Scavenger Chic

Pallet Wood and Shutter Slat American Flag

• By Joan
• April 30, 2018
• 8 Comments

Pallet Wood and Shutter Slats American Flag

I had a pleasant surprise a couple weeks ago, a representative from Stencil Revolution asked if I would like to try any of their stencils.  After looking at their pages and pages of stencils I jumped at the chance and eventually chose this star stencil (and two others you’ll see soon).  Since I’ve made everything else out of pallets, this was my big chance to make a pallet wood flag without actually having to paint 50 stars.

You may remember that on my past flag projects, and there have been a few, I’ve only included a star or two. Never 50. The shutter room divider,  the flag pillow, the planter, none of them had 50 stars. 

So out to my pallet pile to lay out my flag.

Now for the big questions…Do I cut my pallet wood in strips, do I just paint the stripes without cutting, do I paint less than 13 stripes…such a dilemma.

So I’m trying to figure out how wide the stripes should be  (1.7 inches) and if I cut a wide pallet wood plank, can I get three stripes from it.

Meanwhile, I’m using some old shutter slats to stand in for the stripes and what do ya know…they are the perfect width.

So now, pallet wood is out and shutter slats are in.  These are the slats from only one shutter. One wibbly, wobbly falling apart shutter.

It really didn’t take much effort to pull the slats out of this shutter.

The slats did need to be sanded down.  The paint on shutters tends to pool in the corners and that needed to be sanded.

Considering the age of the shutters there is a chance this is a lead based paint.  Make sure you take the slats outside to sand and wear a dust mask.

Start painting your slats.  I like the rustic look, so I’m using just one coat of white and red paint on the slats.

Cut a scrap piece of wood for your star background.  This is a sheet of 1/4 inch plywood, stained from a previous project.

Paint a blue background and let dry.

Now is the time to use that perfect 50 star stencil.  Use a stencil brush and make sure you blot off the excess paint.  Dab away.

Stencil Revolution actually carries 7 different sizes of the 50 star stencil.  This is the 18×12 inch size which makes a 39×22 1/2″ flag (mine).  They claim that it makes a 42×22″ flag, I didn’t want mine quite that wide.

My stars have never looked so good.

If you’re going for the rustic look, sand the edges and some of the paint from your stars.

Cut a backer board, not quite as wide or as long as the flag you’re making.  You don’t want any plywood sticking out the sides of your flag.

Use construction adhesive to attach.

So here I was letting my glue dry, sitting on the pallet wood I had pulled out for my original flag, and I find that I kinda like the little pallet border.  Can you tell I’m making this up as I go?

This is a view of the back with my newly added pallet wood frame.  I finished off my tube of construction adhesive to attach and then got out my nail gun with 1 inch finish nails for additional security from the front.

On the front I added a little vintage wax to my field of stars to age it even further.

If you see any of the backer board poking out, touch that up with vintage wax or stain as well.

Pallet Wood and Shutter slat American Flag, upcycled shutter

Time to bust up a shutter. Have a great week and stay inspired.

Not sure yet?  You may also want to try one of these all American projects.

Flag, Shutter Room divider

Pallet Wood Centerpiece

Pallet Wood Stars and Stripes

Shared at Talk of the Town,

DIY Salvaged Junk Projects, Wow us Wednesday,

Related posts:

Maryland Flag DIY Table Double Shutter DIY Wardrobe DIY Black Arch Headboard, pt 2 Plaster Lath Rustic American Flag