Rental-Ready: DIY Typography Wall Decor

Materials You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all the necessary supplies to ensure a smooth and efficient crafting experience. Here’s a comprehensive list of the materials you’ll need for this exciting DIY project:

1. Fabric: Choose one to two yards of your favorite fabric. The amount of fabric required will depend on the size and number of letters in your chosen phrase. Consider a fabric that complements your existing decor and adds a pop of color or texture to your wall.
2. Fabric Scissors: A sharp pair of fabric scissors is essential for precise and clean cuts. Using the right scissors will make cutting the letters easier and prevent fraying.
3. Fabric Fray Block: This handy product helps prevent the fabric edges from fraying, ensuring a polished and professional look for your typography art.
4. Paint Brush: A medium-sized paint brush will be used to apply the cornstarch mixture to the back of the fabric letters. Choose a brush with soft bristles for even and smooth application.
5. Pencil: A pencil is needed for tracing the letters onto the fabric. Make sure to use a pencil with a sharp point for accurate tracing.
6. Corn Starch: Corn starch is the key ingredient in the natural adhesive that will hold the fabric letters to the wall without causing damage.
7. Water: Water is combined with corn starch to create the paste that will temporarily adhere the fabric letters to the wall.
8. Medium-Sized Pot: A pot is needed to boil the water for the corn starch paste. Ensure the pot is clean and suitable for cooking.
9. Level: A level is crucial for ensuring that your typography art is straight and aligned on the wall.
10. Painter’s Tape: Painter’s tape will be used to create a straight guideline on the wall, making it easier to position the letters accurately.

Brittni Mehlhoff

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Typography Wall Art

Step 1: Font Selection and Preparation

Begin by selecting a font that resonates with your style and complements your space. Once you’ve chosen the perfect font, have it printed to the desired size for your final piece. Local print shops or copy centers can typically handle this task affordably. If printing to the exact size isn’t feasible, you can always draw the letters by hand. While this requires more effort, it allows for complete customization. If opting for the hand-drawn approach, pay close attention to measurements and angles to ensure accuracy and consistency. There are many free resources online that offer font templates that can make this step easier.

Step 2: Fabric Preparation

Lay your chosen fabric flat on a clean surface. Use an iron to smooth out any wrinkles or creases, ensuring a pristine canvas for your typography creation. Wrinkles can distort the letter shapes and make the final result look less polished, so taking the time to iron the fabric is an essential step.

Step 3: Cutting Out the Letters

Carefully cut out the printed or hand-drawn letters. Once cut, flip the fabric over so that the wrong side is facing up. This will be the surface where you trace the letters, concealing any pencil marks on the finished product.

Step 4: Tracing and Cutting (Again!)

Since you’re working on the backside of the fabric, remember to flip your cut-out letters to mirror their original orientation. Trace each letter onto the fabric using a pencil, and then carefully cut them out with your fabric scissors. Precision is key in this step to achieve clean and professional-looking letters.

Step 5: Preventing Fraying

To prevent the edges of the fabric letters from fraying, apply a small amount of fabric fray block to the outer edges. Use the fray block sparingly to avoid any discoloration or stiffness. Follow the product instructions carefully to ensure optimal results.

Step 6: Preparing the Natural Adhesive

Now it’s time to prepare the “glue” that will adhere the fabric letters to the wall without causing damage. A simple cornstarch and water mixture is the perfect solution. This natural adhesive is strong enough to hold the letters in place but gentle enough to be easily removed without leaving any residue or damaging the paint. The best part? It’s cost effective and uses items you likely already have in your home.

Use this recipe: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in your medium sized pot. In a separate bowl, mix 1/4 cup of corn starch with 1/2 cup of cold water until there are no lumps. Once the 4 cups of water are boiling, add the cornstarch mixture to the boiling water and stir continuously until the mixture thickens into a paste. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using.

Step 7: Establishing a Guideline

Using a level and painter’s tape, create a straight line on the wall to serve as a guide for positioning your letters. This will ensure that your typography art is aligned and visually appealing. The painter’s tape will also ensure you don’t mark up your walls.

Step 8: Applying the Adhesive

Apply the cornstarch mixture generously to the back of your first fabric letter using a paintbrush. Ensure that the entire surface is coated evenly for optimal adhesion.

Step 9: Positioning and Securing the Letters

Carefully position your first letter on the wall, using the tape line as your guide. Press down firmly, smoothing out any bubbles or air pockets. Apply a top coat of the cornstarch mixture to further secure the letter and ensure a strong bond.

Step 10: Completing the Design

Repeat the process for the remaining letters until your word or phrase is complete. Pay close attention to spacing and alignment to achieve a visually balanced and harmonious design.

Step 11: Final Touches

Once all the letters are in place and the cornstarch mixture is dry, carefully remove the painter’s tape. Step back and admire your stunning new typography wall art!