• Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
    • Disclosure
    • Privacy Policy
  • SHOP
  • Widget area for main menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Jaime Costiglio

build - paint - sew

  • BUILD
    • BEDS
    • BENCHES
    • DESKS
    • DRESSERS
    • GAMES & TOYS
    • SCRAP WOOD
    • SHELVES
    • STORAGE
    • TABLES
  • TOOLS
  • PAINT
    • CRAFTS
    • FURNITURE
    • HOME DECOR
  • SEW
    • GIFTS
    • HOME DECOR
    • POUCHES
  • HANDBUILT HOLIDAY
    • 2021
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
  • GIFTS
    • BABIES
    • KIDS
    • FOR HER
    • FOR HIM
    • TEACHERS
    • WEDDINGS
  • SEASONAL
    • 4TH OF JULY
    • FALL
    • HALLOWEEN
    • CHRISTMAS
    • SUMMER
    • SPRING
    • ST. PATRICK’S DAY
    • THANKSGIVING
    • VALENTINE’S DAY
    • WINTER
  • SALTBOX PROJECT
    • BATHROOMS
    • DINING ROOM
    • EXTERIOR
    • FAMILY ROOM
    • FOYER / MUDROOM
    • KIDS BEDROOMS
    • KITCHEN
    • LIVING ROOM
    • MASTER BEDROOM
    • PLAYROOM
  • SCROLL SAW

How to Personalize with Paint

September 1, 2011

Everything gets personalized these days and you don’t have to have fancy machines to do a lot of that personalizing yourself.  Let me show you a simple DIY handpainted method.

wood trugs with personalization

How to personalize almost any wood item using a computer print out. No fancy vinyl cutting machine required, just a steady hand and paintbrush.

Most pieces made out of wood can be personalized as long as there is a flat portion to paint.  And you can make the personalization with just a simple computer print out.  Scrap wood trugs, wood step stools, toy boxes, and signs are just a few examples of items you can make your own with a few easy steps.
diy step stool with personalization
This wood step stool is a simple build but you can also purchase a premade wood stool and paint it a fun, bright kids color then add the personalization.  I built this step stool for my niece and handpainted her name.  It’s a great way for kids to see their name in writing every day in order to start learning letter shapes.  This step stool makes a great gift idea too.
open toy box with personalization
diy open toy box with personalization
Same principle applies to wood toy boxes.  You can build a fairly simple wood toy boxes then make it really special for the receipient by handpainting their name on the side.  Pick a pretty color or something that coordinates with their room decor and that toy box will be the best gift ever (according to the parents ;)) to help contain all the other gifts that make a mess around kids rooms.
How about a wooden trug with a handle and rounded sides, more like a caddy?
kids wood trugs with personalization
kids wood trugs with personalization detail
This version has more hiding power.  You could use it for art supplies, crafts, legos, barbies, anything with a lot of parts and pieces.
I’ve made a ton of wood signs using the same computer print out technique.  Completely customizable, you choose whatever letters and font you need and make it fit to your wood board.
diy handpainted address plaques
The technique is very simple and straight forward, no fancy vinyl cutting machine required.
* For an updated post on this how-to click here.*
Below I’m sharing how to personalize with paint on almost any wood object.  Be sure to read through all the steps first before you begin in order to understand the project.
Supplies:
  • wood object
  • computer print out of lettering
  • ballpoint pen
  • acrylic craft paint
  • paintbrushes
how to personalize wood objects step 1
Step 1: Print out desired letters (font shown here is American Typewriter) and line up printout on wood object.  Using a ballpoint pen trace outline of letters with heavy pressure.  The pressure of the pen creates a slight indent in the wood.
how to personalize wood objects step 2
Step 2: Using acrylic craft paint carefully paint inside the indent.  The indent actually creates a tiny dam to hold the paint.
how to personalize wood objects
I use this technique on almost every wood piece I paint.
handpainted name on wood trug
The look is clean and neat but still has that handpainted feel.  If you love handpainting and the aesthetic then I highly suggest this technique.  There’s something about a handpainted monogram that feels genuine and authentic.
This vertical Banksville sign below has that true handpainted look to it:
handpainted vertical sign
handpainted town name sign
Wood and paint go hand in hand.  Whatever your wood piece I hope you find a spot to add a handpainted personalization no matter how big or small.  Please be sure to share your projects on social media and tag me!  I love to see what others are making and painting.
Up next, personalizing with fabric and thread!  Who wants to sew personalization onto zippered pouches?  I’ve got a bazillion different DIY zippered pouch ideas for inspiration for your next sewing project:
25+ diy zippered pouch ideas
Or if you’re wanting to paint on the personalization there’s a zippered pouch for that too:
colorfield-zipper-pouch

You may also like...

