Hey everyone! Want to create charming, personalized home decor? Look no further than DIY painted wooden door hangers! They’re easier than you think, even for beginners.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything from choosing the right wood to adding those finishing touches. I’ll share my tried-and-true tips and favorite resources along the way. So grab your creative spirit and let’s dive in!
Choosing the Right Wood for Your Door Hanger
Selecting the correct wood is crucial for a successful door hanger. You’ll want something lightweight, smooth, and resistant to splintering.
My top recommendation? 5mm RevolutionPly from Lowe’s! This underlayment is affordable, easy to work with, and yields fantastic results. Another great option is 1/4″ MDF, though it might require a special order depending on your location.
Skipping the Saw: Pre-Made Door Hanger Blanks
Don’t worry if cutting your own wood feels daunting! You can still enjoy the creativity of door hanger painting with pre-made blanks. Check out my shop – I offer a variety of ready-to-paint options that ship directly to your door!
Using Templates for Perfect Door Hanger Shapes
For endless design possibilities, explore the printable templates available in my shop. These easy-to-use templates guide you in creating a wide range of shapes and styles. Need help with downloading and using them? My blog post on using printable templates has you covered.
Pro Tip: Enlarge templates seamlessly using the free website www.blockposters.com. It’s a lifesaver for larger door hanger designs!
Cutting Your Door Hanger: Tools and Techniques
Ready to cut? A jigsaw or scroll saw are excellent choices. I personally gravitate towards a jigsaw for its versatility.
how to start painting wooden door hangers
Paint Selection: Choosing the Right Type for Your Project
The type of paint you use significantly impacts your door hanger’s final look. For vibrant, long-lasting color, I recommend DecoArt Americana Matte Acrylic paints. You can find them at most craft stores, or check out this handy 12-pack on Amazon (affiliate link).
Painting Tip: Work from the back to the front, starting with your background and ending with your lettering. For more detailed guidance on door hanger painting and lettering, check out my free ebook – it’s packed with beginner-friendly advice!
The Right Paintbrushes for Every Detail
Did you know different paintbrushes create different effects? While it’s not essential to have every type, experimenting adds unique textures to your door hanger. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Wash: Laying down background colors
- Angular: Decorative shapes (like petals)
- Detail: Intricate work
- Round: Lines and accents
- Shader: Blending colors, filling small areas
- Filbert: Lettering, small dots, precise details
- Oval Wash: Smooth backgrounds
- Liner: Tiny details
- Flat: Precise color in small areas
- Fan: Trees and foliage
Guidelines: Your Key to Precise Painting
Using one of my templates? Drawing guidelines is a breeze! Add them before painting or after applying primer (especially important for bright colors).
Sealing Your Masterpiece: Protecting Your Door Hanger
Never skip the protective finish! A good sealant, like my favorite Rustoleum Lacquer, helps your door hanger withstand the elements and look its best for years to come.
Hanging Your Door Hanger with Style
Time to display your creation! Jute string or wire work well. For wire, drill two small holes and twist it securely. For jute, tie knots at the ends, then staple the string just above the knots on the back of your door hanger.
Adding a Bow: The Finishing Touch
Elevate your door hanger with a charming bow! This 3D element adds visual interest and completes the look.
Ready to Start Your Door Hanger Journey?
I’ve loved sharing my passion for DIY painted wooden door hangers with you. It’s amazing how these simple crafts can bring so much joy.
Want more guidance? Consider my beginner’s course! We cover everything from cutting and painting to adding bows and hanging your finished masterpiece. Find the link below, and I hope to see you there!
Related Resources:
- Learn How to Paint a Door Hanger (Blog Post)
- Video Tutorial: How to Use a Template
- Video Tutorial: How to Use a Jigsaw
- Free Ebook for Beginners
- Video Tutorial: Discussing Various Paint Brushes
- Video Tutorial: How to Make a Bow for Your Door Hanger
- Beginner’s Course
- Video Tutorial: Creating the Perfect Guidelines on Your Template