.

Once you have your design, resized you can cut out your design. I usually use 651 Vinyl on my sign projects, but since we are covering it with Epoxy you can use any type of vinyl for this project. Using transfer tape transfer the design onto the board. Check out Part #2 of video tutorial for my tips and tricks to transfer the design onto the wood.

Second Layer of Epoxy

I use about 1/4 cup Part A and 1/4 cup Part B for the second layer. Once you have thoroughly mixed the Epoxy, pour it onto the wood. I use a paintbrush to give the wood an even coat. You want to make sure that you have the entire piece of wood covered and make sure to include the edges of the wood to. The Epoxy will naturally spread out over the wood as long as you have an even surface. This layer needs to dry overnight. I like to come back and check on it within 30 minutes of pouring the first layer to check for drips or missed spots. Check out Part #2 of the video for my tips and tricks to ensure an even coat of epoxy. 

It’s amazes me how easy it is to create custom wood signs with your Cricut Maker machine and just a few simple supplies. I’ve already got more DIY wood sign ideas in the works. I can’t wait to share it with you! Look for us on Instagram! Once I started on these wood signs with vinyl and Epoxy, I couldn’t stop making them. Give them a try and see for yourself!

Don’t forget to checkout my All Things Fun Stuff Crafting Shopping List!   

Social Media Links

• Blog 
• Facebook 
• Instagram 
• Pinterest 
• YouTube 

CLICK HERE If you would like to join the Facebook Group, Crafts and Inspiration hosted by Fun Stuff Crafts! In the group, I share and encourage members to share tips and projects.