How to make a Lunch sign on an old window
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Most often, I grab a plank of old wood in order to make an old sign…
But not today!
I had these two old window frames in my stash, waiting to be loved in some exciting, new way.
And I’m glad I held off. Because I think a LUNCH sign will suit these cute vintage windows perfectly… thanks to a super cute LUNCH stencil!
Can you hear the noon whistle sound? Time to grab your lunch kit, and head on down to the local diner (your kitchen) for a fresh bowl of homemade soup!
Isn’t this Lunch sign the cutest?! And it couldn’t have been easier to do!
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How to make a Lunch sign on an old window
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Supplies I used:
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High density foam paint roller
Black acrylic craft paint
Stencil brush might be handy for touch ups
Now, stenciling on glass is way different than on a wood surface. So you’ll want to practice on something that doesn’t matter. Here are my suggestions:
How to stencil on CLEAR GLASS
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1. Clean surface well.
2. Position stencil backwards, on the back of your glass, tape stencil into place, then apply paint with a small high density foam roller.
I found the pouncing of a stencil brush removed most of the paint. Swirling made the paint too thin. See what works best for you on a small sample.
3. Allow paint to dry, before adding another layer if desired.
4. For permanent stenciling on glass, you can look into the specialty acrylic craft paints meant for glass, or add a glass medium to your paint.
I just used regular acrylic craft paint, because I intend to scrape the paint off when I wish to use the window for something else.
5. Scrape along the edges of straight letters to remove any smudges once paint is dry.
Learn more tips on how to stencil from HERE
You can see this cupboard transformation HERE.
I really like the effect on glass! The letters aren’t filled in completely, leaving kind of a peppery impression.
And the bonus… if you mess up a little, it looks like it should be like that.
Gotta love rustic decor!
Can I get ya a cup or a bowl? 🙂
Think you’ll try a sign on an old window next?
Lunch is a stencil from Funky Junk’s Old Sign Stencils HERE
It is designed to mix & match with Bakery HERE to offer more cool designs!
Other related projects you may enjoy:
Interchangeable Farmhouse Kitchen Signs
All you need to know about stenciling
Visit many other Old Sign Stencil Projects by posts HERE
Donna a year ago I would have thought this was junk. But since I’ve started coming to your blog I have learned to see the beauty in all these throwaways! It’s bloggers like you that have opened my eyes. It is beautiful and functional!
Love it!
I love it! I gotta have it – I’m heading over to your stencil store now!!!
Love the look of stenciling on glass. I like the chippyness of the letters not being totally filled in. Might have to try that out. Right now I am taking a stained glass class. After that, I may have to try my hand at this.
I really like this!
Donna, I love this stencil on the old window! And the staging is fabulous as always.
So stinkin’ cute! You’re amazing!
Awesome! I just need some old windows now! I’ve had my eye out for some just no luck yet.
Well now I see more stencils I MUST add to my collection. I love the look of the stencils on the back of glass. Oh the ol noggin is filling with ideas!
I was so glad to see stenciling on glass. I’ve got old windows with glass and wanted to do something on them and now I know. Can’t wait to try it. Good to know that the glass can be stenciled with craft paint with the intention to remove it at a later time to do something else with the window. Glad to know I’m not the only one who thinks that way. And I really thought the window with the teacups was adorable. Thanks!
I love how this came out! The frame and glass are just stunning.
I LOVE THIS!!! Yeah, I know I’m screaming. Can’t help myself!
Love your stuff! Please add me to your email list! Thank you ?
Thanks Leslie! I’ve added you to the daily emails, weekly newsletter and old signs newsletter! You are welcome to unsubscribe anytime you wish, from those emails. 🙂
This turned out a treat Donna! Also a great idea to paint it in acrylic paint so you can change it as you want! Love it!
Finally, I’ve been looking for directions on stenciling on windows and I’m excited now to do this. I also want to stencil on wood, painted and bare! I’ll look on your website for that and thanks again. Very nice!!!!!
I really like the Lunch window but I have to tell you I did some stenciling on glass with acrylic paints using several colours also using a high density foam roller and the edges were all bumpy and messy. I was even careful to off load the roller well but still no success. Is there something I failed to do? Could you please give me some advice? I desperately need it! Thanks for your help. 🙂
Hi Rick, I tend to have that happen to me too. It really is about too much paint on the roller, which is harder to control than too much paint on one little brush.
You may wish to try different kinds of high density rollers. Some are like solid sponges, while some have a more porous surface.
It’s really a matter of trial and error with different paint, technique, and what surface it’s going on.
My fav thing to stencil is old wood with a medium sized stencil brush. The paint is blotted by the wood a little, so images tend to end up sharper.
Hi! I love love love your windows! I am finding that the paint is peeling up when I pull the stencils. I have tried many times! I am using oracal 811. I even tried an exacto knife along stencil edge to separate the paint from the stencil. Any tips?
Hi Michelle! I’m a little uncertain what you are trying to do. If you are making your own vinyl stencils to use on windows, I’d suggest try mylar stencils instead so there’s less chance of the paint becoming attached to your chosen stencil substrate. Stenciling with mylar stencils requires a very different paint touch.