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    projects

    Easy DIY Faux Metal Letters

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see disclosure for more information. Published: Apr 24, 2015 · Modified: Mar 26, 2021 by Dee

    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.

    how to create a faux metal finish with paint


    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.

    chipboard letters on a wood background


    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.

    paint graphite on chipboard letter


    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.

    paint metallic silver over graphite


    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. 

    soar word art for airplane room


    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.

    Sharing at

    Met Monday , Tweak It Tuesday, Inspire Me Tuesday, The Scoop , Wow Us Wednesdays, Share Your Style, Thrifty Thursday, I Heart Naptime, Monday Funday, Before and After















































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    Reader Interactions

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    1. Sandy Carroll says

      September 14, 2015 at 2:29 pm

      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

      Reply
    2. Christine | Where The Smiles Have Been says

      May 09, 2015 at 6:54 pm

      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! 🙂

      Reply
    3. Amy Ellis says

      May 03, 2015 at 10:33 pm

      They look just like the metal letters I've been seeing around. I want some too, lol. Great tutorial!!

      Reply
    4. Benita Roberts says

      May 03, 2015 at 10:33 pm

      These are so awesome!!! I love metal letters but hate paying the high price! Wonderful substitute! Thanks so much!!

      Reply
    5. Lynn Riggs Driver says

      May 02, 2015 at 7:16 am

      Love these! Cheap, easy, and cute-- my favorite combination. 😉

      Reply
    6. Dee M says

      April 29, 2015 at 8:07 pm

      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. 😉

      Reply
    7. Angela at Simply Beautiful By Angela says

      April 29, 2015 at 8:05 pm

      These look great! I just made some faux metal letters this weekend using hammered spray paint but your method is much more cost friendly 🙂

      Reply
    8. Dee M says

      April 29, 2015 at 1:50 am

      I was going back and forth betwee those exact options, and I'm so glad I chose the metal. My son likes it too! 🙂

      Reply
    9. Dee M says

      April 29, 2015 at 1:47 am

      Thanks a bunch for the pin! I'm almost done with the project, and it's lookin good! 🙂

      Reply
    10. Jennifer Fancher says

      April 29, 2015 at 1:45 am

      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!

      Reply
    11. The Cookie Puzzle says

      April 25, 2015 at 7:32 pm

      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!

      Reply
    12. Dee M says

      April 24, 2015 at 11:47 pm

      They are super expensive -- hard to believe! 🙂

      Reply
    13. Lori Leigh says

      April 24, 2015 at 11:46 pm

      Thank you for sharing this DIY Dee. I really like the look. I have priced metal letters...wow they are expensive.
      Lori

      Reply
    14. Dee M says

      April 24, 2015 at 2:58 pm

      Thanks so much, Steph! I'm just happy he likes them. 😉

      Reply
    15. Steph @ Three Loud Kids! says

      April 24, 2015 at 2:57 pm

      These turned out so super cute!

      Reply

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    I’m the blogger, chief cook, recipe developer and photographer behind Meatloaf and Melodrama. I absolutely love to create easy, budget-friendly, homemade meals and treats for my family. I also love to think of new ways to repurpose leftovers so that my family will actually eat them!

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