I think patriotic crafts are some of my favorite to make.  So, this week, I decided to make a patriotic wood sign.  I’ve seen quite a few signs using a two tone paint for the base color, so I thought I’d try making one in patriotic colors.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post, but will earn a small percentage of sales as an affiliate.

Here is what I used:

– Paint (Red, White, and Blue)
– Paintbrushes (I used 3 foam brushes)
– Wood for Sign (Mine was about 7″ x 17″)
– Vinyl (any color will work)
– Transfer Tape
– Electronic cutter (cricut explore, silhouette or other cutter)
– Weeding tool
-Cut File (available for free in my resource library)
– Optional Wood, Stain, and Brad Nailer (for frame)

1. This is the first time I’ve painted a sign like this, so I kind-of just made up my own method, but it seemed to work!  I started by painting a strip of red and blue. To make things easier, I used a separate brush for each color. I kept spreading the paint until the two colors almost touched.Land of the Free Because of the Brave - Free Patriotic cut file for Silhouette and Cricut

2.  Then, with the 3rd paint brush, I started painting back and forth over the two colors until they stared blending. Once I was happy with the results on that section, I added a red strip below the blue and repeated the process.  I did this until the entire board was painted.  After it dried, I thought the red needed one more coat.  So, I followed the same steps and did a second coat.Land of the Free Because of the Brave - Free Patriotic cut file for Silhouette and Cricut3. While it was drying, I used my electronic cutter to cut out the vinyl stencil and applied my clear transfer tape.Land of the Free Because of the Brave - Free Patriotic cut file for Silhouette and Cricut

4. Once the second coat was dry, I gave it a light sanding. Then, I applied the vinyl lettering to the wood.  I rubbed over it several times to help reduce bleeding.Land of the Free Because of the Brave - Free Patriotic cut file for Silhouette and Cricut5. I painted two coats of white paint.Land of the Free Because of the Brave - Free Patriotic cut file for Silhouette and Cricut

6. I let it dry for just a few minutes and then carefully peeled up the letters. Look at those crisp, clean lines! After I had removed all the vinyl, I lightly sanded it one last time.

Land of the Free Because of the Brave - Free Patriotic cut file for Silhouette and Cricut

7.  I also decided to add a frame.  I used wood furring strips that I cute down to size and stained.  Then, I used my brad nailer to attach the frame to the sign.Land of the Free Because of the Brave - Free Patriotic cut file for Silhouette and Cricut

8.  Add a bracket for hanging (Optional)

Land of the Free Because of the Brave - Free Patriotic cut file for Silhouette and Cricut

 I love it with the stained wood frame. I think it turned out pretty good (I might be a little biased)!
Land of the Free Because of the Brave - Free Patriotic cut file for Silhouette and Cricut

Have you ever painted a sign like this? Do you have a special technique? I’d love to hear.

Land of the Free Because of the Brave - Free Patriotic cut file for Silhouette and Cricut

6 Comments on DIY Patriotic Wood Sign Tutorial

  1. Angie, I LOVE your amazing design!!! Thanks so much for the tutorial too. I can’t wait to try to make something similar.

  2. I love your sign! Thank you for sharing the cut file and tutorial so I can make one myself. Better get moving on it if I want it done yet this year! 🙂

  3. Hey! I LOVE the file you have. Thank you for sharing them. Do you still have this one for sale? I’d love to make a few of them to try and sell. I have a soft spot for anything red, white and blue! 🙂 Thanks again!

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