Creating A Wedding Acrylic Sign: A Step-By-Step Guide

Acrylic wedding signs are a beautiful and elegant addition to your special day. Whether it's a welcome sign or place cards, you can create these yourself with a few simple steps. In this article, we will outline the tools and materials you will need to create your own DIY acrylic wedding sign, as well as three different methods to try.

Sourcing acrylic sheets

Firstly, it is important to determine the size of your project. For smaller projects, such as escort cards or table numbers, online retailers like Etsy offer a wide variety of shapes and colours. Etsy is a great option if you are looking for something more custom-made and unique. You can find sellers who specialise in wedding decor and signage, offering various designs, materials, and sizes to choose from.

On the other hand, for larger projects, such as a big welcome sign, you will need to source large acrylic sheets. These can be found in the Plexiglass section of your local hardware store. Keep in mind that not all acrylic sheets are created equal, and the thicker the acrylic, the more expensive it will be. Visiting your local hardware store in person is recommended so you can choose the perfect sheet for your project. Home Depot is a great option, as they have a wide selection of sizes and thicknesses.

If you are looking for coloured acrylic sheets or shapes other than rectangles, Custom Made Better is a good online option. They offer a variety of options to choose from.

Finally, if you are looking for a more modern and elegant look, clear acrylic sheets can be purchased from Amazon. These sheets can be used with a variety of writing instruments and are easy to correct if you make a mistake.

With these tips and suggestions, you should be able to source the perfect acrylic sheets for your wedding sign project!

The trace method

Step One: Prepare the Acrylic Sheet

First, you will need to acquire an acrylic sheet. These are available in various sizes, colours, and thicknesses from hardware stores or online. For a wedding sign, a clear, rectangular sheet of 1/4" thickness is recommended. Once you have your sheet, remove the protective backing from one side.

Step Two: Print and Trim the Design

Using your home computer and a program like Photoshop, design what you want your sign to say or look like. Print this out onto paper and trim any excess, leaving you with your desired design.

Step Three: Adhere the Design to the Acrylic Sheet

Using tape, carefully attach your design to the back of the acrylic sheet, ensuring it is aligned properly.

Step Four: Trace the Design

Using a paint marker, carefully outline your design. A thicker paint consistency is recommended for this step, and oil-based paint markers work well on acrylic. After outlining, go back and fill in the design.

Step Five: Remove the Acrylic Sheet Backing

Once the paint is dry, carefully remove the paper design and the remaining backing from the acrylic sheet. Your sign is now complete! You can further embellish your sign by painting the back of the acrylic sheet to make the design stand out.

Additional Tips

If you want to add colour to your design, use acrylic paint and a brush to add colour to the back of your sign. You can also use paint pens, such as Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Pens, which are permanent and come in a variety of colours and tip sizes.

This method is a great way to create elegant wedding signage and can be used for table numbers, seating cards, and more. It is a simple process but requires precision and a steady hand.

The stencil method

Firstly, you'll need to gather your materials. For this method, you'll require an electronic cutting machine, vinyl, transfer tape, a vinyl scraper tool, acrylic paint, a stencil paintbrush, and an acrylic sheet. You can find acrylic sheets in the Plexiglass section of your local hardware store, with a variety of sizes and thicknesses available.

Once you have your materials, it's time to start creating! Begin by using your electronic cutting machine to cut out your chosen design. This could be a phrase, the names of the happy couple, or any other creative idea you have for your wedding sign. After cutting, carefully weed the letters from the vinyl, leaving a stencil of your design.

The next step is to apply transfer tape to the top of your vinyl stencil. Use a vinyl scraper tool to secure the transfer tape and ensure there are no air bubbles. Then, turn the vinyl over and scrape the back of the design. Trim any excess transfer tape for a neat finish.

Now, it's time to apply the stencil to your acrylic sheet. Using the hinge method, carefully place the stencil onto the acrylic, ensuring it is straight and securely adhered. The hinge method involves first placing a strip of masking tape vertically on your project, attaching the vinyl, and then removing the vinyl backing. This ensures a perfect application every time!

With the stencil in place, it's time to paint! Use acrylic paint and a stencil paintbrush to carefully fill in the design. You may need to apply multiple coats for full coverage, depending on the paint colour and opacity. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Once the paint is dry, carefully remove the vinyl stencil from the acrylic sheet. Use a weeding tool to gently lift and remove any small vinyl pieces that may be stuck. Finally, remove the backing from the acrylic sheet, and your wedding sign is complete!

Using vinyl letters

The third method for making an acrylic wedding sign is using vinyl letters. This method requires the use of an electronic cutting machine, such as a Cricut Maker, to cut out your design.

Firstly, cut your design using the electronic cutting machine. Then, using a weeding tool, remove any excess vinyl, leaving only your desired design. Next, carefully apply transfer tape to the top of the vinyl stencil. Use a vinyl scraper tool to secure the transfer tape to the vinyl, then turn it over and scrape the back of the vinyl design. Trim any excess transfer tape.

Now, apply the vinyl stencil to the acrylic sheet using the hinge method. The hinge method is a technique that ensures the vinyl is applied straight and perfect to your project. Place the vinyl on your project, then align it and place a strip of masking tape vertically, adhering the vinyl to the project. Pull back one side and remove the vinyl backing. Use the vinyl scraper, starting from the middle, to adhere the vinyl to the project. Remove the masking tape and remaining vinyl backing.

Finally, remove the acrylic sheet backing. The pros of this method are that there is no risk of mistakes from an unsteady hand, and the vinyl letters provide a sharp, bold look. It is also easy to clean the acrylic with the vinyl design. However, this method does require more steps, tools, and materials, and is not an option for those without access to a cutting machine.

Finishing touches

Now that you've chosen your method and brought your design to life, there are a few final steps to take to ensure your acrylic wedding sign is absolutely perfect.

Firstly, you'll want to ensure your design is secure. If you've used the trace method, you can add a coat of paint to the back of the acrylic sheet to make the design pop even more. This is a great way to add some extra colour and ensure the design stands out. If you've used the stencil method, you'll want to be extra careful as paint on acrylic is prone to scratching. You could apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to protect the paint and ensure it lasts longer.

If you want to add some extra sparkle or texture, you could consider adding some decorative elements to your sign. You could attach some flowers, ribbons, or other embellishments to the corners or edges of your sign. This is a great way to tie your sign in with the rest of your wedding decor.

Finally, you'll want to decide how you're going to display your sign. You could lean it against a wall or prop it up on an easel. Alternatively, you could hang it up using string or ribbon. If your sign is going to be displayed outdoors, make sure you have a sturdy stand or secure hanging method to withstand any wind or weather conditions.

With these finishing touches, your acrylic wedding sign will be the perfect addition to your special day. It will add an elegant and personal touch that you and your guests will adore.

Frequently asked questions