How To Decorate A Box With Paint

Download Article

Wooden boxes are perfect for storing trinkets, jewelry, or any other small-scale item yous desire to keep safe, just many that you notice in craft stores are unfinished. If you lot want to personalize a wooden box, in that location are many methods y'all can try to arrive fit your style. If you desire a uncomplicated solution, effort painting the box a different color to arrive stand up out and hide the natural wood grain. You may besides endeavour using decoupage, or attaching newspaper or fabric, to add unlike images to the box to brand a hitting design. If yous want something more complex, cleave designs into the wood before staining it to help enhance the natural woods grain.

1
Remove the hinges and clasp if you don't desire to paint them. Use a screwdriver that'southward small enough to fit in the screws belongings the metal pieces in place. Turn the screws counterclockwise until they're loose and pull them out of the box. Ready the screws in a small dish and then you don't misplace or lose them while yous're working.^[1]
- You do not have to remove the hinges and clasp from the box if you want to pigment them the same colour equally the wood.
- If your box doesn't accept any hinges or clasps, you may skip this pace.
two
Shine the surface of the box with 180–220-dust sandpaper. Fold a slice of 180- or 220-grit sandpaper in half so it's easier to hold and rub it over the surfaces of the box. Employ small circular motions beyond the flat surfaces and apply firm pressure level to shine out any raised areas so the paint can adhere to the woods easier. Blow any sawdust off the wood's surface as you work then you see the areas that y'all already smoothed out.^[two]
- Be conscientious as you work around the corners or edges since y'all could make them rounded and affect how well the box closes.
- Avert using lower grit sandpaper since yous could leave scratches or marks on the surface that go more noticeable later on yous paint the box.
Advertisement
3
Choose and mix the paint color you desire to utilise for your box. Opt for an acrylic paint if you want the box to take a semi-glossy appearance. If y'all'd rather take a matte finish, select a farmhouse pigment, which is a blazon of chalk paint. Open the paint and stir information technology thoroughly to ensure the color spreads through it evenly.^[3]
- You can buy farmhouse or acrylic paints from your local craft store.
- Avert using oil paints since they take a long time to dry.
4
Apply a thin glaze of paint to the exterior of the box and let it dry for 15–20 minutes. Put a thin layer of pigment on the finish of a natural-bristle or foam paintbrush and spread it evenly over the wood. Piece of work on the outside surfaces of the box first, using long, straight strokes and then the brush lines aren't as visible while y'all're working. After painting the exterior of the box, let it dry for xv–twenty minutes.^[4]
- You exercise not accept to utilise a primer on the box earlier y'all start painting it.
5
Pigment 1–2 more coats on the box if you lot want a more solid color. Paint the side by side coat of paint in the opposite management as the first one to aid hide the brush strokes more. Make certain each layer has the aforementioned thickness and then it dries evenly. Let each glaze of pigment to dry for at to the lowest degree 15–20 minutes before yous utilize the adjacent one.^[5]
- For example, if y'all painted horizontally across the box for the commencement glaze, then pigment them vertically on the 2d coat.
- Additional layers of paint will make the color stand out more and ensure the wood grain doesn't show through to the final piece.
6
Brush paint on the inside of the box if you don't desire to leave it unfinished. If you took off the hinges and clasp, set the chapeau upside-down while y'all're working. Otherwise, exit the box open up on the hinges. Paint around each of the edges and the interior of the box with a thin layer of acrylic or farmhouse pigment. Allow the coat to dry for at least 15–xx minutes before applying the adjacent coat. Use ii–3 coats total on the inside of the box.^[6]
- Y'all do not need to paint the inside of the box if you don't desire to.
- Try using a different colour of pigment if yous want the inside of the box to add an accent. For example, you may paint the outside of the box white and the interior a metallic gold color.
7
Apply a paint mark if you want to draw intricate designs. Milk shake the paint marker thoroughly and so the paint evenly spreads within. Remove the cap from the marker and draw any designs you want. You may try writing names, making messages, or adding detailed line piece of work as decoration. Brand sure to put the cap back on the mark when you lot're finished using it so it doesn't dry out.^[vii]
- You lot tin buy pigment markers from your local craft store.
- Experiment using the paint markers on a scrap piece of wood or paper before using them on your box to ensure they're the color you lot want.
Tip: Trace around stencils if yous desire to add decorative elements to your design. For instance, use a hole punch to make a polka-dot blueprint on a piece of paper or cardstock, and colour in spots with your marker.
eight
Distress the edges of the box with sandpaper if you want a rustic look. Use a piece of 180- or 220-grit sandpaper and employ light pressure around the sharp edges of the box to lift up the paint. Printing slightly harder if y'all desire to remove more paint and expose some of the natural wood underneath information technology. Try to focus effectually areas that would naturally distress over time, such as around the hinges or clasp.^[eight]
- You lot exercise not have to distress the forest if yous desire your painted box to take a make clean, finished look.
ix
Apply two coats of varnish to protect the painted surface. Stir the varnish slowly then it doesn't develop any bubbles earlier using it. Dip the ends of a natural bristle paintbrush in the varnish and pull it in long, direct lines across the surfaces of the box. Drag the tip of the brush over the areas you lot've gone over to help smooth it out. Allow the varnish to dry out for well-nigh 4 hours until it'southward no longer tacky. Then use a second coat.^[ix]
- If in that location are bumps or uneven surfaces, lightly sand the varnish smooth with 220-grit sandpaper.
- Y'all tin choose glossy or matte varnish depending on how much y'all want the box to smoothen.
- Varnish can create harmful fumes, so exist certain to work in a well-ventilated surface area to avoid any irritation.
Advertisement

