How to make sandwich board signs for your business – great for parties, pop-ups, any events. And ten other versions to make!
Have you ever needed or wanted to make sandwich board signs? I hope you nodded yes because sandwich board signs are mega helpful! And super fun to decorate!
Okay, let’s roll through some ideas of why you might need one…
Say you have a lot of yards sales and are tired of drawing on a flimsy poster board that will just blow away and pollute your neighborhood.
Maybe you are like me and have a store and want to lure in new shoppers who are driving by!
Perhaps you are hosting a party and want to let your guests know where to park.
Maybe you’d like a lowkey one for your garden or patio.
No matter what your reason, Patrick and I recently made some sandwich board signs and I learned a lot about the process – what to do and what not to do.
SUPPLIES to make your sandwich board signs:
We used wood on one set and MDF on the other. I suggest going with MDF, it seemed to be more weatherproof (make sure to seal!) and smoother to paint.
Decide how thick you want your board. The thicker it is, the heavier it is to haul in and out. If you live in a windy area, I’d go for a thicker version. We have crazy monsoons and ours held up nicely!
As for size, we used 2-1/2’x2′ for one – 2 pieces. For the other two sets, we used 3’x1-1.2.’
How to assemble
Next, you’re going to need hardware. Hinges, chain, screws, and a handle. And a screwdriver. Definitely, buy a handle because the board can close on your fingers when you move it around. and if you are using a thicker board, it’ll hurt.
Decide if you want to attach the hardware before you paint or after. We did it both ways – I think it was an equal amount of awkwardness (I’m a leftie).
To attach the hardware, line up both tops, drill holes for the screws to go into the hinges. Use screws to add the chain on the inside of the board.
I base coated the signs white and then used acrylic paints to paint the borders. If I ever make these again, I’m going to screw on a sheet of Plexiglas on top so I can use a dry erase marker. You could also base coat with chalk paint.
Don’t forget to add varnish!
I painted the other side as well. This is the set where we attached all the hardware. We painted a set for a client, they have a cute mobile coffee cart. But they liked our signs so much they decided not to connect the panels so they could set them out on display!
And here is the one I made for a store I used to co-own.
And there you go – some very handsome looking sandwich board signs!
You can adapt this idea to fit what you need. And heck, if you are in a bind, just buy one that is ready to go!
I like this one because you can print off a cool poster design and just slide it in.
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More DIY-friendly ideas for making your own sandwich board sign to promote your business:
Painted wood board with chalkboard paint
Use two wood panels joined by hinges and paint them with chalkboard paint so you can change the message daily with vibrant chalk markers. Add your logo to the top with permanent paint.
Magnetic board with interchangeable letters
Paint a metal sheet and frame it in wood, then use magnetic letters or printed magnets to swap out promotions, quotes, or event times easily.
Cork board sandwich sign
Cover the surface with cork and use pushpins to attach flyers, small product samples, or handwritten notes. Great for event-style pop-ups.
Pegboard letter board
Drill holes in your board or use pre-made pegboard panels, then insert colorful pegs or letters to spell out your message. Very eye-catching and fun to rearrange.
Acrylic sheet with dry-erase markers
Use two clear acrylic panels with painted frames. You can write on them with dry-erase markers for a sleek, modern look. Bonus: you can light them up from behind for nighttime events.
Upcycled cabinet doors or windows
Repurpose old cabinet doors or window panes into a vintage-inspired sign. Paint the inside of the glass or attach vinyl decals and set it up on hinges for a rustic look.
Canvas fabric banner board
Stretch painted canvas across a wood frame sandwich board and stencil or hand-paint your business name and promos. Lightweight and easy to transport.
3D layered wood or foam letters
Cut out dimensional letters from foam board, wood, or cardboard and glue them onto your sandwich board base for a bold, tactile effect.
Velcro-friendly board with swappable signs
Cover the board with a loop fabric and make felt or vinyl panels with Velcro on the back, allowing you to change out messages in seconds.
Interactive QR-code board
Design a board with hand-lettered messaging and a large, scannable QR code that links to your shop, menu, special offer, or event RSVP. Paint the area around the code to draw attention.
One thing I’m confused about are the 3 holes/screws on each side lined up on the top. What is on the underside of those? I’d think that’s for the hinges, but the hinges pictured are not lined up like that.