Creating Your Acrylic Wedding Sign: 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 sign, with or without a cutting machine. We will cover where to source materials, the pros and cons of each method, and provide a step-by-step guide to creating your own stunning sign. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a beginner, we'll help you add a personal touch to your wedding with a DIY acrylic sign.

Choosing the right acrylic sheets

The first step in making your own acrylic wedding sign is to purchase the acrylic sheets. You can find these at your local hardware store, or online.

Sourcing Acrylic Sheets

For smaller projects, such as escort cards or table numbers, you can find a variety of shapes and colours on Etsy. For larger projects, head to the Plexiglass section of your local hardware store. Sheets come in different thicknesses, and prices will vary accordingly. Thicker acrylic sheets will be more expensive.

Visiting a Store In-Person

It is recommended to visit a store in person when sourcing your acrylic sheets, especially if you are making a large sign. This is because not all acrylic sheets are created equally, and you will want to select the right one for your project.

Coloured Sheets

If you are looking for coloured acrylic sheets or shapes other than a rectangle, Custom Made Better has a great variety.

Thickness

The ideal thickness for a wedding sign is 1/4′′. You can find many different sizes and shapes online.

Scratch-Resistance

When purchasing your sheets, look for acrylic with a protective film on each side to prevent scratching during transportation and handling.

Paint

If you plan to paint your acrylic sheet, look for a sheet with a light matte finish. This will give the paint something to adhere to. Frosted plexiglass and P95 acrylic are good options for painting.

Durability

For a stronger sign, opt for an acrylic sheet that is 3mm or thicker.

Pre-Cut Holes

If you plan to hang your sign, select a sheet with pre-drilled holes.

Preparing the design

The first step in making your own acrylic wedding sign is to prepare your design. This will involve deciding on the text, layout, and any additional decorative elements you want to include. Here are some detailed instructions on how to prepare your design:

Start by measuring the size of the acrylic sheet you will be using. This will help you determine the dimensions of your design and ensure that it fits properly on the sheet. Consider the thickness of the acrylic sheet as well, as the design may need to be adjusted slightly for thicker sheets.

Choose a font that is legible and fits the style of your wedding. You can find many free font options online or create your own if you're feeling creative. Remember to select a font size that is easy to read from a distance, especially if your sign is intended to welcome guests or provide directions.

Create a digital version of your design using software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or even Microsoft Word or Google Slides. Play around with different layouts until you find one that is aesthetically pleasing and clearly communicates the information. Consider adding decorative elements such as borders, flourishes, or illustrations to enhance the design.

If you plan to include any colours in your design, now is the time to decide on a colour palette. Choose colours that complement your wedding theme and the acrylic sheet's background. Keep in mind that the colours may appear slightly different once printed, so it's a good idea to test print on a regular sheet of paper before finalising your design.

Once you're happy with your digital design, print it out on regular paper to check for any errors or adjustments that may be needed. Make sure your design is centred and sized correctly, and trim any excess paper from the edges. You may also want to consider printing on a heavier weight paper or card stock for added durability.

Finally, with your design prepared and printed, you can move on to the next steps of creating your acrylic wedding sign. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process of bringing your design to life!

Attaching the design to the acrylic

Now that you have your design ready, it's time to attach it to the acrylic sheet! Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to do this for a stunning, professional finish:

The first method for attaching your design is the trace method. This method is simple and only requires a few tools, making it accessible for beginners. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step One: Prepare Your Design and Acrylic Sheet:

Start by printing your chosen design on paper using a home computer. Carefully trim any excess paper from the design. Meanwhile, remove the protective backing from one side of your acrylic sheet. Ensure the sheet is clean and free of dust or fingerprints.

Step Two: Attach the Design:

Take your printed design and carefully align it with the back of your acrylic sheet. Use small pieces of tape to secure the design in place, ensuring it doesn't move.

Step Three: Trace the Design:

Grab your paint marker and outline the design carefully. A steady hand is crucial here! Once the outline is complete, fill in the design with paint. It's important to use a paint marker with a thicker consistency to achieve the best results. The Uni POSCA brand is specifically recommended for acrylic signs.

