As a woodworkers, I see where you left out an important step. After sanding to 220, you should take a damp cloth and wipe down the wood. This raises the grain. Then you sand again to 220. Now, when you stain, you'll get a really smooth finish.
OMG I'm so glad I found you! Finally a crafter that doesn't spend half the time talking. You get right to the point and I appreciate that! Definitely following you :)
this was perfect. I've been watching tons of vinyl videos trying to find one that shows every single step and yours is the only one I've found that does. Thanks so much. I can't wait to start my project.
This video is helpful but, I do have a question: how long do you let the stain dry before doing the polyurethane step? When I stain, I do the polyurethane BUT when I go to lay down my vinyl it does NOT want to stick and I honestly get so frustrated lol Am I doing something wrong? I feel it shouldn't be that hard for the vinyl to stick. I am using 651 permanent vinyl from Expressions Vinyl
It needs to dry until it’s not sticky anymore. You may need more than one coat in order for it to sick. Make sure you sand with steel wool until in between coats.
Thank you for this! I'm trying to create a sign for our family campground using a slice from a tree that was there throughout my childhood but recently fell, and I was wowing how the heck I was going to make it work.
Pre Stain is always another good step to help with blotching. Very Nice Work! I just got my Cricut Mach. It can be frustrating but I’m trying to push through it. I also do wood working so between the two is will be an awesome marriage! 😊
Thank you so much for this video Alex. I've been looking into doing signs & your step by step instructions make it look so much easier than I had imagined.
New to Cricut and want to start making wooden signs. I am so glad that I found your video because you explained the process in detail and it is easy to follow. I subscribed to your channel!
Which model would be the best to make these signs? I know the video is older and new models have come out. Still learning and want to purchase the best machine to focus on wood vinyl signs. Thank you.
Any Cricut machine on the market can cut vinyl, so anything will work! I wouldn’t get a Joy or Joy Xtra because they’re small. So anything from an Explore Air 2 and up will work!
I would think it would work, but I’m not positive! I think it depends on how big the vinyl pieces. The bigger the vinyl/ text is, the more adhesive to stick to the surface.
Do you ever do a coat of polyurethane on top of the vinyl to seal it? Making a sign for an arts studio and it’s going to be exposed to the elements so I’m trying to figure out the best course of action- your video gave me great insight of my starting points, thank you!
Thanks for the video. It’s very informative, especially the “hinge method” of applying vinyl. I do have a question. How long do you let the board dry after the second coat of poly before you put the vinyl on?
Help! I am currently doing this, but as I’m trying to peel off the transfer tape, the vinyl doesn’t seem to be sticking and is peeling the finish off the wood any tips?
Try using a tennis ball to work with vinyl into the wood. Also make sure you’re peeling the transfer tape at 180 degrees (not pulling up when you peel).
I used Starcraft HD permanent vinyl and clear medium tack transfer tape! You can find both of them here: Starcraft HD vinyl: www.143vinyl.com/starcraft-hd-permanent-adhesive-vinyl/?partner=403469 Transfer Tape: www.143vinyl.com/transfer-tape/?partner=403469
Question I have a maker 3 but when I cut my Vinyl it doesn’t come off like it should I’m varnishing it and I’m putting of paper down but it’s still tears what am I doing wrong
I read through the comments and saw that you don’t recommend using poly over the vinyl because it’s not necessary for a sign. Wondering if it’s necessary if it’s being used for a tray or a lazy Susan where things are being put on top of it and removed on a regular basis. Just want to make sure that it lasts!
It still shouldn't be necessary. Permanent vinyl is way stronger than we give it credit for. It's more beneficial to seal underneath the vinyl than to seal on top :)
No, you can actually get sealer underneath the vinyl and cause it to lift by sealing over top. You'd follow the same process for indoor and outdoor signs.
If your putting vinyl on say a lazy susan that you're going to have things stored on, would you put a coating over it or just leave the vinyl unsealed? Your tutorial was very helpful, thanks!
Hi Alex! I'm new to creating wood signs. Exactly what kind of wood finish are you using for this video? I couldn't tell in the video. Love the end result!!! Thanks!
Hey there, love the video. I do have a quick question though, I am making a sign that will be outdoors year-round and needs to last. Do you have any recommendations on sealants I could use to preserve it?
You should follow the same method I showed in this video. There is no need to seal over top of the vinyl because that can actually get underneath the vinyl and cause discoloration and bubbling. Just seal the wood and let the vinyl do what it does best! :)
Did you varnish again after the vinyl went onto the wood? I watched someone else’s video and they put the poly on after the vinyl lettering was applied. You mentioned that the vinyl sticks better to the poly but I wanted to make sure.