  • “T” is for Trugs“T” is for Trugs
  • “P” is for Planked Sign“P” is for Planked Sign
  • DIY Tapered Mudroom BinsDIY Tapered Mudroom Bins
  • DIY Giant Wood BuntingDIY Giant Wood Bunting
Share this post:

Filed Under: CRAFTS, CRAFTS, DIY, PAINT84 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Darla says

    September 2, 2011 at 10:06 AM

    These are very nice~

    Reply
  2. KellyMellyBoBellyBananaFanna says

    September 3, 2011 at 2:17 AM

    i like your signs. especially the address one!

    Reply
  3. Lolly Jane says

    September 4, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    I wondered how people hand paint and make it look so professional… we are very spoiled and use our cutter to cheat! Love your cute wood projects- you are SO talented!!!

    Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
    • Jaime says

      December 19, 2017 at 7:47 PM

      2017 and I finally have a cutter! Goodness that was a long time coming 😉

      Reply
  4. Lobelia-damen says

    September 7, 2011 at 9:41 PM

    LOVE!!!!!!

    W 🙂

    Reply
  5. Inspire Me Heather says

    October 6, 2011 at 11:52 AM

    Hey Jaime – you always do such a great job with your projects. I've got this one linked to my letters and numbers post today, for inspiration!

    Reply
  6. Melike says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:24 PM

    Thanks for sharing your technique. I would like to try sometime.

    -Melike

    acupofsparkle.blogspot.com

    Reply
  7. Chris says

    November 8, 2011 at 10:28 PM

    This is brilliant! I am so intimidated by hand-painted pieces. I love the look, but I know I don't have the steady hand. Great idea! Beautiful pieces, too!

    Reply
  8. Rachie says

    November 9, 2011 at 12:24 AM

    I just found a link to your post on pinterest! This is so great! I was just painting a sign for my breadstand outside our home and was having a terrible time with the lettering! I'm going to wipe the slate clean and implement your method! I'm so excited – thank you for this post!

    Reply
  9. Erin @ 3 Meadow Lake Cottage says

    November 9, 2011 at 12:53 AM

    I was curious what kind of paint you use for the lettering? Acrylic? And what kind of paint brush? The picture looks like you use a super fine little brush?
    Thanks!
    Erin
    [email protected]

    Reply
    • Jaime says

      December 19, 2017 at 7:48 PM

      Hi Erin, yes I use a fine small brush and mostly acrylic craft paint.

      Reply
  10. Steph Bond Hutkin (Bondville) says

    November 9, 2011 at 5:31 AM

    Brilliant! I love that the indentation from the pen makes a dam.

    Reply
  11. Kiki says

    November 9, 2011 at 6:14 AM

    How wonderful! Thanks for sharing your secret. It definitely is a great medium so that it looks hand-painted but also neat and clean.

    Reply
  12. peppertree says

    November 9, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    Hi! When you say "print out your letters", what exactly do you mean? Where are you getting these letters, and are you printing them on anything special?

    Reply
    • Jaime says

      December 19, 2017 at 7:50 PM

      Just pick any font you like and print out the letters using a Word document. You may need to adjust the font size depending on where you are planning to paint the letters. Word has a lot of font options or you can download free fonts (dafont.com for example) if you’re looking for something more. I print on regular white printer paper. Good luck.

      Reply
  13. Amanda @ The Little Giggler says

    November 9, 2011 at 4:48 PM

    Wow!! They all look perfect! Thanks for sharing. 🙂

    Reply
  14. Heidi says

    November 9, 2011 at 6:32 PM

    I found you on Pinterest, thanks so much for the tutorial!! I'll be trying this 🙂

    Reply
  15. Amanda @ Ninth Street Notions says

    November 9, 2011 at 11:06 PM

    Fantastic! What a great idea! I'll definitely be using this.

