DIY Patriotic Nautical Sign

3 min read September 13, 2026 Dawn Wade
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Oh say can you ‘sea’ this simple DIY Sea to Shining Sea sign adding perfect patriotic flair to your nautical decor? I know I can!  With its red, aqua and blue coloring, this sign is perfect for decorating your nautical themed mantle or entryway table for the fourth of July holiday. To make your mantle the most star-spangled one in the neighborhood, just follow the easy instructions below. Be sure to download the Free DIY Patriotic Sign Template here!

Project Time
30 to 40 min
Difficulty
Beginner
Step
1

Using a flat bristled paint brush and acrylic paint, dry brush the top of the Stained Wood Slat Sign and allow time for the paint to dry. Don’t know how to dry brush?  No problem! It’s super easy – I promise! Add a small amount of paint onto a dry paint brush.  Use a paper plate or piece of scratch paper to dab off some of the paint so that the brush is relatively dry.  Now apply the paint that is still on the brush to your surface.  Repeat this process until the entire surface is covered with paint, although some of the surface should show through to create a weathered look.

DIY Patriotic Nautical Sign step 1
Step
2

Use a pencil and ruler to lightly sketch your message onto the stained wood slat sign. That way if you mess up, you can just erase your mistake and start again. Download the Free DIY Patriotic Sign Template here to get started. Rub the back of the template with a pencil and tape the templates onto the wood slat sign. Use a ballpoint pen to trace over the printed letters. Remove the templates to reveal your traced words.

DIY Patriotic Nautical Sign step 2
Step
3

Here is where your sign will really come to life.  Using a small round tip paintbrush and acrylic paint, trace over the smaller letters on your sign and allow time for the paint to dry.

DIY Patriotic Nautical Sign step 3
Step
4

Working in small sections, apply a line of hot glue and gently press 5mm Natural Rope into the glue. Make sure you work directly from the spool of rope so you don’t run out of rope half-way through the word you're making. Continue gluing the rope on until your words are complete.

DIY Patriotic Nautical Sign step 4
Step
5

To finish off your sign, hot glue Genuine Dyed Starfish onto the sign to give it some pops of color.

DIY Patriotic Nautical Sign step 5
Step
6

Pair your new sign with this glittered DIY Large Ceramic Pineapple and DIY Beaded Nautical Tassel. Complete the look with a large seashell for the perfect addition to your nautical décor.  Don't forget to download your Free Printable DIY Patriotic Nautical Sign Template here.

Want to see more patriotic or nautical crafts? Be sure to check out 18+ Star Spangled Patriotic Crafts that anyone can make.

DIY Patriotic Nautical Sign step 6

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