CustomWoodenLetters.com’s Creative Corner

The first step in putting your framed letter kit together is to paint the frame and letter. You can paint the letter and frame the same color or they can be different colors. If you are really creative you can paint a pattern on either the frame or the letters. They are yours so make them unique! Once your paint has dried we suggest using a clear non-toxic varnish to add a shiny, finished look. We use either the Delta Clear Varnish (found at Wal-Mart or a craft store) or Triple Thick, our personal favorite. You can find Triple Thick at Hobby Lobby or online.

After the paint and varnish has dried you will begin to assemble the frame kit together. For the backing you can either use a decorative scrapbook paper or fabric. Either way you will use a glue to adhere your paper/fabric to the backing board. For this step we suggest you use a spray adhesive. This gives the smoothest finish of other glues. You will need to spray the backing board and carefully smooth the paper/fabric to the board. Then you can trim the extra off.

Using a hot glue gun apply a thick coat of glue around corner of the frame. Work quickly as hot glue dries fast. Make sure you do not put it towards the opening of the frame or the glue will show in the front. Once you have put the glue on place the backing into the frame.

You will need to put more hot glue on the back of the letter, once again being careful to not get the glue close to the edge so it will not show when it is pressed on. Place your letter where you would like it on the frame.

Some people will hang their frame by sawtooth hooks. These can be purchase at any hardware store or at Wal-Mart. Directions to applying those are on the package. Others will want to use ribbon. Here is where the hot glue will come in handy again. Cut a long piece of ribbon. When measuring the ribbon keep in mind that you will need to have at least an inch to glue on the back of the frame, the length you want it to hang, and the bow at the top. I always make it longer than it will probably need to be. When you glue the ribbon on to the back of the frame, glue it at a slight angle. This way the ribbon will stay flatter.

Last step is to hang and enjoy your Framed Wooden Letters!

Click Here to purchase our framed letter kit.

I thought I would share some painting tips for our wooden wall letters.  These tips are mainly for wooden letters.  If I was painting cabinets or other furniture made out of MDF I would use a different technique and supplies.

Some sites recommend using oil based primer and paints for MDF but since these are going in a nursery I like to use acrylic craft paint, you can find this at your local craft store.

1.  Sanding.  Our wooden wall letters are lightly sanded when we ship them to you.  If you would like very smooth edges, or in case i missed a spot,  you can sand the letters with 150 grit sand paper.  The top of the letters are very smooth so you can skip this area.  When you have finished sanding remove the dust with a rag, do not use a damp rag, mdf and water does not mix.

2.  Primer.  Some people will add a coat of primer to their letters before painting.  This step is optional, my wife gets very good results without adding primer but it takes more coats of paint.  I have had good results using a sealer, I found it with the craft paints at our local craft store.  After applying the primer or sealer you will  want to lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper.  Again clean the dust off of the letters before proceeding.

3.  Paint.  To get a nice finish use a foam brush or foam roller.  This will elminate any brush strokes from showing up in your paint.  I personally like to use the foam roller, I believe its about 3-4 inches wide.  You can find these at you local hardware or craft store.  If you skipped the primer/sealer step above you may need to apply extra coats, the edges soak up a lot of paint.

4.  Gloss.  Non-glossy paint seems to adhere better to itself when applying multiple coats but if you want a glossy finish you can apply a clear gloss to your painted letters.

Hope these tips help you when you are painting your wooden wall letters.