How I Used pvpp Method To Make Personalized Signs for Christmas

It has been awhile since I used the PVPP method. I don’t know why because it is so simple!

PVPP is an acronym for Paint, Vinyl, Paint, and Peel.

Let me show you how I used this method to make two ‘Santa Stops Here’ here signs for my friend!

Supplies you will need

• Wood or canvas of your choice. I used an 18″ wood round sign and a 4″ x 24″ wood piece.
• Paint colors of your choice: I used Dixie Belle’s Caviar and Dixie Belle’s Cotton and Dixie Belles Rustic Red
• Stencil of your choice. BONUS!! Click here to join MPD Tribe if you would like free access to the SVG cut files used as stencils for this project. MPD Tribe members go to the MPD library to access your new cut files! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
• Paint brushes, dental pick, hangers, Mod Podge
• Flat sealer: Dixie Belle’s Flat Clear Coat
• Ultra fine steel wool (optional)

THE LINKS ABOVE CONTAINS AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS. THIS MEANS IF YOU MAKE A PURCHASE, I MAY RECEIVE A SMALL COMMISSION, AT NO COST TO YOU.

P=Paint

The first step in PVPP Method is to paint your background.

This is where you paint your wood or canvas the color you want your letters or designs to be.

Using my round Santa design, I painted the round sign in Dixie Belle’s Cotton or white.

Once this is painted and dried, I applied a coat of Dixie Belle’s clear coat sealer in flat. When the sealer is dry, usually a couple of hours if you’re not in a humid area, we are ready for the next step.

V= Vinyl

The second step in PVPP Method is adding your vinyl or stencil material.

Click here to see how I use contact paper as stencil material for my Silhouette Cameo 3

For the PVPP method, I apply my stencil before weeding. To ensure this is perfectly centered on your board or canvas, I have a post already written to give you tips on how to do this. Click here to see how to can do this for our current project!

Apply your stencil, without it being weeded, with your border following the steps I linked in the posts above.

Once the stencil is applied and your transfer tape is removed, here is where I remove the contact paper in all the areas I want to not be white (on the round sign) or not be red (on the other sign).

You can see in the video below, how I weeded the red ‘Santa Stops Here’ sign.

One “pro” in using the PVPP method is if any of your stencils bubble up or wrinkle, they are easier to partially lift up and reapply.

Bonus!

B=Burnish

Burnish?

Yes, this is not in the PVPP acronym but it should be!

If you want to help ensure crisp clean lines, you need to lightly burnish your stencils before applying your next coat of paint.

I like to use the same color of paint as the background if possible or even Mod Podge in Flat for blended backgrounds or stained wood.

On the red ‘Santa Stops Here’ sign, I used Mod Podge because I had issues with the stencils moving around a little and I wanted to ensure they stayed put when I started painting.

With the round ‘Santa Stops Here’ sign I burnished the stencil with Dixie Belle’s Cotton or white paint first.

Once this is dry, we are ready to move on!

P=Paint

Now it’s time to paint with your next color!

With my red Santa sign. I painted Cotton up close to the edges and and left the edges rough and uneven since we are going for a rustic look. I went over the letters twice because I wanted to ensure they popped.

The round Santa sign, I painted everything Caviar. Including around the edges and later the backside.

I always paint and seal the backs of my signs. That’s my personal preference since I want to provide a finished look.

Look your signs over once the first coat is dry and if you want to do a second coat, now is the time to do it before we move on.

Let the paint completely dry and then we can move onto the final P!

P=Peel

Before peeling, I go over my signs lightly with a 220 grit sand paper. The reason for this is to prevent the paint from sticking to the stencil material while it’s being pulled.

I use a dental pik for my weeding.

Carefully peel the vinyl or contact paper. Usually it’s best to peel at a diagonal and slowly.

Once this is done we are ready to protect your signs!

Final Step!

With the red ‘Santa’ sign, we decided to add a little more rustic touch.

I used ultra fine steel wool around the edges only. I steered clear of the white around the wording or designs.

Ultra fine steel wool darkens the areas wherever you lightly rub and adds some aging character to your signs.

If you get a little aggressive with the steel wool, you can use a baby wipe to mute the distressing a little. So be careful with this technique.

Using steel wool is kind of like cooking with salt. Its best to add a little at a time because if you add too much you can’t remove it!

Wipe your sign down from the dust.

I usually wait a couple of hours to seal my signs.

Sometimes it’s best to wait until the next day so when you apply your sealer, it doesn’t smear onto the background.

Dixie Belle paint has sealer in their products, but it takes up to 30 days to cure. I like to add a coat of flat sealer to protect my signs before they go to their new homes!

BONUS TIP

Don’t forget to leave your mark!

I use Mod Podge on the back of my signs and apply my business card just below the sawtooth hanger.

My card has my logo and website so the recipients know where their handmade gifts came from and how to get ahold of me if needed!

I apply a light coat of Mod Podge on the back of my card, and a light coat on the sign just below the hanger and press it on. Once it’s stuck, I carefully apply another coat of Mod Podge over the card gently so I don’t push the card around.

This finally coat of Mod Podge over the card helps to seal it to the back of the sign.

That’s it!

To see how I completed the red ‘Santa Stops Here’ sign and part of the round sign, click below! If you’re like me, sometimes I have to actually see it before I “see it’!

To see video tutorial click below

JOIN US AT MPD TRIBE

I would love to invite you to join MPD Tribe!

MPD tribe members are invited to join my private Facebook group, MPD Tribe. 

Each week I go live to give you updates on personalized projects I am working on or create crafts in the group!

As a member, you have access to my growing library of free cut files for you to craft with your Silhouette or Cricut personal cutter. I also provide free Stock Photos or Mockups and video tutorials of crafting projects and tips for your Silhouette

MPD Tribe members receive a 25% discount and access to Dollar Deals to my two Etsy stores, Piper’s Paw Print Designs and Midwest Market Studio.

THIS WEEKS DOLLAR DEALS

To join MPD Tribe fill out the form below to join. Check your email for confirmation along with the password to the protected MPD Library.

Hope you have a great week and happy crafting!

xoxo

Melissa

YES, THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. THIS MEANS IF YOU MAKE A PURCHASE, I MAY RECEIVE A SMALL COMMISSION, AT NO COST TO YOU.