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

Acrylic wedding signs are a beautiful and elegant addition to your big day and can even be used as home decor after the event. In this article, we will outline three ways to create your own DIY acrylic wedding signs, both with and without a cutting machine. We will cover where to buy acrylic sheets, the tools and materials you will need, and step-by-step instructions for each method. Whether you choose the trace method, the stencil method, or the vinyl letter method, your signs will surely impress your guests and add a special touch to your ceremony or reception.

Sourcing acrylic sheets

For smaller projects, such as escort cards or table numbers, online retailers like Etsy offer a wide range of shapes and colours. Large acrylic sheets can be found in the Plexiglass section of hardware stores, with options to choose from various thicknesses. The thicker the acrylic sheet, the more expensive it will be.

When selecting an acrylic sheet, it is recommended to consider the purpose and placement of the sign. Transparent acrylic sheets offer a sleek and modern look, while opaque sheets are ideal for bold, standout signage. Fluorescent sheets are perfect for catching attention, and mirror sheets provide a reflective, high-end finish. Matte sheets, on the other hand, offer a subtle and sophisticated appearance.

Online retailers like Amazon also offer clear acrylic sheets suitable for signs, art, and craft supplies. When purchasing acrylic sheets, it is important to consider the size and thickness required for your project.

Additionally, custom acrylic sheets can be ordered from specialist companies, who can provide laser cutting and custom CNC routing services to meet specific requirements.

The trace method

Firstly, you will need to source an acrylic sheet. These can be found in the Plexiglass section of a hardware store, with a variety of sizes and thicknesses available. It is recommended to go to the store in person to choose the acrylic sheet, as not all sheets are of equal quality. For smaller projects, such as escort cards or table numbers, there are also options available online.

Once you have your acrylic sheet, the first step is to prepare it by removing the protective backing from one side of the sheet. The next step is to print and trim your chosen design using a home computer and printer. Trim any excess paper from the design, and then attach it to the back of the acrylic sheet with tape, ensuring it is aligned correctly.

Now, you will need a paint marker to outline the design. It is important to use a paint marker with thicker paint consistency; Uni POSCA is a recommended brand for acrylic signs. Outline the design and then fill in the space. After the paint has dried, remove the design and the remaining backing from the acrylic sheet. You can add paint to the back of the sheet to make the design stand out more from the front.

And that's it! Your DIY acrylic wedding sign is complete. This method is a great option for those without a cutting machine, but it does require a steady hand and patience. For those looking for a more precise and smooth finish, the stencil method may be a better choice, although it requires more tools and steps.

The stencil method

Step One: Cut Your Design

Using an electronic cutting machine, cut out your desired design. This could be a quote, the wedding date, or any other creative element you wish to include on your sign. You can use a machine like the Cricut Maker to cut your design with precision.

Step Two: Weed the Vinyl

This step involves removing the parts of the vinyl that you don't need for your design. In this case, you'll want to weed the letters or the negative space of your design. This will create a stencil effect, allowing you to paint through the cut-out sections.

Step Three: Apply Transfer Tape

Carefully apply transfer tape to the top of your vinyl stencil. Use a vinyl scraper tool to secure the transfer tape firmly in place. This step ensures that your design stays intact as you transfer it to the acrylic sheet.

Step Four: Apply the Stencil to the Acrylic Sheet

Now, it's time to apply your stencil to the acrylic sheet. Using the hinge method, you can ensure that your stencil is applied straight and perfectly aligned. Place your vinyl on the acrylic sheet and use a strip of masking tape to adhere it in place. Remove the vinyl backing, and use the vinyl scraper to smooth out any air bubbles, starting from the middle and working outwards.

Step Five: Paint Your Design

This is where your creativity comes to life! Use acrylic paint and a stencil paintbrush to carefully fill in the cut-out sections of your stencil. You may need to apply multiple coats to achieve the desired opacity. Remember to allow adequate drying time between coats.

Step Six: Remove the Stencil

After the paint has dried completely, carefully remove the vinyl stencil from the acrylic sheet. Use a weeding tool to detach any small vinyl pieces that may be stuck. Your design should now be beautifully transferred onto the acrylic sheet.

