Learn how to make a cute no soliciting sign DIY style! Using only Sharpie paint markers and wood transfer, you can create a funny and cute sign yourself!
Hi Friends! Today I am so excited to be part of Remodelaholic’s “Anything DIY Outdoor” Challenge! I started brainstorming and I was going crazy trying to figure out what I wanted to make.
I had a whole sheet of ideas and finally narrowed it down to something I’ve always wanted to make.
We have a little cheap “No Soliciting” sign on our doorbell but it doesn’t seem to work!
I don’t like answering the door when I’m home alone and we’ve had some pretty aggressive solicitors in the past, so I knew making a new sign would be perfect.
You all know I love making wood signs and I usually use my Cricut Explore to make them. But, I know not all of you have one (even though they are amazing!!!
Find out why I love my Cricut so much here!), so I wanted to show you how to make a cute no soliciting sign without one. Plus I have a free file for you!
Materials Needed for Cute No Soliciting Sign
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links from Amazon. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my links.
- Wood – I used a spare piece of 1×12 inch wood. I cut it to 12×18 inch. Use any size you want!
- Stain – I used MiniWax Dark Walnut stain and Rustoleum Weathered Gray
- Orbital Sander or sandpaper
- Sharpies paint markers– oil based – I used white, black, and silver from Amazon found here (these are not normal Sharpies!)
- Wood Burning Kit
- Compact Router – optional
- Spar urethane sealant
- File – Scroll down to download a PNG, PDF or SVG
Prepping a Wood Sign
I have an instructional video (scroll down!) on how to make this cute no soliciting sign, but if you prefer written directions, here you go!
I recently got a compact router and I wanted to try it out, so this is a totally optional step! I trimmed the edges of 11.5×18 inch piece of wood.
I then sanded the board with 120 grit and then 220 grit sandpaper. Brush off all the dust.
I love the combination of a dark walnut stain with a weathered gray stain on top. This is the same combo I used for my DIY farmhouse dining room table (tutorial here!).
I apply a layer of dark walnut with a foam brush, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it off with a cotton towel. (For some reason, my camera didn’t tape this step, so it’s not in the video! Sorry!)
Let it dry for 4-6 hours and then apply a coat of the weathered gray on top. Let that dry for a minute or two and then rub off the extra.
For paper to wood transfer to work, you need a LASER print of the file mirror facing.
Since my sign was a little bigger, I wanted a 11×17 copy so that I wouldn’t have to worry about taping two smaller pieces together.
I have an Office Depot nearby, so I uploaded my PDF file and had them print out a copy of it on Ledger paper for a whopping $0.17! It actually took me a few tries, so I probably spent over $1..LOL!
Download Cute No Soliciting Sign
As with all my free printables, these are for personal use only! Please no selling or redistributing of PDF files or digital downloads. Thank you!
I have the SVG and PNG files in case you have a cutting machine and prefer to cut out a stencil. Click here for a tutorial on how to paint sayings on stained wood using a vinyl stencil.
Transferring Text to Wood
Once the board is dry, lay the laser mirror copy of the file on top and center it. Tape it down at the top with painter’s tape.
Attach the flat transfer piece to the wood-burning tool, turn the heat up to high, and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. Then you are going to rub the wood-burning tool in circular motions all around the paper.
I found it easiest to start at the bottom, transfer a line or two and then cut off that piece. This way I could fold it up easier and see what had transferred. (I started at the top in the video, but then decided to go to the bottom to continue so you’ll see both!)
Keep going until all the words are transferred onto the wood board.
Once the wording is transferred, grab some Sharpie painting markers and copy over the letters. That’s all there is to it! Not bad for not using a Cricut, right?
Hang it up outside by your doorbell and you have a cute no soliciting sign that hopefully will work!
If you’d like to learn how I made this cute door wreath that I easily change around for every season, click here!
As promised, here is a video tutorial for you that goes through all the steps!! Hope it answers some questions, but let me know if you have any more!
I wanted the top line to glow in the dark so I applied two coats of glow in the dark paint (found on Amazon here).
Like outdoor signs?? Check out my tutorial here on how to make a Patio Porch Rules sign or click here to see how I made a flip-flop towel rack!
Now, go visit all the tutorials and have fun getting outdoors!
Covered Patio Outdoor Dining Area | Remodelaholic
DIY Outdoor Bench | Hertoolbelt
Wooden Welcome Sign Wreath | Lemon Thistle
Backyard Hammock Area | North Country Nest
Sunroom Makeover | Lantern Lane Designs
DIY Washer Toss Game | Everyday Party Magazine
How to Build a Gazebo (from a Kit) | The Palette Muse
DIY Solar Walkway Lights | Toolbox Divas
Tiered Vertical Planter Garden | Creative Ramblings
Simple DIY Tricks for a Covered Porch | Ugly Duckling House
Easy Cinder Block Garden Planters | Our Crafty Mom
Bistro Set Makeover | Practical & Pretty
Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a creative day!
If you’d like to save this tutorial for later, PIN it now if you like!!
Sarah
Sunday 20th of May 2018
This is such a fun sign, looks great on your porch too!
Leap of Faith Crafting
Monday 21st of May 2018
Hi Sarah, thanks so much! It was fun to make too!
Sherry
Sunday 20th of May 2018
Love this sign!