Make your own signal flags in a few easy steps, for a bit of preppy pop.
Sure, signal flags actually serve a purpose; in maritime shorthand, they help warn sailors of changes in course and of potential dangers ahead. But we like them because of the graphic impact they add to any space.
Rev up your rooms with this simple, make-your-own signal flag project.
Start with a clean, smooth wood square—we chose birch-veneer plywood with edging for three-dimensionality and ease of painting and hanging. Any size will do, so let your room dictate your needs.
Prime all exposed sides of the square, preferably with a smooth roller. Latex-based primers make cleanup easier.
To keep the edges white, apply painter’s tape and press firmly to smooth out any gaps or bubbles.
Choose your design. We found these through a quick Google image search.
Paint the entire surface of the top of the wood with your base color; typically, lighter colors should be applied first, because they are more easily covered by darker colors. We like acrylic enamel paints, which have a bit of sheen, for this project.
When the base color is dry to the touch, measure and mark your design with pencil.
Apply painter’s tape along the pencil lines, and press firmly to smooth out bubbles or gaps. For a clean line, use a sponge brush to apply the base color over the edge of the tape on the side the second color will appear on.
Roll on any additional colors, again overlapping the tape for a smooth, clean edge.
When the paint is dry to the touch, carefully remove the painter’s tape from the top and sides.
3 comments
Very cute – how do you hang them?
Thanks! Glad you like them. We think the best way to hang the art is by screwing a picture-frame holder into the back of the wood.
Thanks! Glad you like them. We think the best way to hang the art is by screwing a picture-frame holder into the back of the wood frame.