• About
  • Artist Resources
    • Classes
  • Blog
    • Crafts
    • Decor
    • Holidays
    • Living
    • SVG Files
  • Portfolio
    • Illustrations
    • Surface Pattern Designs
    • Typography
  • Work With Me
    • Disclosure & Privacy Policy
  • Contact

LZ Cathcart

Delightful designs and illustrations.

  • My Account
    • Shop Policies
  • Apparel
    • Baby & Kids
    • Women
  • Art Prints
  • Mugs
  • Phone Cases
  • Pillows
  • Stickers
  • Tote Bags
  • SVG Vector Art
  • Freebies
  • 0 items

Decor

How to Frame a Sign Using a Butt Joint

This post may include affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Please read my disclosure policy for more details.

Tweet
Pin838
Share17
855 Shares

Have you ever wondered how to frame a sign that you just created? Believe it or not, it’s actually pretty easy! Let me show you how with easy guide!

Have you ever wondered how to frame a sign that you just created? Believe it or not, it's actually pretty easy! Let me show you how with easy guide!

Can you guess which question I get asked the most? It’s not what kind of paint I use. It’s not where I buy my vinyl.

Believe it or not, my number one question is, “how do you frame a sign?”. And you know what? I completely understand!

Learn how to create GORGEOUS signs with
my FREE guide!

    We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

    Before I learned how to frame my signs I was kind of intimidated by the task as well. In fact, for the first few years I had my husband do it for me!

    Thankfully though, it’s actually not that hard, and once you get the hang of it you’ll wonder why you even avoided it in the first place. So, let’s get started!

    Have you ever wondered how to frame your sign that just created? Believe it or not, it's actually pretty easy! Let me show you how with easy guide!

    SUPPLIES

    • 1”x Material (or 1”X2” Furring Strips)
    • 1-1/4” Brad Nails (or Finish Nails)
    • Brad Nail Gun (or Hammer)
    • Table Saw (for Ripping)
    • Miter Saw
    • Wood Glue

    STEPS

    1. When framing your signs there are a lot of options, but my favorite is a simple butt joint. This is two boards butted together.
    2. For this method use 1”x material (actual thickness is 3/4”). You can use a table saw to rip a 1X4” in two pieces, or a  1X2” furring strip can be used just as is with overall dimensions of 3/4”X1 1/2”.
    3. First, cut two boards to the length of the sides of your sign. Attach them with a thin bead of wood glue and nail them into place with finish nails or brad nails (preferred)  1 1/4” long every 3 inches ensuring they remain flush with the ends. (Fig. 1)
    4. Then, measure across the top of your sign and side pieces and cut your frame wood to fit . Attach the top pieces in the same manner  ensuring you put two nails in the the ends at the “butt joint”. 
    5. If you have any overlap it can typically be sanded flush with a palm sander. 
    6. Personally, I like to distress the edges of my frames to give it a rustic appeal, but this last step is completely up to you!

    NOTES

    Ultimately the wood that you use will be up to you (new or reclaimed), and what is available in your location. For instance, in North Carolina pine is one of the most plentiful wood types in our area so this is what I most typically use.

    Need to see it live? Check out the below video tutorial for the details!

    How to Frame a Sign Using a Butt Joint

    That wasn’t too bad was it?! Pretty easy, and I do believe it really helps your sign come alive! In fact, if you liked this tutorial and would like more DIY projects and tips I highly recommend checking out my new eBook, The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Own Signs. It is absolutely jam packed with similar tutorials and LOTS and LOTS of signs that I just know you’ll want to get started on ASAP. So, get going! Have fun, and have a wonderful weekend 🙂


    2 Comments

    About LZ Cathcart

    LZ is an artist who loves creating illustrations, custom hand lettering and patterns for gifts, home decor, fabric, and wallpaper. She is also the creative mind behind The Summery Umbrella where she shows you how to make handmade signs, various DIY projects and gorgeous home decor.

    When she’s not dreaming up new projects and designs you can typically find her drinking her fair share of coffee, hanging out with her super handy husband and her sweet and sassy daughter. They all have a hard time sitting sit so this family is constantly on the go!

    Don’t Miss Out!

    Learn how to create GORGEOUS signs with my FREE guide. It's the perfect source for getting started and moving forward!

    « So Fresh and So Clean DIY Bathroom Sign
    Before and After Guest Bathroom »

    Comments

    1. Katie says

      December 30, 2018 at 12:56 am

      Thank you for this tutorial!! I figured this framing was simple but wanted a guild. I finally found it in your blog.

      Reply
      • LZ Cathcart says

        December 31, 2018 at 4:11 pm

        Hi Katie! I’m so happy that you liked this tutorial and it helped. Happy sign making, and hope you have a wonderful New Year 🙂

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Hi! I'm LZ, and welcome to my humble abode! Don't be shy. Come on in! This is my happy place where I share my life, creativity as well as my quirky and country sense of humor on a daily basis. So, grab yourself a tall glass of something yummy, and let me introduce you to my realm. :)

    I want to find…

    Post Categories

    Featured On

    Let’s be social

    Do you like to change it up sometimes? Maybe with Do you like to change it up sometimes? Maybe with decor, your art, food, etc. As for me, I do it... ALL. THE. TIME. It's a force of nature, but it definitely keeps it interesting! ⁣
—⁣
For instance, my new favorite "change" is mixing up watercolor paints with oil pastels. Sigh. Soooo interesting and amazing!
    Don't worry, my friend. Just grow plants. ⁣
—⁣
Purchase one or many and ... get FREE shipping.⁣
⁣
#stickeraddict #stickers #decals #stickerlove #stickerart #watercolor #digitalart #homedecor #acrylic #canvas #mixedmedia #homedesign #interior #modernart #abstractpainting #painter #artstudio #abstractartist #interiors #acrylicpaint #decoration #floralpainting #creativeart #draw #instaart #instahome #homestyle #thesummeryumbrella #lzcathcart
    Stickers, stickers, and oh yea... more stickers! Y Stickers, stickers, and oh yea... more stickers! You could definitely say that I've caught sticker-fever. 🤒 ❤⁣
—⁣
Purchase one or many and ... get FREE shipping.
    I'm sooo loving on these summer-inspired fruit pop I'm sooo loving on these summer-inspired fruit popsicles. ❤⁣
—⁣
Purchase one or many and ... get FREE shipping.
    If you've been following me through my stories you If you've been following me through my stories you'll know that I very recently finished my greenhouse. I cannot even begin to explain how excited I am to have this beautiful space so close to my home, and how much I already enjoy using it to relax and .. duh... grow plants 🤣⁣
—⁣
Do you have a favorite place to go and relax?
    Last year (isn't that so weird to say?!) I created Last year (isn't that so weird to say?!) I created these two cuties and I always felt like they were talking to each other. Nothing too complicated or crazy, but talking nonetheless. With that being said, I decided to add in the "hi" and "hello" afterward to give it a little nerdy character! ⁣
—⁣
Do you ever make up stories for the animals in your life? Obviously, you already know that I do!! You should hear the stories I make up for the squirrels! 🤣
    Follow on Instagram

    Copyright © 2021 · LZ Cathcart of The Summery Umbrella, LLC

    Log in