i
Paint a layer of acrylic paint on the box if you don't want visible forest grain. You can use any color of acrylic paint you want as the undercoat for your box. Dip a natural-bristle or foam brush in the paint and commencement painting the exterior of the box in long, direct strokes. Allow the outside of the box to dry for 15–twenty minutes before painting the within of the box.^[x]
- You can choose to exit the box unpainted if you desire.
- You do not demand to prime number the box before y'all paint it.
- Avoid applying thick layers of paint since they will dry out unevenly and may affect the color of the box.
2
Sand the pigment smooth with a piece of 180-grit sandpaper. Only apply light pressure as you lot go over the surface of the box with the sandpaper to get rid of whatever raised areas of paint. Be careful non to press too hard, or else you may expose the wood underneath the paint. Work in small-scale circular motions so yous don't leave any noticeable scratch marks on the surface. Ofttimes blow the grit off of the box then you can see where you've already worked.^[11]
- Avoid using sandpaper with a lower grit since it will leave scratches in the pigment that could affect how the decoupage adheres to the surface.
3
Print the prototype you want to attach to the box. Resize the image in editing software so information technology's the same size as the final design y'all want to adhere on to the box. Preview the image before printing it out to ensure it doesn't go cut off around the edges. Turn the epitome settings to the highest quality earlier clicking the Print push button.^[12]
- If you don't accept access to a printer, try going to a library or local print store to print the image for y'all.
Variation: Yous can also utilize pieces of thin textile, pattern newspaper, or decorative napkins for your decoupage if you don't want to print off an epitome.
4
Apply a layer of decoupage glue on the box where you desire your paradigm. Dip a foam brush into the decoupage gum and wipe off any excess that'southward dripping off. Paint a thin layer of the gum on the surface of the box where y'all want to attach the epitome. Brand certain the glue doesn't have any bubbling or raised areas that may touch how the image lays on the box.^[13]
- You can buy decoupage mucilage from your local craft store or online.
- Decoupage gum volition start to dry within an hour, so be certain to work quickly every bit soon as you apply it.
5
Lay the printed image flat on the box. Carefully set the paradigm down on the wood and press it down firmly. Push out any bubbles or wrinkles from the center toward the edges of the epitome with your fingers to smooth it out. Use gentle pressure so you don't rip the paper, or else y'all'll have to commencement over.^[14]
- Make sure the epitome y'all're using doesn't have any wrinkles or creases, or else it may not lie properly on the wood.
6
Brush the decoupage mucilage over the image and let it dry for 1 day. Dip your castor in the decoupage glue once again and wipe off any excess. Work from the center of the image toward the edges so you utilize a thin layer beyond the entire surface. Use gentle pressure level and so you don't harm the image or rip the paper. Let the decoupage glue ready completely for 24 hours.^[15]
- Decoupage glue dries clear and then you'll still be able to see the image when you're finished.
- Carefully wipe off any excess decoupage gum with a paper towel if at that place are still large drops left on the box.
7
Rub away any edges effectually the image with a damp sponge. Moisture a sponge in warm water and wring it out completely so it doesn't drip. Gently rub effectually any exposed edges of the paper that aren't part of the design. Wipe abroad any balled-up paper that forms around the edges so simply the parts of your pattern are left attached to the box.^[16]
- Yous can also effort using 220-grit sandpaper, but you may as well scratch off some of the paint from the box.
8
Spread a layer of acrylic varnish on the box to seal it. Become a glossy or matte finish varnish and mix it slowly with a stir stick. Dip the tip of a natural-bristle brush into the varnish and wipe off any excess drops. Pull the castor gently over the wood in long direct strokes to apply a thin layer of the varnish. Permit the varnish to dry for at to the lowest degree 4 hours and so it has fourth dimension to set.^[17]
- Piece of work in a well-ventilated expanse while working with varnish since information technology may create harmful fumes that cause irritation.
Advertisement