Step Four: Let it Dry and Remove Backing:

Allow the paint to dry completely. This may take some time, so be patient! Once dry, carefully remove the design and the remaining backing from the acrylic sheet. Your sign is now complete! If desired, you can add paint to the back of the acrylic sheet to enhance the design.

Alternatively, you can explore the stencil method for attaching your design. This method offers a smooth finish and reduces the risk of mistakes from an unsteady hand. Here's how you can achieve this:

Step One: Cut and Weed the Design:

Using an electronic cutting machine, cut out your design. You will be using the negative space as a stencil, so carefully weed and remove the letters or design elements.

Step Two: Apply Transfer Tape:

Take transfer tape and carefully apply it to the top of your vinyl stencil. Use a vinyl scraper tool to secure the transfer tape smoothly. Then, turn the stencil over and scrape the back as well.

Step Three: Apply the Stencil to the Acrylic:

Using the hinge method, carefully apply the stencil to the acrylic sheet. Start by placing the vinyl on the sheet and aligning it correctly. Then, use a strip of masking tape to adhere the vinyl vertically to the sheet. Remove the vinyl backing, and use the scraper tool to smooth out any air bubbles, working from the middle outwards.

Step Four: Paint and Remove Stencil:

Once your stencil is securely in place, it's time to paint! Use acrylic paint and a stencil paintbrush to carefully fill in the design. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the stencil. Use a weeding tool to remove any small vinyl pieces left behind. Finally, remove the backing from the acrylic sheet, and your sign is ready!

Painting the design

The trace method is a straightforward technique that does not require a cutting machine. First, you will need to print and trim your chosen design. Then, attach the design to the back of the acrylic sheet using tape, ensuring it is properly aligned. Prepare a paint marker—a thicker paint consistency is recommended—and carefully outline the design. After outlining, fill in the design space. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the design and backing from the acrylic sheet. An optional step is to add paint to the back of the acrylic sheet to enhance the design. This method requires patience and a steady hand to achieve precise results.

On the other hand, the stencil method utilises vinyl as a stencil material. Vinyl adheres well to the acrylic sheet and can be easily removed without paint bleeding through. Begin by cutting your design using an electronic cutting machine. Instead of weeding around the design, weed the letters to create a stencil. Apply transfer tape to the vinyl stencil and use the hinge method to apply the stencil to the acrylic sheet. The hinge method ensures that the stencil is applied straight and securely. Once the stencil is in place, use acrylic paint and a stencil paintbrush to paint the design onto the acrylic sheet. Allow the paint to dry and then carefully remove the vinyl stencil. Finally, remove the backing from the acrylic sheet. The stencil method produces a smoother and more polished look, but it requires more steps, tools, and materials.

Both methods offer unique advantages and present specific challenges. The trace method is more accessible and cost-effective, while the stencil method provides a more professional finish. Consider your skills and the resources available to you before selecting a method. Remember, with either method, the paint on the acrylic sheet is susceptible to scratching, so handle your creation with care.

Finishing touches

Now that you've chosen your method and have your design on the acrylic sheet, there are a few final steps to take to ensure your wedding sign is perfect.

Firstly, if you want to add some extra colour or make your design pop, you can paint the back of the acrylic sheet. This is a great way to make your design stand out and add a unique touch. You can also add paint to the front of the sheet, especially if you've used the trace method, to fill in any gaps or add extra detail.

If you're happy with how your sign looks, it's time to remove the remaining backing from the acrylic sheet. This will reveal the finished product in all its glory! You can then decide how you want to display your sign. You could lean it against a wall, prop it up on an easel, or even hang it up. If you plan to hang it, you'll need to attach some sort of hardware, such as hooks or rings, to the sign.

Finally, don't forget to add any extra decorations or embellishments you want. This could include things like ribbons, flowers, or other decorative items that match your wedding theme. You could also add some lighting, such as fairy lights, to make your sign really stand out.

Your DIY acrylic wedding sign is now complete and ready to wow your guests! This elegant and unique touch will surely impress and can even be used as home decor after the big day.

Frequently asked questions