Hi Alex! I've been watching your video and gathering supplies to get started on my first ever signs woohoo but I do have a question...I dont have a cricut machine so im going to be painting with stencils so should I still follow all these steps or do I need to paint before the polyurethane? Thanks!
Hey Aimee! I'm excited for you! If you are painting, then you need to paint instead of stain, and then you can decide if polyurethane is necessary for stenciling. If you're going to lay down a sticky stencil, then polyurethane is probably a good idea. Just make sure if you're painting with white that you use water based polyurethane so it doesn't yellow your paint.
Thanks Debbie! I did not stain the back, but if I were using this as a tray I would have. No, I wouldn't do anything extra to the vinyl even while using it for a tray.
Sure! Any kind of wood that you can find is fine! I chose pine because it's cheapest and easy to find here in the US, but basically any wood will work the same way.
A sealer is required if you want vinyl to stay long term. Vinyl doesn’t stick well to surfaces that are very porous like wood so sealing is very important.
It’s probably due to the transfer tape being too sticky, or because your wood is not sealed. Next time stick your transfer tape to the table or your shirt to remove some of the tack before applying to your vinyl.
Use less tacky transfer tape if it's coming up while applying. If it's coming up after you apply it make sure you do an extra layer of polyurethane to seal.
Get what’s called a “tack cloth” it’s beeswax infused cloth to pick up sanding dust and wipe down between Poly coats. Just use it till it’s no longer sticky.
@@DIYAlex You mentioned that you used Poly-urethane and it can be used indoors or outdoors.... if you read the directions of Poly-urethane it actually tells you that it should only be used indoors. Spar-Urethane (Spar-varnish) should be used outdoors. Poly-Urethane will eventually become cloudy when exposed to moisture.
Oh gotcha. I’ve never had any issues with my polyurethane clouding, but my porch is covered so it may be because my signs aren’t directly exposed to water. I’ll have to look into that. Thanks for the info!
If I use removable vinyl instead of permanent, I can apply a coat of polyurethane on top of the vinyl to secure it in place correct? I was thinking of using spray on polyurethane. Would this work?
You don’t need to seal over vinyl. If you do the sealer can get under the edges and cause peeling. I recommend the method that I teach in this tutorial.
As a woodworkers, I see where you left out an important step. After sanding to 220, you should take a damp cloth and wipe down the wood. This raises the grain. Then you sand again to 220. Now, when you stain, you'll get a really smooth finish.
Great tip! Thanks!
OMG I'm so glad I found you! Finally a crafter that doesn't spend half the time talking. You get right to the point and I appreciate that! Definitely following you :)
Thanks so much! I like my videos to the point, so that's the kind of videos I make! :)
this was perfect. I've been watching tons of vinyl videos trying to find one that shows every single step and yours is the only one I've found that does. Thanks so much. I can't wait to start my project.
I'm so glad to hear that! I can't wait to see it! Don't forget to tag me if you post it :)
Yeah. She is tbe first we found too
Finally someone who knows what they are doing with the poly and giving demos in a video.
Thank you! I appreciate that!
Why do you use polyurethane to seal instead of poly acrylic after staining? I am making a door sign for the outdoors in extreme heat. Thanks
This video is helpful but, I do have a question: how long do you let the stain dry before doing the polyurethane step? When I stain, I do the polyurethane BUT when I go to lay down my vinyl it does NOT want to stick and I honestly get so frustrated lol Am I doing something wrong? I feel it shouldn't be that hard for the vinyl to stick. I am using 651 permanent vinyl from Expressions Vinyl
It needs to dry until it’s not sticky anymore. You may need more than one coat in order for it to sick. Make sure you sand with steel wool until in between coats.
Thank you for this! I'm trying to create a sign for our family campground using a slice from a tree that was there throughout my childhood but recently fell, and I was wowing how the heck I was going to make it work.
Glad it was helpful! Make sure to sand it to be mostly smooth so the vinyl sticks well :)
Do you add a layer of some sort of protection to prevent the vinyl from lifting?
Yes! I cover what to use and when to apply it in the video ☺️
This is awesome! The last part was even the best with the transfer using the painter's tape. My biggest struggle! Thank you for sharing!
You are so welcome!
Pre Stain is always another good step to help with blotching. Very Nice Work! I just got my Cricut Mach. It can be frustrating but I’m trying to push through it. I also do wood working so between the two is will be an awesome marriage! 😊
But I’m sure by now after this video being a year old. I’m sure you figured out the Pre Stain. 😊
Thank you so much for this video Alex. I've been looking into doing signs & your step by step instructions make it look so much easier than I had imagined.
