How To Enhance Your Awning With Lettering Or Graphics
Posted on: 20 January 2016
A decorative awning not only provides welcome shade for your patio or decking, but it can also be used to enhance and complement your outdoor décor scheme. You can make your awning truly individual by adding lettering or even your own graphics. Read on to find out more.
What you'll need
- fabric chalk (available from dressmaking or haberdashery shops)
- clear shellac paint primer
- acrylic latex paint
- paint brushes
- hairdryer
The paint, primer and brushes can all be obtained from good DIY stores. Before you begin this project, it's recommended that you practice first on a piece of scrap fabric.
How to add lettering or your own graphics to your awning
- Begin by laying your awning out on a flat surface. In order for the technique to work properly, the fabric must be flat, so make sure that any wrinkles are smoothed out before you start.
- Use a piece of dressmaker's chalk to draw your design or lettering onto the awning fabric.
- Beginning at the outside edge of your design, paint the outline using shellac primer.
- Now you can fill in the inside of the design or lettering with primer. Be sure to use firm downward pressure when applying the primer. This helps to ensure that the product penetrates the awning fabric fibres through the waterproofing that has been applied.
- Allow the primer to dry. A coat of primer underneath the paint will prevent the colour from bleeding through into the awning's fabric.
- Now paint around the outside line of your design or lettering. Keep your brush strokes short and work from left to right, so that you achieve a crisp line.
- Next, fill in the inside of the design with paint.
- Allow the paint to dry completely. If necessary, you can use a hairdryer on a low heat setting to speed up the drying process.
- Depending on the colour scheme you have chosen for the lettering or design and the colour of the awning fabric, you may need to use several coats of paint to achieve the effect you want. Repeat steps #6 and #7 as necessary.
- Allow the paint and primer to dry for at least 48 hours before exposing the awning to sun and rain.
In conclusion
You can add a unique finish to your patio or decking by embellishing your awning with lettering or your own bespoke design. Just follow the guidelines above, and let your creative streak run riot!
For more customised options, talk with professional awning or window furnishing companies, such as Queensland Blinds and Awnings.
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