When painting a cardboard box, you can use different types of paints to get the job done. Oil paints are thicker than watercolors and can be a bit more expensive. But they offer bright colors and are also a lot easier to clean up after.
Acrylic paint is another great option. It is a water-based paint that will not soak into the cardboard. You can use a sponge or a brush. Be careful not to over apply the paint, though. Adding too much liquid can cause warping. The good news is that you can still make a colorful box with acrylic paint.
Before you start painting your box, you will need to make sure it is properly sealed. This will allow you to have a professional looking product. To do this, place newspaper on the bottom of the box to prevent it from becoming a muddy mess. Also, you may want to add a heavy object, like a book or a stack of plywood, to keep the box flat.
Another useful tool in the painting bag is a spray bottle. Spraying the area with primer and paint is a quick and easy way to get the job done. Use a nozzle that is wide enough to cover the area you are painting. For best results, hold the spray bottle 12 inches from the surface of your box.
If you have a bit more time on your hands, you can try using an actual paintbrush. These can be used for both oil and acrylic paints. However, you should not dip the brush in the paint, because it could soften the bristles. Make sure to rinse it thoroughly.
Using a foam make-up sponge is a good idea, too. They are great for getting a clean edge and can also be used for stenciling. One a more serious note, you can try making your own gesso. Gesso is a mixture of pigments that will cancel out the color of the cardboard. Typically, you will need two coats to achieve this effect.
It’s not a secret that cardboard can warp when exposed to moisture. Hence, a thin coat is best. Depending on the thickness of your cardboard, you will need to let it dry for a few hours before you begin painting.
A good primer will also help you create a more durable product. Primer is a chalky white substance that will prevent the paint from sticking to the cardboard. Alternatively, you can use latex. There are also tinted gessos available, which will help you to create a colorful design.
Lastly, you should use the appropriate brushes. The best brushes for painting cardboard are a dry brush. Besides, a dry brush won’t saturate the surface with paint, which is the key to a successful painting job.
For a cardboard wall art, you can apply a layer of varnish, which will seal the paint and make it last longer. The process is fairly simple, and you should be able to find varnish in just about any hardware store.