You’re welcome! It’s not hard once you have the process down!
Simple and to the point, Keep rockin' it!
Thank you!
New to Cricut and want to start making wooden signs. I am so glad that I found your video because you explained the process in detail and it is easy to follow. I subscribed to your channel!
Thank you! I am so glad this helped!! Thanks for the kind words!
-Lindsay
Which model would be the best to make these signs? I know the video is older and new models have come out. Still learning and want to purchase the best machine to focus on wood vinyl signs.
Thank you.
Any Cricut machine on the market can cut vinyl, so anything will work! I wouldn’t get a Joy or Joy Xtra because they’re small. So anything from an Explore Air 2 and up will work!
Would Vinyl work on Bar Taps made of wood and if so how long do you think they would hold up to high traffic? Thanks!
I would think it would work, but I’m not positive! I think it depends on how big the vinyl pieces. The bigger the vinyl/ text is, the more adhesive to stick to the surface.
Do you ever do a coat of polyurethane on top of the vinyl to seal it? Making a sign for an arts studio and it’s going to be exposed to the elements so I’m trying to figure out the best course of action- your video gave me great insight of my starting points, thank you!
No I don’t. Always seal underneath instead of on top.
I am so glad I found your channel
I’m glad you did too! Welcome! 💕
can you htv vinyl over this polyurethane? I using it over my vinyl.. I was afraid it would stick afterwards or worse, cause a fire
I would not heat up polyurethane while applying HTV. What do you mean the polyurethane could cause a fire?
Hi Alex, can I put vinyl directly on my serving platter and is it safe to use and will it peel after washing it?
Once you put vinyl on it, it’s no longer fold safe. It will not peel off when hand washed.
Thanks for the video. It’s very informative, especially the “hinge method” of applying vinyl. I do have a question. How long do you let the board dry after the second coat of poly before you put the vinyl on?
I let it sit overnight usually.
@@DIYAlex 100% correct.
How long does it take the drain to dry before you do the polyurethane?
It depends on the temperature/ humidity! Let it dry until it’s no longer sticky before apply poly.
Great video, Alex! Wood rounds are such a fun Cricut project! Thanks for sharing!
Yes they are! You're welcome!
Help! I am currently doing this, but as I’m trying to peel off the transfer tape, the vinyl doesn’t seem to be sticking and is peeling the finish off the wood any tips?
Try using a tennis ball to work with vinyl into the wood. Also make sure you’re peeling the transfer tape at 180 degrees (not pulling up when you peel).
What vinyl and transfer tape used? My Cricut brand sticks so bad I can peel the transfer tape off...
I used Starcraft HD permanent vinyl and clear medium tack transfer tape! You can find both of them here:
Starcraft HD vinyl: www.143vinyl.com/starcraft-hd-permanent-adhesive-vinyl/?partner=403469
Transfer Tape: www.143vinyl.com/transfer-tape/?partner=403469
Question I have a maker 3 but when I cut my Vinyl it doesn’t come off like it should I’m varnishing it and I’m putting of paper down but it’s still tears what am I doing wrong
Make sure you’re using high quality vinyl. My favorite is StarCraft HD!
Awesome video. What is the best brand of vinyl and transfer tape that you would recommend?
Thank you! I love StarCraft HD vinyl and Clear Medium Tack transfer tape. Both are from 143vinyl.com.
Absolutely beautiful!
Thank you so much!
Wow, looks great Alex... Definitely trying your method to add vinyl!!Love it ❤️
I didn’t come up with it ☺️ it’s called the hinge method, but it’s great! It changed the game for me!
Can the piece of wood be painted if I don't want to stain the wood.
Yes for sure!
I read through the comments and saw that you don’t recommend using poly over the vinyl because it’s not necessary for a sign. Wondering if it’s necessary if it’s being used for a tray or a lazy Susan where things are being put on top of it and removed on a regular basis. Just want to make sure that it lasts!
It still shouldn't be necessary. Permanent vinyl is way stronger than we give it credit for. It's more beneficial to seal underneath the vinyl than to seal on top :)
Is this what you would do for an outdoor sign that will be exposed to the elements as well? Or would you need to seal again?
No, you can actually get sealer underneath the vinyl and cause it to lift by sealing over top. You'd follow the same process for indoor and outdoor signs.
I am new to Cricut. What type of vinyl are you using?
This is permanent vinyl!
Hi Alex once you put the vinyl on do you seal over it with polyurethane or polycrillic and which do you prefer or are they the same?
