DIY Marquee Sign with Lights

A DIY tutorial to make a marquee style wood sign with lights. A back lit marquee sign with a frame makes awesome wall decor or party decoration.

I love the warm glow of the globe lights when they are on but the sign is still great even with the lights off.

Supplies:

• 1×8 pine board (wording)
• 1×2 pine board (word support base)
• 1×12 pine board (backing)
• 1×4 pine board (frame)
• string of globe lights
• computer & printer
• ballpoint pen
• measuring tape
• black acrylic paint & paint brush
• copper paint
• power tools (miter saw, sander, nailer, drill & bits)
• 1 1/4″ finish nails
• Kreg pocket hole jig
• 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws
• 1 1/4″ wood screws
• staple gun
• french cleat

Step 1: Print out lettering.  I used Circus font (font source here) at 500 point which fits great on a 1×8 board.  Tape all the printed letters together to determine the length of your board.  Cut the board to the correct length and then paint the board your desired background color.

Step 2: Once the printouts are in position begin tracing each letter using a ballpoint pen with heavy pressure which leaves an indent in the wood.

In Step 3: Paint on and inside the indent using black acrylic paint.

Step 4: After the paint is dry sand lightly to distress the lettering and backer, this makes the sign look a little bit aged.

Step 5: Add highlights using copper paint.  If desired you could seal the lettering using clear polyurethane.  Put this piece to the side for now.

Marquee Sign Backer:

Step 6:  To make the backing start with a frame from 1×2’s that is 1 1/2″ smaller on all sides than your 1×8 lettering board.  The 1 1/2″ is enough space for the string lights housing (see Step 9 below for a visual).  Center the 1×2 frame on the back of the 1×12 base and trace all around, this creates a guide for attaching later.

Step 7: Predrill countersunk holes into traced rectangle on back side of 1×12 backing piece (note the front side is stained).

Step 8:  Moving back to the lettering board – attach the word support frame to the back of the lettering using pocket holes.  Alternatively you could attach the 1×2 frame support from the front side using countersunk screws prior to painting.

Marquee Style Globe Lights:

Step 9: Now determine spacing of lights based on your string set and sign length.  Begin stapling to back of the lettering board.  Start at the center of one long side to insure equal spacing and be sure to staple down any excess cordage so it stays hidden behind the sign.

Step 10: Using a jigsaw cut 2 notches for the plug ends to run into the center empty space of the frame support.  Staple down the female end and any extra lights as you don’t need this part.  Keep the male plug end loose.

Step 11: Drill a hole into the 1×12 base for plug to pull through (see Step 12 below).  Pull plug through the hole and then center the lettering board onto the backing and clamp together.

Step 12:  Using the predrilled countersink holes attach the frame support to the base using 1 1/4″ screws.

Step 13: Lastly cut 1×4’s to make the frame.  I painted the frame pieces before attaching them to the sign then used wood glue and 1 1/4″ finish nails to attach the frame to the backer.  Attach a scrap piece of wood at center back top then attach a french cleat to hang.