    Reply
  16. Nicole Jeannette says

    November 9, 2011 at 11:41 PM

    Great idea! Very nice! 🙂

    Reply
  17. Beth @ UnskinnyBoppy says

    November 10, 2011 at 12:50 AM

    Visiting from pinterest- these are great. Why didn't I think of this?? LOL Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  18. Amanda says

    November 10, 2011 at 2:26 AM

    Can't believe it'd really be that simple. Why didn't I think of that?! Thanks for help:)

    Reply
  19. morenumerousthansand says

    November 10, 2011 at 3:28 AM

    I love the simplicity and ease of just tracing the letters to make an indent in the wood. Smart!

    Reply
  20. JodieT says

    November 10, 2011 at 5:38 AM

    I really like this idea. The indent in the wood makes sense. Now to keep the fingers from shaking while painting. 🙂

    Reply
  21. Brittany @GreyGreyDesigns says

    November 10, 2011 at 4:59 PM

    I do that too! Except I use an xacto!

    Reply
  22. Niki Blumentritt Pierce says

    November 11, 2011 at 4:34 PM

    Great Idea! Thanks for sharing!

    http://sweet-southern-charm.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  23. lyndsay says

    November 11, 2011 at 10:58 PM

    What a great idea! I'm always trying to "imitate" fonts but it never works out. This is genius. 🙂

    Reply
  24. GinaB says

    November 12, 2011 at 12:15 AM

    You make it look so easy – I'm going to have to try this!

    Reply
  25. Holly Lefevre says

    November 13, 2011 at 5:19 AM

    Personalizing it so great and it perfect for gifts. I love your style. I shared this on Facebook!

    Reply
  26. kristajoyfarrell says

    November 13, 2011 at 10:55 PM

    excellent idea!!! i've never been able to paint on wood well…such a great idea thanks~~~

    Reply
  27. Mel P says

    November 14, 2011 at 10:32 PM

    That's so smart! This is one of those ideas that, now that I know about it, I can't imagine doing it any other way!

    Reply
  28. lauren says

    November 15, 2011 at 1:23 AM

    ummm…. wow, this is so obviousy, but I never would've thought to do it! Thanks for the super helpful tip!!! 🙂

    Reply
  29. Venassa says

    November 26, 2011 at 2:23 AM

    I never would've guessed! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  30. Julia says

    November 26, 2011 at 7:02 AM

    thank you so much for sharing your idea! very generous of you!! I love all your work!!

    Reply
  31. brooke says

    December 28, 2011 at 10:45 PM

    Thanks. I just found this on pintrest. Just when I needed it!

    Reply
  32. Christa says

    January 7, 2012 at 4:29 PM

    Found and reprinted from Pinterest. Thanks for sharing! I wonder if I can use or modify this technique on canvas?

    Reply
  33. Shan says

    January 8, 2012 at 3:40 AM

    Thank you, thank you, thank you! 😀

    Reply
  34. Michelle says

    January 10, 2012 at 9:05 AM

    Also found this on pinterest, what a clever idea, will definitely be trying on my next wood project

    Reply
  35. Scott, Tara and Brooklyn Simonton says

    January 11, 2012 at 4:27 AM

    I love your toy boxes! Where did you get them?

    Reply
  36. The Little Helper says

    January 14, 2012 at 7:44 AM

    This is fantastic! Have been trying to figure out best way to do a family rules subway art piece, and I think you just made things much easier for me! Thank you!!

    Reply
  37. Well-Nested Design says

    January 15, 2012 at 8:48 PM

    Brilliant — thanks for generously sharing!!

    Reply
  38. ladywiththeredrocker says

    January 21, 2012 at 4:17 AM

    Your signs are so professional looking! This technique is so smart! Thanks for sharing!

    Stephanie @ Ladywiththeredrocker.wordpress.com

    Reply
  39. Virginia says

    January 22, 2012 at 12:46 PM

    What a great tip. Thank you very much!
    V

    Reply
  40. jamiely78 says

    January 24, 2012 at 3:35 AM

    Found you through Pinterest and love the tip. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  41. Mags says

    January 25, 2012 at 2:12 AM

    What an excellent idea!! Saw it on Pinterest. Thx for sharing!!!

    Reply
  42. Mags says

    January 25, 2012 at 2:12 AM

    What an excellent idea!! Saw it on Pinterest. Thx for sharing!!!

    Reply
  43. Beth says

    January 25, 2012 at 8:17 PM

    awesome!! I'm definitely going to try this.

