LIGHTED HOLIDAY MARQUEE SIGN

Scroll down to see a step-by-step overview of this project.

DIFFICULTY: intermediate

DURATION: 1-2 HOURS (NOT INCLUDING paint DRYING TIME)

 

TOOLS YOU’LL NEED:

  1. Measuring tape
  2. Straight edge or large square
  3. Pencil
  4. Paintbrush
  5. Clamps (to hold boards while cutting or gluing)
  6. Circular saw
  7. Jigsaw or Dremel
  8. 18-gauge nailer or hammer
  9. Sander
  10. Drill (with bits sized for lights)

 

 

MATERIALS YOU’LL NEED:

  1. 2'x 4' x 1/2" thick plywood panel or MDF board
  2. 10' long 1"x 2" pine or MDF board
  3. 1¼ " and ¾" 18-gauge nails
  4. 25-bulb battery-operated Christmas lights
  5. White paint/primer (for sign back and trim)
  6. Silver glitter paint (for letters)
  7. Wood glue
  8. Electrical tape (to secure wiring on back)

STEP 1: CUT THE PLYWOOD BACKING PIECE

Mark and cut a line 18" in from one end of the plywood. This will make the 24x30-inch back piece and the 18x24-inch piece for your letters. Take care not to cut the table beneath the plywood. You can cut on foam or secure the wood off the edge of the table. Even easier, you can ask an Associate to cut it for you in the store.

STEP 2: MARK & CUT THE LETTERS

Download the “JOY” letter template from homedepot.com/letsdothis and have it printed. Trace the letters onto your plywood. Using a jigsaw with a wood blade or a Dremel Rotary Tool carefully cut out each letter. Then, sand the edges smooth. TIP: An easier way to create the letters, without using a saw, is to simply paint the letters directly on the back piece.

STEP 3: ADD THE RAILS

For the railing, cut the 1x2 pine or MDF to match the top and bottom edges of the back piece. TIP: A scrap piece of  ½-inch block makes a handy spacer. Finish the top rail with the nailer, or hammer and nails, and repeat for the bottom. Then mark, cut and repeat for the two side rails.

STEP 4: Drill holes IN THE LETTERS

Place equally spaced marks down the center of each letter stroke; then drill holes sized to fit your lights. Lightly sand the holes to remove burrs.

STEP 5: PAINT THE BACK AND THE LETTERS

We used white BEHR Premium Plus® Paint and Primer for the back piece, and silver glitter paint for the letters. Set the pieces aside to dry completely.

STEP 6: ATTACH THE LETTERING

Start with the “O.” Center it left and right, top and bottom, and attach it with glue and finishing nails. Attach the remaining letters in the same manner. Using the previously drilled holes in the letters as a guide, drill all the way through the backboard.

STEP 7: INSERT THE LIGHTS

Insert the lights from the back, and secure any loose wire with electrical tape.