1
Print out the design you want to add onto the box. Resize the pattern on your computer with editing software so it'south as large every bit you want the last image to appear on the box. Employ the Print Preview function to make certain the design doesn't get cut off when you print it. Prepare it to the highest quality epitome before press it out for your design.^[18]
- You may besides depict your design past hand if you don't desire to impress one out.
- If you don't have access to a printer, check for local print shops or libraries to run into if you can impress your pattern there.
2
Place a piece of carbon newspaper between the printed design and the box. Set the layer of carbon paper on your box where you want to engrave your design. Brand sure the darker side of the carbon newspaper touches the wood, or else the image won't transfer correctly. Put your design face-upwards on elevation of the carbon paper and tape it to the box so it doesn't move or shift around while you lot're working.^[19]
- Carbon paper has a dark layer of carbon on i side, and so when you write or depict something on the lite side, the prototype will transfer onto the surface underneath it.
- You can purchase carbon newspaper from your local hardware store or online.
3
Trace around the outline of your design with a pencil. Use firm pressure with a pencil effectually the outline of your design. Make sure you lot go around the entire outline, or the pattern won't transfer onto the box. Lift upward a corner of the paper while you lot're working to check if you lot're able to run across the lines on the woods. If non, tape the paper back downwardly and press harder with your pencil.^[xx]
- Y'all may also use a pen or any other sharp writing instrument.
- Exist careful not to rip through the paper since you could damage the wood.
Warning: Be conscientious not to rub the paper with your hand while you're tracing your pattern since you may crusade more than carbon to transfer, making it hard to meet the traced lines.
iv
Carve around the outlines with a Dremel rotary tool. Use the cone-shaped zipper in the Dremel tool so yous take the nearly control while you're working. Hold the tool similar a pencil before turning it on so it comes up to full speed. Press the tip into the wood and follow forth with your outline. Lift the tool up frequently and accident away whatsoever sawdust then you lot can see where you're working. Keep working around the outline until you've carved out the unabridged outline.^[21]
- Dremel rotary tools have small spinning heads that make them easy to work with for carving designs into woods. You lot can buy them from your local hardware store.
- Y'all may also hold the tool sideways so the wider terminate presses against the wood if you want to make larger recessed areas in the forest.
- You can cleave into the forest as deep as y'all want, but be careful not to punch through to the inside of the box.
- Never bear upon the rotating head while the Dremel tool is on since yous could seriously injure yourself.
5
Sand any rough edges with 180-grit sandpaper. Go around your pattern and employ light pressure with the sandpaper to remove any raised or rough areas. Work in short back and forth motions so yous don't ruin the carved design. Accident away the sawdust while you're working and so you can clearly come across which areas you've already sanded.^[22]
- If at that place are still rough edges, try using 220-grit sandpaper to shine information technology out more.
6
Rub woods stain onto the box with a rag or store cloth. Choose the color stain y'all want for your box, and dip the end of a rag or shop material in it. Rub the stain onto the forest following the direction of the grain then it absorbs the best. Go on applying the stain until you coat the entire surface of the woods so it has a uniform color. Allow the stain to dry for about 4 hours.^[23]
- The stain will commonly look darker in engraved areas, which will assist your pattern await more prominent.
seven
Seal the box with polyurethane forest terminate to seal the stain. Mix the wood cease with a stir stick slowly then it doesn't course any bubbles. Dip the finish of a natural-bristle brush into the cease and wipe off any excess. Use long, straight strokes across the surface of the wood, making sure to apply a thin and even layer. Shine out the cease with the tips of the bristles before letting it dry for 4 hours.^[24]
- Y'all can apply a 2nd layer of forest cease if y'all want additional protection.
- Wood finish creates harmful fumes, so piece of work in a well-ventilated surface area while using it.
Ad

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email accost to go a bulletin when this question is answered.

Submit

VideoRead Video Transcript

Try hot-gluing sequins or beads to the box if yous want to add a sparkling, raised design to your box.^[25]

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Advertizing

Protect surfaces while you're working so you don't accidentally become them muddied.
Be sure you work in a well-ventilated expanse when yous employ varnish since information technology can create harmful fumes that may cause irritation.^[26]

Advertizement

Things You'll Need

Screwdriver
180–220-dust sandpaper
Acrylic or farmhouse paint
Natural bristle or foam paintbrush
Pigment markers
Wood varnish

Acrylic paint
Natural bristle or foam paintbrush
180-grit sandpaper
Printer
Decoupage gum
Sponge
Acrylic varnish

Printer
Carbon paper
Tape
Pencil
Dremel rotary tool
180-grit sandpaper
Forest stain
Rag or shop textile
Polyurethane forest finish

About This Commodity

Article Summary X

At that place are lots of different ways you can decorate an unfinished wooden box. One matter you can effort is painting the box. Just sand the box a bit so the paint sticks, and then employ a few coats of acrylic paint. Use a paint mark to describe intricate designs on acme of the paint if you'd like. Another option is to decoupage your wooden box. Print the image you lot desire to attach to the box, and then apply a layer of decoupage glue where you want the epitome to go. Press the image into the glue, brush some other layer of glue over it, and permit it dry out for ane day. You tin add together as many images as you lot'd like. To acquire how to engrave an unfinished wooden box, scroll down!

Did this summary help you?

Thank you to all authors for creating a folio that has been read 25,006 times.