FAQ

What are DesignGrounds™?

Adding another layer of depth and dimension to your signs has never been so easy or beautiful. DesignGrounds™ is Gunter Creative's original idea to save time and add interest to signs. Skip the hassle of cutting and glueing pieces to your backing boards. Each board is made from High Density Fiberboard or HDF. HDF is superior to MDF because the fibers are much closer together. This makes it easy to paint (no more sanding sealer!) and more durable.

DesignGrounds™ feature patterns made with the CNC Router. Many of the patterns are cut with a round-over bit. This look cannot be achieved with a laser cut. It makes the board seem as if it's made from multiple pieces or tiles. It saves makers time because they do not have to cut and glue separate pieces or use a hand-held sanding tool to soften the edges. DesignGrounds™ also allow makers with small lasers the ability to make larger signs with no cutting of the backing board necessary. 

DesignGrounds™ will be available in many patterns and shapes as we continue to build our catalogue. Please let us know if you have a special request that we can add to our line-up of choices. jenny@guntercreative.com

What is your shipping policy?

Orders will ship within 5 days business days. Our shipping times will evolve over time. We appreciate your patients as we build our inventory.

Are DesignGrounds™ boards okay to use outdoors?

We recommend that all signs displayed outdoors should be sealed with a water-based outdoor polyurethane or marine grade varnish. HDF is more durable than MDF but it still should be sealed for the best long-term results. We have tested one of our painted boards. We did not seal it. The board and paint looks great after several weeks in direct cold, warm, humidity, rain and shine. It's January in Houston, Texas so it's been through it all. The only part that has failed is the glue we used to attach the laser cut pieces. 

Do you have tips for painting your boards?

Yes! Check out our YouTube channel for tips on painting, glueing and finishing your sign. Let us know if you have any questions. Likely there are other customers that have the same question and we can make a new video to help everyone. We have found that matte acrylic with a foam brush is the easiest way to paint. Spray paint works on the surface but does not cover the grooves. So, you'll need to paint the grooves first, sand off any paint on the surface, then spray the surface. You can also order Oramask applied and skip the sanding step. Glossy paint is always more difficult no matter the substrate because it shows every little imperfection but it is definitely an option with multiple layers and a little more sanding.

What is Oramask?

Oramask (ORACAL Oramask 813 Stencil Film) is a masking film that we can put on top of the HDF before routing. Oramask was developed for use in paint and stain stencil applications, especially for paint and spray techniques on smooth, flat, rigid substrates and surfaces. It cuts cleanly and can help you paint the routed details before painting the flat surface of your DesignGround™. It's easily removed when you are ready. It can also help you with painting different areas of your board while keeping masked areas clean.

How do we contact you?

We'd love to hear from you! Please email us at jenny@guntercreative.com or jd@guntercreative.com. You can also find us on instagram @guntercreativewoodworks or our Facebook page Gunter Creative Woodworks.

You can also visit GunterCreative.com to see all the other creative work that we do; from graphic design to laser crafts, laser files, leather crafts, furniture and signage.

Do you have a mailing list?

We are glad you asked! Please join our mailing list below. We will never send more than one email a week unless there's a really good reason. In the near future we plan to send our subscribers many interesting tips & tricks, featured artists and even the occasional free file. We'd love to have you join us.

Do you have any preferred vendors for supplies that you don't sell?

Yes? Please check this page for vendors we recommend and have used many times.