Faux Steel Letters
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Use this easy, inexpensive technique to create realistic-looking galvanized steel letters! Spell your own word and personalize your home décor!
What You'll Need:
Let's Do This!
Step 1:
- Print the templates and then use them to cut out the letters from cardboard. You will need a 10" x 12" piece of cardboard for each letter.
- Cut 1" x 12" strips out of cardboard. You will need approximately 3 strips per letter.
Step 2:
- To make the 3D outline, lay a cardboard strip next to a letter. Use a pencil to mark a line where the outline of the letter changes direction. These will become the corners.
- Fold the cardboard strip at the mark. Lay the cardboard strip upright against the letter and, once again, mark where the outline of the letter changes direction.
- Continue this process of marking and folding the cardboard strip around the letter until the strip ends.
- Use masking tape to adhere the folded cardboard strip to the letter. Continue Steps 2A through 2D to complete the letter. Tip: Cut off the excess length from the strip and use it on another letter.
Step 3:
- Use the technique in Step 2 on the rest of the letters, making them all three-dimensional.
Step 4:
- Cut newspaper into 1" to 1 ½" wide strips.
- Brush deco podge onto the strips of newspaper and adhere them to a letter.
- Continue adding deco podged strips onto the letter to completely cover the front and sides. Let dry.
- For a more finished look, deco podge newspaper strips onto the back of the letter as well. Let dry.
Step 5:
- Use the technique in Step 4 on the rest of the letters. Let dry.
Step 6:
- Apply black chalkboard paint on all sides of a letter. Let dry.
Step 7:
- Continue using black chalkboard paint to cover all the letters. Let dry.
Step 8:
- Use a stiff 1” wide paint brush loaded with silver metallic paint to randomly dab paint onto a letter. Apply the paint in multiple directions.
Step 9:
- Use the technique in Step 8 on all the letters. Let dry.
Download Template
- Filename
- _EAT_template.pdf
- Size
- 47 KB
- Format
- application/pdf
