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

Clear acrylic signs are a popular choice for weddings, offering a minimal look that can be paired with various colours and themes. One way to get a perfect finish on a perspex sign is to use a vinyl decal, which can be bought or cut out from vinyl and applied to the perspex. Etsy offers a wide range of acrylic wedding signs, including welcome signs, seating charts, cocktail drink signs, and more. These signs can be personalised with colours, fonts, and sizes to make them unique.

Using vinyl decals

Clear acrylic signs are a popular choice for weddings, as they give a minimal look and can be paired with all sorts of colours and themes. Using vinyl decals is a simple way to get a perfect finish on a perspex sign.

First, you need to prepare your vinyl decal. You can purchase a personalised decal from sites like Etsy or eBay, or you can make your own using Ritrama Permanent Vinyl and a Cricut machine. If there is excess vinyl around your letters, carefully remove it, making sure not to accidentally remove any dots from 'i's or punctuation.

Next, apply transfer tape over the top of your vinyl wording, ensuring it is straight and covers all of the vinyl. Use a store card or vinyl applicator to smooth down the transfer paper and remove any bumps or air bubbles.

Once you are happy that the vinyl is fully stuck down, slowly peel off the backing. This will reveal the adhesive, allowing you to stick the decal to your perspex sign. Measure and mark where you want to place the decal, using washi tape or a lined guide to ensure it is straight.

Carefully place the decal onto the perspex, starting at the bottom and smoothing it out as you go. Once it is stuck down, use your store card or vinyl applicator to smooth out any remaining bumps or air bubbles. Finally, peel off the transfer paper.

If you notice any imperfections, go over them with your store card or vinyl applicator to ensure the decal is fully stuck down.

Buying a pre-made sign

If you're short on time or would rather buy a pre-made perspex wedding sign, there are plenty of options available online. Websites such as Etsy and Lily & Co offer a wide range of designs, colours, and sizes to choose from.

Etsy, for example, offers over 1,000 different perspex wedding signs, with prices starting as low as £8.55. You can choose from a variety of styles, including welcome signs, guest book signs, table numbers, and even personalised name signs. Many of the sellers on Etsy also offer customisation options, so you can add your own text, colours, or other design elements to make the sign truly unique.

Similarly, Lily & Co offers a range of acrylic welcome signs in various colours, including white, black, frosted, clear plexiglass, and gold mirror. Their signs start at $155 and can be customised to your specifications.

Another option is Mulberry Market Designs, which offers a range of custom acrylic wedding signs, including welcome signs, seating charts, and romantic quote signs. You can choose your own colours, fonts, and sizes to create a one-of-a-kind sign for your special day.

With so many options available, you're sure to find the perfect perspex wedding sign to fit your style and budget.

Using a mirror as a base

Choosing the Right Mirror

First, decide on the size and style of the mirror you want to use. You can opt for a simple, sleek design or go for an ornate, baroque-style mirror to create a statement piece. Consider the overall theme and decor of your wedding when making your choice. You can find mirrors at thrift stores, home decor shops, or online.

Preparing the Mirror

If you want to change the colour of your mirror, you can spray paint it to match your wedding colour scheme. A metallic gold hue is a popular choice, but feel free to get creative and choose a colour that complements your theme.

Adding the Text

There are a few ways to add text to your mirror sign:

• Paint pen: Use a white paint pen or a colour of your choice to write your desired text directly onto the mirror. This method is best if you have neat handwriting or are confident in your calligraphy skills.
• Vinyl decal: You can order custom vinyl decals with your desired text and design. This option offers a more precise and professional finish. Apply the decal carefully to the mirror, ensuring it is straight and free of bubbles.
• Handwritten decal: If you like the handwritten effect but don't want to write directly on the mirror, you can order a handwritten vinyl decal. Send your desired text to a calligrapher or designer, who will write it out and cut it into a decal for you to apply to your mirror.

Finalising Your Sign

Once you've added your text, ensure that it is completely dry and secure. If using a vinyl decal, follow the instructions provided to ensure proper application and leave enough time for the decal to set before removing the transfer film.

Displaying Your Sign

Now, it's time to display your beautiful creation! You can prop up your mirror sign at the entrance to your ceremony or reception, or place it on an easel for all to see. These signs are perfect for welcome messages, schedules of events, dinner menus, or even table numbers.

Painting your own design

Sand the Perspex Sheet:

Start by sanding the surface of the perspex sheet to create a rough texture. Use medium-grit sandpaper (around 100 grit) to scuff up the smooth surface, which will help the primer adhere better. This step is crucial, as paint and primer applied directly to a smooth perspex surface are likely to peel off once dry. Remember to protect any areas you don't want to paint with masking tape.

Clean the Perspex Sheet:

After sanding, a layer of plastic dust will be left on the surface. Clean this dust off by scrubbing the perspex with a sponge dipped in soapy water. Rinse the sheet with fresh water and dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth. Ensure the surface is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

Apply Primer:

Once the surface is dry, apply a primer designed for use on plastic surfaces. You can use a spray primer specifically made for plastic, or opt for a brush-on primer. If using a spray primer, hold the can about 8 inches away from the perspex at a 45-degree angle, and spray in an outward direction. Move the spray gun to cover the entire surface evenly, and don't forget to protect the floor with newspaper.

Add Additional Layers of Primer:

Depending on the smoothness of your perspex sheet, you may need to apply multiple layers of primer. Let the first coat dry completely before adding another. Once the final coat of primer is dry, remove the masking tape.

Paint Your Design:

Now it's time to add your chosen paint colour! Use a paint designed for use on plastic, such as acrylic paint. Hold the paint can about 8 inches away from the surface at a 45-degree angle, and spray light coats across the perspex, just as you did with the primer. If you plan to add multiple layers of paint, wait for each layer to dry before applying the next.

Apply a Protective Coat:

To ensure the longevity of your artwork, finish with a protective coat of clear glaze spray paint. This will seal the paint and help prevent scratches or damage.

Let it Dry:

Allow your painted perspex sign to dry completely before handling or displaying it. Be cautious not to use a hairdryer or any other heat source to speed up the drying process, as this could warp the perspex or damage the paint and primer.

Remember, creating a hand-painted perspex wedding sign requires patience and careful preparation. Take your time with each step, and you'll end up with a beautiful and unique addition to your wedding decor.

Ordering a custom sign

Ordering a custom perspex wedding sign is a straightforward process. Many online retailers, such as Etsy, offer a range of customisation options for their signs. You can often choose the size, colour, and text of your sign, as well as any additional design elements you may want.

When ordering a custom sign, it is important to consider the overall theme and colour scheme of your wedding. You may want to match the font and colour of your sign to your invitations or other wedding decor. Many custom signs are made from acrylic or perspex, which gives a modern and elegant look. You can also choose to add floral elements or other decorative details to your sign to make it more unique.

Another important consideration when ordering a custom sign is the production and shipping time. Custom signs can often take a few weeks to be made and shipped, so it is important to plan ahead and order your sign in advance. It is also a good idea to check the seller's return policy in case there are any issues with your order.

Finally, when ordering a custom sign, you will need to provide the text or design that you want to be included. This may include the names of the happy couple, the wedding date, and any other relevant information. You can also choose to include a quote or saying that is meaningful to the couple. It is important to proofread all the text before placing your order to ensure there are no mistakes.

Overall, ordering a custom perspex wedding sign is a great way to add a personal touch to your big day. With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can create a unique and elegant sign that will impress your guests and serve as a lasting memento of your special day.

Frequently asked questions