Words on walls are powerful. Whether it’s your favorite quote, a meaningful phrase, or just one bold word that says it all — word art is a beautiful way to personalize your space. And yes, you can absolutely make your own DIY word art on wooden panels with little more than a few supplies and a can do attitude.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you turn a blank wood panel into a statement piece you’ll be proud to hang.

1. Decide What You Want to Say

Start with the message. It could be as simple as “Breathe”, or like the one that is hanging in our hallway, as daydreamy as “I’ll be at the pool.” Pick something that resonates with you.

Now choose your colors. Think about whether the wood grain will show through the background or letters, or if you want to paint everything. A natural wood background with crisp white or black letters? Always a win.

2. Lay It Out Digitally

Open up Google Docs or Microsoft Word. Type out your phrase and start playing with font choices. Use fonts that are bold and easy to read from a distance. Serif fonts give a traditional vibe, while sans-serif feels clean and modern. Script fonts? Romantic and whimsical.

🖥 Pro tip: Word processors have rulers at the top and side. These show you how big your letters will print. Super helpful for making sure everything will fit.

Now choose your panel size. I find it helpful to mock it up by cutting cardboard to size (yes, tape pieces together if needed), then print your phrase on regular printer paper and lay the sheets on top. This helps you confirm if the font size and spacing look right before you commit to a particular panel.

3. Get the Right Wood Panel

You can find small to medium-sized wooden panels at most art supply stores. If you’re going big — anything above 20″ x 20″ — those usually need to be ordered online.

Look for panels that are smooth and flat. Birch plywood is a great option and typically affordable.

4. Prep the Surface with Gesso

Now, let’s talk gesso. Gesso is a primer that creates a smooth surface for painting and helps paint adhere better to the wood.

• Use clear gesso if you want to see the wood grain in the final piece.
• Use white gesso if you plan to paint both the background and the letters.

Apply with a wide brush (like a 2-3″ flat brush), using even strokes. Let it dry, sand lightly with 320 grit sandpaper, then repeat. Two coats minimum — or more, until the panel feels buttery smooth.

5. Make Your Stencil

Once you’re happy with your digital design, print the final version on cardstock — sturdier than regular paper and perfect for stenciling.

Using an X-Acto knife, carefully cut out the letters. This step takes patience! Try to keep the cuts as clean and smooth as possible for crisp edges later on.

6. Paint Time

Decide which part of the panel you’re painting — the background, the letters, or both.

• If painting both: Paint the background color first. Let dry. For ideal color saturation, it may take two or more coats.
• If keeping wood grain as the letter color: Lay the stencil down and paint over it.
• If keeping wood grain as the background: Paint inside the stencil carefully.

Use removable art adhesive on the back of the stencil to help it stay in place. Press it down gently, then paint. You can dab with a sponge or use a small roller — whatever gives you the control you need.

Let everything dry fully, then touch up any edges with a fine brush if needed.

7. Seal It In

In a well-ventilated space, lightly spray the piece with a clear sealant (this helps lock in the paint and prevent bleeding if you’re layering sealants).

Now grab your brush-on sealant. Choose your finish:

• Matte – soft, subtle, modern.
• Semi-gloss – a hint of shine.
• Glossy – bold and bright.

Apply a thin coat, let dry, then lightly sand with 320 grit and wipe clean. Repeat this process for at least three coats (or more, depending on how polished you want it).

8. Add Hanging Hardware

To hang your masterpiece, grab a pair of D-rings and some art hanging wire.

1. Screw the D-rings into the back of the panel, about ⅓ down from the top.
2. Cut a piece of wire that’s about 1.5x the width of your panel.
3. Thread the wire through the rings and twist it around itself to secure.

Now your piece is ready to hang — and it won’t tilt or wobble.

Hang It Proud

That’s it! You’ve just made your own beautiful DIY word art panel. Whether it’s hanging in your entryway, living room, or above your desk, it’s more than decor — it’s a reflection of your creativity.

✨ Bonus tip: Once you get the hang of this, you can make these as gifts. They’re personal, handmade, and always appreciated.

Got questions or want to share what you made? Drop a comment or tag your project online. We’d love to see it.

Happy making!

Supplies You’ll Need For the Project

Design + Layout

• Computer with Google Docs or Microsoft Word
• Printer and printer paper (for mockups)
• Cardstock (for final stencil)
• Scissors or paper trimmer
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Cardboard (for mockup panel — tape pieces together if needed)

Wooden Panel Prep

• Wood panel (size of your choice)
• Clear or white gesso (depending on your design)
• Wide paintbrush (2″–3″ flat brush works well)
• 320 grit sandpaper
• Drop cloth or old newspaper (to protect your surface)

Stencil + Painting

• X-Acto knife or precision craft knife
• Spray adhesive (for keeping stencil in place)
• Acrylic paint (your chosen background and/or letter color)
• Small paintbrush, sponge, or foam roller (for applying paint)

Finishing

• Clear spray sealant (for a protective base coat)
• Brush-on sealant (matte, semi-gloss, or glossy finish)
• Clean cloth (for wiping off sanding dust)

Hanging Hardware

• D-rings (2 per panel)
• Art hanging wire
• Screwdriver or drill
• Wire cutters