Hi friends! You've probably seen those metal letters that are so popular right now. I mean, they're everywhere -- except in my house! Yep, I was slow to get on board with this trend. For one reason, they aren't cheap, but when I decided to add some to my little guy's room, I knew I had to find a way to make my own and save some cash. So, I bought some inexpensive chipwood letters from the craft store and made these easy DIY faux metal letters, with some creative painting.
My little guy has an airplane-themed room, and I thought the word SOAR would look awesome on his wall. But instead of just adding the letters to the wall, I thought they would look better if they were on some sort of background.
Hubby cute some pine boards and glued them together for the background, and since the bedroom wall is dark blue, the little man thought that it would be fun to paint it white, like a cloud. We're still working on getting the boards to meet with the little guy's approval, so I'll show you the letters instead.
I bought some regular craft paint in graphite and metallic silver, and to start, I gave the letters a light coat of graphite. You could also use black paint, but I really like this shade, and I think it goes really well with the silver.
Then, I applied two thin coats of the silver paint over the graphite. I wanted the letters to look slightly worn, and the darker color underneath helps achieve this look.
I used the same foam brush for both colors, and since it was slightly dry the second time around, it helped allow the graphite to show and also gave the finish a rough texture, which looks like metal.
And, here's the finished faux metal letters. It's hard to tell in the picture, but the finish is shinier than it looks. Still, the little guy and I are happy with the results!
You can see the white board in the background. When I get it to look more like a cloud, I'll show you how it looks on my son's wall.
Making the faux metal letters cost less than $10 -- really! The chipboard letters were on sale, and I had a coupon for the entire purchase, which included the paint. Not bad at all, considering how much the real metal letters cost in most stores. Plus, this was so easy to do. And that's why I love DIY projects!
Thanks so much for stopping by.
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Sandy Carroll says
Love it,I've been trying to think of something to do in my grandsons room this is a great idea,I really think he would this
Christine | Where The Smiles Have Been says
What a great, inexpensive decor idea! I love it! And your step-by-step tutorial is so very helpful. I'm featuring you this week as one of my favorite picks at Merry Monday! We hope to see you again starting Sunday at 6p PST! 🙂
Amy Ellis says
They look just like the metal letters I've been seeing around. I want some too, lol. Great tutorial!!
Benita Roberts says
These are so awesome!!! I love metal letters but hate paying the high price! Wonderful substitute! Thanks so much!!
Lynn Riggs Driver says
Love these! Cheap, easy, and cute-- my favorite combination. 😉
Dee M says
I love the look of hammered spray paint, and I was going to use that, but it was too windy last week, and I was too impatient. 😉
Angela at Simply Beautiful By Angela says
These look great! I just made some faux metal letters this weekend using hammered spray paint but your method is much more cost friendly 🙂
Dee M says
I was going back and forth betwee those exact options, and I'm so glad I chose the metal. My son likes it too! 🙂
Dee M says
Thanks a bunch for the pin! I'm almost done with the project, and it's lookin good! 🙂
Jennifer Fancher says
I literally just bought letters today to do this to and am SO glad I found your tutorial! I've been waffling between color or faux metal and this tute has won me over! Awesome job and thanks for rockin' the inspiration!
The Cookie Puzzle says
These look amazing Dee! I can not wait to see the finished product. I am like you, I am little late to the the game with these, and like you, too cheap to pay for the real ones. I will have to make some of these soon, we would love for you to share at Party in Your PJs. Pinning now!
Dee M says
They are super expensive -- hard to believe! 🙂
Lori Leigh says
Thank you for sharing this DIY Dee. I really like the look. I have priced metal letters...wow they are expensive.
Lori
Dee M says
Thanks so much, Steph! I'm just happy he likes them. 😉
Steph @ Three Loud Kids! says
These turned out so super cute!