Make a patriotic DIY pallet wood American flag sign from a Dollar Store flag and scrap pallet wood.
This patriotic sign cost just a few dollars to make, $1 for me as I already had the pallet wood and paint.
Keep an eye out on the side of the road, or at thrift stores for free pallets. There are so many things you can do with them.
I’m sharing this fun DIY pallet wood American flag sign as part of Team Creative Crafts. A big thank you to the hosts for including me!
This post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you. This post is sponsored by DecoArt, however all opinions are 100% mine. Please see my disclosure here
Supplies Needed For Pallet Wood American Flag Sign
- Pallet
- Color Stain
- Fabric Paint
- Paint Brushes
- Mod PodgeMod Podge
- Dollar Tree American Flag
- Scissors
- **Optional** – Stencil or Cut File
How To Make A Pallet Wood American Flag Sign
Start by painting the pallet wood whatever color you like. I love how the navy looks because it really allows the flag to stand out.
But, I do think red or white would be great too.
This color stain is gorgeous. Pallet wood is not smooth at all and this color stain did a great job of really seeping into the wood, giving it a finish.
Even though most of it will be covered with the flag, I still wanted a good finish.
This is a self-sealing stain so I knew it would be perfect for this project. You can see how I used this same color stain on my small kitchen island.
Cutting the Flag
Now that the pallet wood is dry, it’s time to cut the flag. For this pallet sign, I wanted the flag to look like it was part of the board, not just placed on top.
So, I tried a couple of things to achieve that. I figured if I messed it up I really was only out $1 for the flag, as my Dad makes the pallet signs for me.
He finds them on the side of the road, or a friend will give them to him. I’m so thankful!
Start by removing the banner pole from the flag. You can put this aside to use for hanging if you want. Next up, cut the flag in two where the pallet boards are split.
This will help make it appear to be part of the wood.
Because this flag was only $1, it is thin and leaves lots of strings and threads. Not a problem, because we will be sealing the edges anyway so you won’t even notice.
Decoupage the American Flag
Pour some mod podge on a paper plate and use a paint brush to cover the sign. I’ve been having fun with mod podge lately.
Did you see the beautiful garden pots I made with napkins and decoupage? They were my most popular post so far in 2021. Be sure to check those out!
I like to work in sections, so start at one end, add some mod podge, place the flag down and smooth out any wrinkles.
Continue with this process until the flag is secure. You can use a credit card to smooth out the wrinkles, or just use your fingers.
Age the American Flag
Here’s where the fun came in. I had no clue what I was going to do to make the flag look more old and worn.
So I just started playing around with a brown fabric paint that I mixed with a little mod podge. I started out very lightly adding it to the edges.
Guess what? I loved how it was coming together.
I started out very lightly adding it to the edges. Guess what? I loved how it was coming together.
Don’t go over the entire flag, just randomly add some of the paint to the sign.
For even more texture and dimension, I randomly brushed on some of the blue color stain. Basically use a dry brush technique to tone down the white of the flag.
It really looks distressed and painted on, rather than just glued on. What do you think of this process? It’s pretty cool!
Add a Patriotic Quote
You can totally stop here and you have a beautiful patriotic sign. However, I decided to add a “celebrate freedom” stencil.
It really fills in the bottom of the sign nicely and the white really pops.
All that’s left now is to decorate with your beautiful new pallet sign. Wasn’t that so simple? You can stand the sign up on a mantel, or buffet table.
Or you can add a picture hanger to the back and use it as wall decor. It would look great on a porch or patio.
If it is going outside, be sure to give it a coat or two of clear sealer to protect it from the elements.
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How To Make A Patriotic DIY Pallet Wood American Flag Sign
Pick up a dollar store American flag and scrap pallet wood to make a patriotic DIY pallet wood American flag sign. This is such a simple process, but really is a statement piece. It looks like the flag is painted on the wood.
Materials
- Pallet
- Paint
- Fabric Paint
- Paint Brushes
- Mod Podge
- Dollar Tree American Flag
- **Optional** - Stencil or Cut File
Tools
- Scissors
Instructions
- Paint the pallet wood whatever color you like.
- Remove the dowel hanger from the flag.
- Cut the flag in two where the pallet boards are split.
- Pour some mod podge on a paper plate and use a paint brush to cover the sign in sections.
- Start at one end, add some mod podge, place the flag down and smooth out any wrinkles.
- Continue with this process until the flag is secure.
- Lightly add a mixture of brown fabric paint and mod podge to the edges of the flag.
- Randomly add some of the paint to the sign.
- Brush on some of the blue color stain with a dry brush technique in random spots of the flag.
- Add a patriotic quote if you like.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Bates- Foam Paint Brushes, Assorted Sizes, 20 Pcs, Sponge Paint Brush, Foam Brushes, Foam Brushes for Painting, Foam Brushes for Staining, Foam Brushes for Polyurethane, Sponge Brushes for Painting -
DecoArt DSS102-26 SoSoft Fabric Acrylics Paint, 1-Ounce, Brown -
Fiskars 12-94518697WJ The Original Orange Handled Scissors, 8 Inch, Orange -
DecoArt Americana Decor Color Stain 8oz Navy, Blue
You can find me on social media below:
debbie-dabble
Thursday 19th of May 2022
Michelle! Love this idea!!! Looks great!!! Thanks for sharing!!! Hugs, Deb
Beth
Sunday 9th of May 2021
Thanks for joining in the Creative Crafts FUN, Michelle! I thought your flag was hand-painted, but I love the idea of using a dollar store flag with decoupage!
ourcraftymom
Sunday 9th of May 2021
Thank you so much for hosting! I look forward to visiting all the creative projects!
Paula@SweetPea
Sunday 9th of May 2021
Love this patriotic project!