Step Seven: Finish and Display

Finally, remove the backing from the acrylic sheet to reveal the finished design. Your wedding acrylic sign is now ready to be displayed! You can also add additional elements, such as paint or decorations, to the back of the acrylic sheet to enhance the overall appearance.

The hinge method

Step 1: Prepare the Design

Use a cutting machine to cut out your desired design from vinyl. You can use a machine like the Cricut Maker to cut your design with precision. Ensure that you weed the letters, leaving the negative space around your design.

Step 2: Apply Transfer Tape

Add transfer tape to the top of your vinyl design. Use a vinyl scraper tool to secure the transfer tape smoothly and firmly to the vinyl.

Step 3: Position the Vinyl on Your Acrylic Sheet

Before removing the vinyl backing, carefully position your vinyl design on the acrylic sheet. Ensure that it is aligned correctly and straight.

Step 4: Apply Masking Tape

Place a strip of masking tape vertically on your vinyl design, adhering it to the acrylic sheet. This will act as a hinge, allowing you to lift and adjust the vinyl as needed.

Step 5: Remove Vinyl Backing and Apply Design

Lift one side of the vinyl design and slowly remove the vinyl backing. Use your vinyl scraper to start from the middle and work outwards, adhering the vinyl to the acrylic sheet.

Step 6: Remove Masking Tape

Once your vinyl design is securely attached to the acrylic sheet, carefully remove the masking tape.

Step 7: Paint Your Design (Optional)

If you wish to paint your design, use acrylic paint and a stencil paintbrush to fill in the design. Allow the paint to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 8: Remove Stencil (If Painted)

After the paint has dried, carefully remove the vinyl stencil from the acrylic sheet. Use a weeding tool to remove any small vinyl pieces that may be left behind.

Step 9: Remove Acrylic Sheet Backing

Finally, remove the backing from the acrylic sheet to reveal your finished sign.

Using the hinge method ensures that your vinyl design is applied accurately and neatly to your wedding acrylic sign. This method requires some additional tools and materials but results in a professional and elegant finish.

Vinyl letters

Using vinyl letters is a simple way to get a perfect finish on a perspex wedding sign. Here is a step-by-step guide to making wedding acrylic signs using vinyl letters:

Step 1: Cut the Design Using an Electronic Cutting Machine

Using your preferred cutting machine, cut out your design. You can use a Cricut Maker or a Silhouette Cameo to cut your design.

Step 2: Weed the Vinyl

Using a weeding tool, remove any excess vinyl, leaving only the design cut-outs. Ensure you don't accidentally remove parts of letters, such as the dots from "i"s or punctuation marks.

Step 3: Add Transfer Tape to the Vinyl

Apply transfer tape to the top of the vinyl stencil. Use a vinyl scraper tool to secure the transfer tape to the vinyl. Turn it over and scrape the back of the vinyl design as well. Finally, trim any excess transfer tape.

Step 4: Apply the Vinyl to the Acrylic Sheet

Line up the vinyl on the acrylic sheet. It is helpful to measure and mark the placement beforehand. Apply the vinyl slowly and carefully, ensuring it is straight and properly aligned before sticking. The hinge method is a useful technique to ensure the vinyl is applied straight.

Step 5: Remove the Acrylic Sheet Backing

Peel off the backing from the vinyl letters slowly, ensuring that all letters are stuck to the transfer tape. Press the letters onto the acrylic sheet, and use a vinyl applicator or store card to smooth out any bumps or air bubbles.

Step 6: Decorate Your Acrylic Sign (Optional)

Depending on your wedding theme, you may want to decorate your sign further. You can add flowers or greenery, or paint the back of the acrylic sheet to make the letters pop.

Pros and Cons of the Vinyl Method:

The vinyl method provides a sharp and bold look to the sign, and it is easy to clean. However, it requires more steps, tools, and materials, including access to a cutting machine. Additionally, it may not be suitable for those who want to reuse the acrylic sheet, as the paint can be easily scratched off.

Frequently asked questions