Since it is so cheap, cardboard is a great material to paint on.If you want to paint the entire cardboard piece or create cardboard art, you need to prime the surface to get the best colour.To keep the cardboard from wrinkling, apply multiple thin coats and dry them as well as possible.You will have a piece of painted cardboard in no time.
Step 1: The cardboard should beprimed for bright colors.
Before painting your cardboard, use a flat brush to paint a thin layer of gesso onto the cardboard in long, vertical strokes.Gesso gives the paint something to bind to, and enhances the colors of your painting, because cardboard absorbs paint and dulls it.If you want to change the colour of the gesso, mix a few drops of paint into it.
Step 2: Apply a second coat after the first one has dried for 24 hours.
To create a smooth base to paint on, paint in the opposite direction to your first coat.The gesso should be left to dry for another 24 hours.Wait another 24 hours and apply a third coat if you can still see the cardboard.
Step 3: If the cardboards are too rough, you should sand the surface.
If you think the rough surface will distract from your painting, smooth it out with a light sand.To sand, use smooth back and forth strokes.You risk damaging the surface of the cardboard if you push down too hard.
Step 4: The cardboard should be painted with a dry brush or sponge.
Exposure to moist air causes cardboard to warp or Curl.You should not dip the brush or sponge into the water before you start painting.Use a dry brush.bend the bristles back and forth if the brush feels stiff.Water-based watercolors do not work well on cardboard.Choose either oil or acrylic paints.
Step 5: If you want to stop the cardboard from curling, apply the paint directly to the brush or sponge.
You can dip the brush into the paint or squeeze a few drops onto the sponge.This will allow you to remove excess paint from the brush before you start, so you won't have to worry about patches of paint sinking into the cardboard.
Step 6: To avoid warping, apply very thin coats of paint.
The less the cardboard is exposed to, the less it will warp.Let the thin coat of paint dry before applying another coat.This will give time for the cardboard to dry out.
Step 7: After 2 hours, apply a second coat.
The first few coats may be partially see-through, but it's better to have to apply multiple coats than to warp your cardboard!The more coats you use, the better the paint will look.Continue until you're happy with the coloring.
Step 8: You can spray paint in a well-ventilated and sheltered area.
The fumes from spray paints can be toxic so make sure there is plenty of air.In warm, dry and sheltered conditions, spray paint cans work best.If it is cold, windy, or damp, it's a good idea to wait until a better day to work in a garage.You can buy spray paints at an art supplies store.
Step 9: To protect the ground, place an old sheet under the cardboard.
It is difficult to remove spray paint before you start.If you don't have an old sheet, use a tarpaulin or sheets of newspaper.
Step 10: Get started by shaking the paint can for at least 3 minutes.
Over time, the spray paint will separate from each other.When the paint is applied to the cardboard, it will have an effect on the colour.The paint will flow easily if the can is shook 10 seconds every hour.
Step 11: Take the can away from the cardboard and spray it with paint.
The paint on the cardboard may pool and warp if you put the can too close to it.If you want to move the can across the cardboard in your desired pattern, hold it so that it's parallel to the paper.Make zig-zags, polka dots, and swirls.Be imaginative!If you spray a section of cardboard more than twice, it can warp.
Step 12: Wait 2 hours and apply a second coat of paint.
Before you apply a second coat, make sure the cardboard is dry.If you want to create contrast in your painting, consider using a different colour.If you want to do a third or fourth coat of paint, you should wait for the painting to dry for 2 hours.
Step 13: If you enjoy painting, paint a landscape scene onto the cardboard.
There are so many different colors to choose from when painting landscapes.Do you want to paint a sunset, a sunny day, or a storm day?You can draw your picture on the cardboard and then paint over it with paints.Try to recreate a landscape photo that you like.Make your picture unique by including animals, people, and plants.Let your imagination run wild!
Step 14: If you have young kids, decorate the cardboard with fingerprints.
Finger painting is a fun way to keep children occupied.Allow your child to dip their fingers into the paint and then press them onto the cardboard by filling small containers with different coloured paints.Finger painting can be messy so make sure the workspace is protected.
Step 15: If you enjoy painting with marine colors, you can make a scene on the cardboard.
Seascapes are timeless and beautiful to paint.If you want to create a fresh and uplifting mood, choose a lighter colour than a darker one.First, paint the sky and then the sea.
Step 16: Press stamps on the cardboard to make a pattern.
Press the stamp onto the cardboard by lightly painting the surface of it.Apply a different colour to the stamp after cleaning it with a damp cloth.The pattern on the cardboard will be fun.Different stamps can be used to create different patterns and landscapes.Purchase stamps from a craft store.