One simple trick to personalize any piece of wood so you can paint names and designs on signs and furniture inexpensively.
Here’s a truth from my little corner of the world: if your name or monogram isn’t stitched or painted somewhere, you aren’t really Southern — at least that’s what everyone around here says. Another truth: if something isn’t labeled, a younger sibling will happily claim it as theirs. Olivia is about to learn that lesson when Regan figures out the word “mine.”
As we finished up the #BlesserGirlyBathroom project, I planned to tuck a pair of step stools under the vanity so the girls could reach the sinks as they grow. Olivia suggested making name signs next to each sink — her original idea involved cardboard and hot glue glued to the countertop — so I thought a pair of personalized reclaimed wood step stools would be a much cuter, sturdier option.
This post is perfect for Trash to Treasure Transformation Tuesday — a simple, budget-friendly way to add charm and function to thrifted or mismatched pieces. Below are the supplies I used and the step-by-step process for creating personalized step stools using an easy tracing-and-paint method.
DIY Personalized Step Stools
Supplies Used:
(Some links in the original post were affiliate links.)
- Wooden step stools (I purchased an inexpensive pair online)
- Names printed on plain computer paper (I used the Sweet Pea font)
- Ballpoint pen
- Tape
- Acrylic craft paint in your chosen color
- Small artist brush
- Small chip brush for larger areas
- Clear spray sealer
- Optional: electric sander and coarse sanding pads
- Optional: stain and a dry rag for topping the wood
The Steps:
The stools I bought were sturdy but mismatched in color, so they needed some work — which made them an ideal canvas. Here’s how I transformed them.
1. First I sanded the tops down to bare wood, using a sander to remove the old stain so both stools would match.
2. I applied leftover stain to the tops — one coat of Minwax Weathered Oak followed by one coat of Minwax Special Walnut — to match the bathroom’s butcher block countertop.
3. For the stool bases, I painted a couple of coats of light pink acrylic paint to coordinate with the bathroom decor.
4. To add the names, I printed them on regular paper using a Word document and the Sweet Pea font. If you’re not confident with freehand lettering, this tracing technique makes the result look custom-made without requiring advanced painting skills.
5. I trimmed the paper to size and taped it in place on the wooden top.
6. With a ballpoint pen, I traced over each letter, pressing firmly so the pen left a shallow indentation in the wood. That indention serves as a guide for painting.
7. Following the indented guide, I painted the letters with white craft paint using a small artist brush, applying two coats for solid coverage.
8. Once the paint was fully dry, I sealed the tops with two coats of clear spray sealer to protect the finish and the lettering from wear and moisture.
I’ve used this tracing-and-painting method on signs before — it’s quick, inexpensive, and gives a polished, custom look without requiring special tools or advanced painting skills.
The girls now have sweet, personalized stools that should help avoid arguments over who gets which one — at least when it comes to step stools. Everything else in the house will likely be a different story.
The bathroom refresh is essentially finished — we’re just waiting on one small piece for the shower, and then I can share photos of the complete space. I’m definitely biased, but it’s adorable.
You can also see the other Trash to Treasure makeovers featured this month for more thrifty transformation ideas.
Clockwise from top left:
Artsy Chicks Rule | Confessions of a Serial DIYer | Girl in the Garage | Prodigal Pieces