No, you don’t seal over top of the vinyl. The video explains the whole process. ☺️
If your putting vinyl on say a lazy susan that you're going to have things stored on, would you put a coating over it or just leave the vinyl unsealed? Your tutorial was very helpful, thanks!
I still wouldn't seal it since it wouldn't help the vinyl stick any better for a lazy susan. You're welcome!
Great video. I would like to purchase a cricket to make signs but very interested in your suggestion of a model.
Go for it! It is a great investment.. and so much fun! 😃😃- Lindsay
This super helpful! Thanks for the short version when I need a refresher!
You’re welcome! ☺️
Thanks so much for this video. I want to be able to change the wording on my sign and reuse it. Can removable vinyl be used?
Awesome! Sure, removable vinyl is fine as well.
How long you let the stain dry before you do the next step?
It depends on the weather outside. Just touch it when you think it’s dry and when it’s no longer sticky it’s dry.
Hi Alex! I'm new to creating wood signs. Exactly what kind of wood finish are you using for this video? I couldn't tell in the video. Love the end result!!! Thanks!
Thanks! This is stain in English Chesnut followed by polyurethane.
Hey there, love the video. I do have a quick question though, I am making a sign that will be outdoors year-round and needs to last. Do you have any recommendations on sealants I could use to preserve it?
You should follow the same method I showed in this video. There is no need to seal over top of the vinyl because that can actually get underneath the vinyl and cause discoloration and bubbling. Just seal the wood and let the vinyl do what it does best! :)
Was your vinyl glossy or matte? Im doing this for a nursery and wonder what would look better. Thanks!
Mine is matte. That's my preferred finish of vinyl!
do you recommend sealing again after placing the vinyl or is the vinyl sticky enough to not worry about it peeling?
If it is permanent vinyl and is applied properly, it needs no sealing.
Once you seal the surface, that gives vinyl enough to stick to and stay without needing to be sealed over top.
DIY Alex thank you!
If I am making a sign for outside should I use poly on it?
Yes. Follow this same process.
can you print out these vinyls using laser printers? i have a color brother printer and wonder if i’d work the same using vinyl paper?
No it won’t work the same way.
@@DIYAlex which printer do u recommend?
Such a helpful video! Gathering supplies now! Just one question. About how long between each coat of stain and poly do you let dry?
Yay! I'm so glad you liked it! Let then dry until they're no longer sticky. Dry time will vary with humidity and temperature.
@@DIYAlex another question! I got water based polyurethane? Does that matter?
Did you varnish again after the vinyl went onto the wood? I watched someone else’s video and they put the poly on after the vinyl lettering was applied. You mentioned that the vinyl sticks better to the poly but I wanted to make sure.
No, it's not necessary to add anything over top the vinyl. The surface underneath the vinyl is the most important part :)
For this project did you have to mirror your image?
No, you don't mirror with adhesive vinyl.
Hi Question instead of staining the wood could I paint it then put the polyeurothane over that??
Sure thing! That would work just fine
@@DIYAlex what type of machine are you using
Hi Alex! I've been watching your video and gathering supplies to get started on my first ever signs woohoo but I do have a question...I dont have a cricut machine so im going to be painting with stencils so should I still follow all these steps or do I need to paint before the polyurethane? Thanks!
Hey Aimee! I'm excited for you! If you are painting, then you need to paint instead of stain, and then you can decide if polyurethane is necessary for stenciling. If you're going to lay down a sticky stencil, then polyurethane is probably a good idea. Just make sure if you're painting with white that you use water based polyurethane so it doesn't yellow your paint.
What type of vinyl did you use we have htv or you using a different type
Permanent adhesive vinyl.
Do you still have to mirror it since youre using transfer tape?
No, you don't need to mirror adhesive vinyl.
Great Video where did you get the place holder to hold the wood sign on the table?
That is the largest self healing mat that Cricut carries. You can find it on Amazon here: amzn.to/3669S3g
That looks awesome!!! Did you stain the back? If you wanted to make that into a tray with handles would you need to do anything extra to the vinyl?
Thanks Debbie! I did not stain the back, but if I were using this as a tray I would have. No, I wouldn't do anything extra to the vinyl even while using it for a tray.
Hello Alex, how do I cut a round design that is bigger than 12” to put on wood?
Hi Jeannette! It's definitely doable, but it's hard to explain. I recommend you look up Larger Than Mat Projects to see a tutorial on how to do it!
Hey, I'm in the UK and finding it so hard to find pine wood like this! Can I use any other type of wood?
thanks, x
Sure! Any kind of wood that you can find is fine! I chose pine because it's cheapest and easy to find here in the US, but basically any wood will work the same way.
Hi, where did you get the vine leaves picture from?