    Reply
  44. Lihudi says

    January 26, 2012 at 4:31 AM

    I have used large font to make letters for display boards but I use "white" as the letter color and select black outline. Saves toner, and on school projects kids can color in and cut out the letters.

    Reply
  45. Kim says

    February 4, 2012 at 3:39 PM

    What a great idea! I'm definitely going to try this!

    Reply
  46. Farmgirl Susan says

    February 16, 2012 at 4:55 PM

    What a great technique! Found your post via Pinterest and am so glad I did. Thanks! 🙂

    Reply
  47. jennifer says

    February 21, 2012 at 11:14 PM

    Great technique….do you make the caddies yourself or do you buy them?

    Reply
  48. jennifer says

    February 21, 2012 at 11:14 PM

    Great technique….do you make the caddies yourself or do you buy them?

    Reply
  49. Amy Kaminski says

    February 24, 2012 at 2:32 PM

    Found this on Pinterest. Love the ideas thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  50. The Stuff of Success says

    March 19, 2012 at 6:05 PM

    I just found this on Pinterest and I love the idea. I don't have a Silhouette so I know I will be using the information. I am stopping in from TheStuffofSuccess and I am your newest follower. Feel free to stop by and say hi.
    Thanks
    Athena

    Reply
  51. kidsafecandles.com says

    March 27, 2012 at 4:11 AM

    Thanks for the tip!! I will be using this!!

    Reply
  52. SweetPepperRose says

    April 1, 2012 at 12:21 PM

    Great idea and thanks for sharing your tip!
    JoAnn
    sweetpepperrose.blogspot.com

    Reply
  53. MelanieMargaret says

    April 26, 2012 at 5:00 PM

    Very cool! Thanks!

    Reply
  54. Kirsten says

    May 4, 2012 at 5:39 PM

    I used this tutorial to make a vintage-style sign! Thanks – it really was easy!

    http://alittlesplashofyellow.blogspot.ca/2012/05/diy-vintage-sign.html

    Reply
  55. a Happy Life says

    May 7, 2012 at 7:49 AM

    This is such a great tip!! The boards/crafts look really well painted/made. Thanks for sharing!! I think I may try to make something today!! =)

    Reply
  56. Bryan says

    May 31, 2012 at 3:34 PM

    Anyone know how you would adapt this technique to canvas lettering?

    Reply
  57. Jenny Yenny says

    June 3, 2012 at 8:03 PM

    I also know a great way to trace letters (or anything!). Simply print off the design or words, turn the paper over (or just print mirror image if you have the capability), and trace a thick line of pencil around all the edges (you may have to hold paper up to a light source). Then turn the pencil side on to the surface you want to transfer to, and use the pencil to shade heavily over the entire image! So easy and leaves a darker design you can see on the wood/plastic/whatever

    Reply
  58. Shastar says

    June 7, 2012 at 8:40 AM

    Wow, nice. I found this on Pinterest. I did a family name sign recently (http://irestorestuff.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/family-name-sign.html)
    and used a similar method, but with shading the back with pencil. Will definitely try this next time as I like the idea of the dent making a tiny well for the paint to stop in. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  59. Lottie says

    June 13, 2012 at 1:02 PM

    This is such a great idea! Thank you so much for sharing it!

    I found your link over on pinterest 🙂

    Lottie

    @ thecuriousdeer.blogspot.co.uk

    Reply
  60. Julie Beck says

    June 21, 2012 at 4:56 PM

    I love this idea and am using it to create signs for my garden. I really love the font at the top of your blog where it says "Build-Paint-Sew". Do you know what that font is called? I would love to use it for my garden signs 🙂

    Reply
  61. Pistana Post says

    August 12, 2012 at 3:59 PM

    I am so excited that I found your blog and tutorial on how to paint letters! I've always wanted to try handpainting letters. What type of paintbrush do you recommend? I have several but none are the right kind.
    Thanks!
    Andrea
    [email protected]

    Reply
  62. Sarah says

    August 17, 2012 at 2:55 AM

    I love this! What font did you use for the "Banksville" sign? Also, where did you get that awesome piece of wood for it? Thanks!

    Sarah

    [email protected]

    Reply
  63. Self Sagacity says

    August 19, 2012 at 7:58 PM

    I have been looking for ways to paint my table top. This is an easy way, though my table is very hard surface, not sure if I can get that crease…will give it a try. Thanks!

