Probing for a statement piece that speaks to you requires a certain amount of time and endurance. But for those who lack in the latter, there’s always a homemade DIY alternative that can be customized to your precise vision to hasten things along, instead of resorting to picking through estates for massive marquee letters, full signs, and symbols which can be found trending everywhere.
Learning how to make your own DIY marquee letters is such a fun and simple way to incorporate a unique touch into your home or occasion! Yes, there’s a bit of a learning curve to do a great job, but in the end, you’ll feel like you got a better finished product by doing it yourself. There’s a little bit of pride, too, seeing your end result brighten your style, décor, and ambiance.
This stepwise guide will give you a detailed look into every aspect of making DIY marquee letters. Read on to learn more.
Table of contents
Step 1: Make Guides and Templates
Step 2: Cut Out the Shapes or Letters
Step 5: Drill Holes for Lighting
Step 6: Create An Edge Along the Perimeter
Step 9: Insert the Lights into The Holes
Materials Needed:
To make marquee letters, you will need the following materials:
– 2×4 piece of plywood – Finished nails
– Strand of globe string lights – Super glue
– Sandpaper – Tape measure
– Posterboards – Pencil or pen
– Spray adhesive – Picture wire
– Wrapping paper – Miter saw
– Smooth-finish paint roller – Staple gun
– Paint – Jigsaw
– Screwdriver – Drill
– Hammer
Step 1: Make Guides and Templates
First, dream the design for your light-up sign. Whatever you choose, it’s best to go for angles over curves. Not only does this swap improve your finished work’s industrial appearance, but it also simplifies the entire process of cutting the plywood and framing the edges.
Once you have chosen your ideal shape, sketch it on the back of your plywood sheet. You have two options at this point. If you’re comfortable drawing the font design freehand, do it. But if you want something to trace, a ruler would be ideal for optimal straight edges. You can as well print out a full-size version of the image.
Step 2: Cut Out the Shapes or Letters
After you’ve sketched your desired shape at the back of the plywood, cut along the penciled perimeter using a jigsaw. It’s recommended to go slow and steady while using a jigsaw to achieve a much more precise cut.
If your design features a center hole (much like the two tiny rectangles that make up the letter “B”), drill holes in every corner of the interior shape, then cut along the lines using a jigsaw so that it pops out seamlessly.
Step 3: Sand the Design
Smooth all the edges and sides of the letter with sandpaper in order to get rid of every leftover guide mark. Be sure not to apply to smoothen heavily, as this can erase the wood grain.
Step 4: Plan lights Pattern
Determine where you want the lights to go on your letters. With a specific number in mind, mark each section using a small dot for each bulb. Make sure to space them evenly.
Step 5: Drill Holes for Lighting
Drill the holes you measured earlier with a bit slightly larger than your bulb socket.
Considering you’ll be removing the bulb, pushing the socket, and placing the bulb on the rear side, you ought to ensure the socket fits comfortably.
For the plywood piece, you can employ almost any bit of the correct size. However, a drill bit will likely work best.
Step 6: Create An Edge Along the Perimeter
After you’ve drilled enough well-spaced holes, create an edge with a shadowbox effect along the design’s perimeter. This is especially important to increase the depth to your 3-dimensional letter.
First, cut the leftover plywood into strips, each with a length equal to the boar and 3 inches wide. And position a 3-inch wide strip lengthwise on the top side of your marquee letter to resemble its length. Using a pencil, mark the length on the plywood strip, cut it, and place it upright on edge beside the letter.
Suppose you’re working clockwise; lay the other 3-inch plywood length beside the side which joins on the right. Adjust slightly by about 6mm the plywood’s thickness for the length to overlap the last cut strip’s edge and span to the end of this side of the letter. The tiny overlap ensures minimal gaps at every corner between edge pieces.
Mark where you intend to make a cut and stand this second edge in a similar manner. Repeat this process till you achieve a complete edge around the letter’s perimeter.
Step 7: Paint The Letters
The cut wooden letters will possibly require paint unless you prefer a raw wooden look.
Paint the letters with a color of your own choice using a roller that’s meant for a smooth finish and making sure to cover the edges well. It is always prudent to go in a single direction in a long stroke so as to avoid creating visible brush marks. Let them dry completely.
Step 8: Remove Bulbs
For light with actual bulbs, screw them out of the socket and set them aside in a secure place where they won’t break.
LED lights usually have a tiny LED bulb inside enclosed in a plastic cover that’s designed to appear like a bulb.
Step 9: Insert the Lights into The Holes
Place a light bulb into each hole, then screw on the backing as you connect each letter moving forward. With 1/2″ holes, you’ll have to unscrew every bulb and adjust the placement for sufficient cord without creating a twisted mess on the letters’ backside. Afterwards, tuck the wires in the cardboard and secure them using the clips on the lights. If you lack any clips you can as well tape them.
Step 10: Attach a Wire
This comes in handy when hanging the sign. You’ll want a letter that’s well hooked up at a level position.
Screw in a few short eyehooks to the letter’s backside, making sure they don’t penetrate all the way, then attach the wire. If it doesn’t hang appropriately, add a nail to your wall to back the other side.
Conclusion
With that said, we hope this guide will be of great help to your next DIY project. If you’re perplexed about the total time it can take you, from start to finish, this whole project will take you roughly 4 hours to complete.