The SVG file I used is linked in the video description ☺️
is the polyeurtheme required? or is it optional?
A sealer is required if you want vinyl to stay long term. Vinyl doesn’t stick well to surfaces that are very porous like wood so sealing is very important.
Love love love your videos! I can’t wait to try this!!
This was so helpful, thank you! Love the applying vinyl tip!
I cannot get the vinyl to get off the transfer tape to stick to a wood cutting board (bought from dollar store)
It’s probably due to the transfer tape being too sticky, or because your wood is not sealed. Next time stick your transfer tape to the table or your shirt to remove some of the tack before applying to your vinyl.
@@DIYAlex i have siser psv and oracal 651are you able to use those on wood , if so do i just follow your video ? im new to this whole thing sorry
Wow thank you so so much I love that you walk through it and your so kind I'm new here and will be following you
I’m so glad it helped, Natasha! Welcome to my Crafty Fam! 💕
How long should it dry after stain?
It depends on the temperature and humidity.
What kind of vinyl paper do you use?
permanent vinyl.
Thank you so much for this video. I love your videos. They are very helpful and I really needed this tutorial.
You’re welcome! I’m so glad it’s helpful!! ☺️
How long do you let the stain dry?
It varies a little bit, just until it's no longer tacky.
Hi so I did the prices but my vinyl comes up. Anything I can to to make out stick?
Use less tacky transfer tape if it's coming up while applying. If it's coming up after you apply it make sure you do an extra layer of polyurethane to seal.
Which vinyl did you use?
My favorite permanent vinyl is Starcraft HD.
This was very helpful thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
-Lindsay
Thanks! Very helpful tips! Can't wait to try one now!!
Yay! I hope this makes it easier!
Wow that was a good explanation very detailed thank you
You’re welcome!
what kind of vinyl do you use?
Permanent vinyl
Ironically about to be doing an order with a stain wood sign! Perfect timing 😂👌🏻❤️
Yay! I’m so glad! We’re good like that 😂
DIY Alex totally killing it with reading my mind 👌🏻😂😂😂
Hahah all crafters could have used this at some point for wooden signs!
Did you stain both sides ?
I usually don’t just because of the extra dry time.
What type of vyni
This is permanent vinyl.
@@DIYAlex thank you
what font did you use?
I can’t remember off the top of my head, but I think it’s linked in the description!
Get what’s called a “tack cloth” it’s beeswax infused cloth to pick up sanding dust and wipe down between Poly coats. Just use it till it’s no longer sticky.
Thanks for the tip!
Hi hi. Just found this. Is this permanent vinyl?
Yes it is.
@@DIYAlex thank you so much.🥰
Great video!! Thank you for all of your help !
You’re welcome! I’m so glad it’s helpful!
what are the dimensions of the board?
It's about 18"x18"
Thanksfor the step by step seriously perfect!
You’re welcome!
What size is that
The size of the vinyl decal is the wood round? I believe the wood round was 20 inches.
Love this!! Thank you!!
You're welcome!
This helped so much thank you!
I"m so glad to hear that! You're welcome!
Simple and informative. Tx
You're welcome!
Really nice job... didn't catch what you used to seal the stain???? Was it Polyurethane?? Lol... great job..x
Thank you! Yes, it's polyurethane.
@@DIYAlex You mentioned that you used Poly-urethane and it can be used indoors or outdoors.... if you read the directions of Poly-urethane it actually tells you that it should only be used indoors. Spar-Urethane (Spar-varnish) should be used outdoors. Poly-Urethane will eventually become cloudy when exposed to moisture.
Oh gotcha. I’ve never had any issues with my polyurethane clouding, but my porch is covered so it may be because my signs aren’t directly exposed to water. I’ll have to look into that. Thanks for the info!
Love your work DIY Alex!
Aw thanks so much! ☺️
Thank you for the video. I love your work! Which Circuit Maker do you have? I haven't decided on one yet. Not sure which one to purchase.
I have both! I like the original Cricut Maker better, but honestly both machines are great.
If I use removable vinyl instead of permanent, I can apply a coat of polyurethane on top of the vinyl to secure it in place correct? I was thinking of using spray on polyurethane. Would this work?
You don’t need to seal over vinyl. If you do the sealer can get under the edges and cause peeling. I recommend the method that I teach in this tutorial.
Love this video…ty
You're welcome!
I love the sing.
Thank you!!
DIY Alex no problem 😁
Awesome!! Btw you look like Melissa Joan Arc. :)
Thank you! :)
Need to sand in between coats.
You are talented but could not help noticing, very wasteful..
I didn't create the process. I just teach it.
What kind of vinyl did you use
Permanent vinyl