    New follower

    Reply
  64. sarah nathan says

    September 1, 2012 at 11:34 PM

    Where did you buy the tool boxes?

    Reply
    • Jaime says

      December 19, 2017 at 7:52 PM

      Hi Sarah, I built the tool boxes. Lots of posts but one is here: https://jaimecostiglio.com/2011/07/t-is-for-trug.html

      Reply
  65. Sarah says

    September 16, 2012 at 5:26 PM

    Just wanted to say thank you for this post. I found it on pinterest and you gave me the courage to re-paint a sign I had given to my husband for our first Christmas together and that now clashed with our newly painted bathroom. I'm not at all crafty and was able to make our sign over in grey to go with our sunny yellow bathroom. Thank you soooo very much!

    Reply
  66. Lisette Harzing says

    October 10, 2012 at 8:48 PM

    I have been searching for a tutorial like thus for ever and it sounds doable. I am really gonna try this. Thank you so much for sharing.

    Reply
  67. Gemma Johnson says

    October 11, 2012 at 10:15 PM

    I have been looking for an answer on how to do this for ages, every online company charges a fortune so I'm super excited to try this myself. My friend Twisted Ribbon on pinterest pointed me in your direction!

    Reply
  68. Stacey Hann says

    December 1, 2012 at 4:43 PM

    Seriously, I LOVE this tutorial! I have been wanting to make an "established in" sign and wondering how the heck I was going write the words. I am so excited to try your method. Thank you!!

    Reply
  69. TheArmstrongs says

    December 29, 2012 at 6:10 AM

    do you let the base coat dry before tracing?

    Reply
    • Jaime says

      December 19, 2017 at 7:53 PM

      Yes let the base coat dry first.

      Reply
  70. Mark Bintuu says

    January 12, 2013 at 11:57 AM

    Your blog looks fairly informative. I appreciated it.
    Laser Patent

    Reply
  71. Katie Byers says

    February 25, 2013 at 5:34 AM

    I have painted ALL of life and NEVER thought of this.

    I shared you here:

    http://kittnspurrfections.blogspot.com/2013/02/diy-tips-tricks-from-around-web.html?m=1

    If that isn't okay, let me know and I will remove it immediately!

    Reply
  72. Sorry kid, your mom doesn't play well with others says

    April 13, 2013 at 4:22 PM

    Clever! I always cut out and outlined in pencil, clearly doesn't hold a candle to this idea…

    Reply
  73. ellendellen says

    October 29, 2013 at 3:45 PM

    love love love your eye and artistic sensibility.
    will you share the name of the font you used in the two Glenwood 20/27 signs (white on blue) ?

    thank you
    Helena

    Reply
  74. Charlie Purplefoot says

    May 17, 2014 at 2:31 PM

    Thanks so much for sharing this technique – can't wait to try it!!

    Reply
  75. womanbread says

    July 1, 2014 at 1:00 AM

    What if you want to not only paint the letters or words in a solid color, but also have the letters outlined? I was thinking of doing the lettering in baby blue, but to make it stand out, I want to outline it in a darker blue. Have you ever tried doing outlining with this technique? Is it difficult? Does it come out as neat and straight when you paint outlines (due to the indent in the wood)? Any help, tips, suggestions would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

    Reply
  76. Gene Pascocello says

    November 2, 2015 at 11:21 PM

    I love it….. so simple and the dam is perfect…..Keep up the good work… muuuuaaaaaaay….thank you…. Gene P. Gp

    Reply
  77. Marcia Buroker says

    May 25, 2016 at 2:04 AM

    Another way for things that don't indent, I did a wheelbarrow a couple of years ago and I printed the design and letters on my printer, shaded over them on the back with a pencil, then put the paper on the hard surface and outlined the letters pressing hard. A little extra work, but worth it!

    Reply
    • Jaime says

      December 19, 2017 at 7:53 PM

      Great option Marcia!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Hi! I’m Jaime

Jaime Costiglio

Hello!

Thank you for stopping by.
Join me for lots of DIY.

Read more

Get new posts via email

Handbuilt Holiday: Gift Project Plans

handbuilt holiday gift project plans

Collection of DIY gift project plans to build.

The Home Depot Tool Prospective

THD Prospective

Tools to consider for the DIYer.

Archives

The Home Depot Logo
Copyright © 2023 Jaime Costiglio · Custom site by Moonsteam Design

Privacy Policy