There are painted seashells that add interest to the shells you've collected.While shells are beautiful in their own right, a little decorating can personalize adorning special shells and may be suitable for a craft or art project that you are making.
Step 1: Check the shells for cracks and chips.
If you see cracks or chips, set them aside for a different project.The shell will be harder to paint if there are cracks or chips in the painting surface.You can always buy shells from an art store if you don't have a beach.The shells may be sold as vase fillers.
Step 2: If it's necessary, clean the shells.
Use warm water to rinse them and then scrub them with a toothbrush or manicure brush.Leave the shells in a bleach solution for up to 24 hours if they are very smelly.The shells may be turned white by the bleach.Store-bought shells don't have to be cleaned.A simple rinse is a good way to get rid of dust.
Step 3: If you plan on painting the shell, make sure to primer it.
This will make the surface easier to paint on.Pick a primer and paint both sides of the shell.Before adding a second coat, let each side dry.
Step 4: If you want the features of the shell to show through, choose watercolor paint.
When it dries, watercolor will be translucent.It will allow the shell's original patterns and designs to show through whiledyeing it with a new color.It's best for "tie dye" designs.You can use liquid water colors.They will give you brighter results because they are more saturated.You will need to add a few drops of water.
Step 5: Solid-color designs, scenery, and fine designs are possible with acrylic paint.
When the paint is dry, it will cover the shell.You can still see the shell's texture, but not its original color or pattern.You will need to let the layers dry first before moving onto the next one.
Step 6: There is a good quality brush.
The taklon or sable brush has fine bristles.The bristles of the brushes will leave behind brush strokes.You should not use bushes that have messed up bristles.There is an assortment of brushes, such as a flat brush and a fine-pointed, round-tipped brush.
Step 7: A theme is what you should pick.
You can paint anything on your shell, from animal faces to designs.Practice your scene on a sheet or paper if it's very complex.It is advisable to have an idea of what you want to paint.
Step 8: Put some water in your paint.
Even though watercolor paints need some water, they could benefit from a few drops of water.This will make it easier to work with your paints.
Step 9: Work with a brush.
Before you start painting, dip your brush in a cup of water and rub it on a piece of paper towel.It will be easier to paint with this.
Step 10: Let the paint dry before you start.
If you are painting a simple design on your shell, such as a ladybug, you should start with the background color.This will prevent the paint from being messy.If you plan on painting both sides of your shell, make sure to let one side dry before painting the other.A large flat-tipped brush is ideal for covering large areas.
Step 11: A thinner brush is used to add the details.
A round-tipped brush is ideal for this.Don't worry, and keep painting.If you make a mistake, you can always cover it up with the background color.Before moving on to a new color, rinse your brush.
Step 12: It's a good idea to protect your shell.
It is possible to cover your shell with a clear, acrylic sealer once you are done.The spray-on type is the one you can use.The most popular finish is a glossy one.The choice is yours to make.Use a glossy finish if you painted your shell using metallic or pearlescent colors.The sparkle will be taken away.If you use watercolor paints to paint your shell, be careful as the paint may cause the colors to run.Your colors may be lightened or darkened by glossy or matt sealers.
Step 13: If you want to use your shell for other projects, display it.
You can display your shell in a number of ways.You can make it into a cute accessory by hot glueing it to a hairclip.
Step 14: You can turn your shells into painted animals.
Let your shell dry before painting it.Paint it, or glue on extras, such as cut pipe cleaners and googly eyes, to turn it into a creature.Draw a head, a vertical line, and some black spots.If you want to turn your shell into a crab, you can glue on two googly eyes to the top and bottom of the shell.Attach a googly eye to the top of the shell and smaller shells to make the fins for the fish.
Step 15: You can paint a scene.
Ocean scenes are the best, but you can paint any scene you want.The first thing to do is to start with the sky.Next, paint the largest object and finish it off with details such as flowers, windows, and birds.Before you move onto the next layer, let each layer dry.
Step 16: Some designs can be painted.
Paint the shell a solid color first, then use a contrasting color to paint some geometric designs, such as zigzags.You can try other combinations, such as blue and white, or rainbow on top of black.
Step 17: Use a pointed brush to make small points.
After painting your shell, use the tip of a fine-pointed brush to make lots of tiny dots.Try to make the dots as close to each other as possible.You can create a striped or radial effect by making them all one color.
Step 18: Add some bling with gems and glitter.
Let the paint dry before painting your shell.Glue where you want the glitter or gemstones to go.Let the glitter or gemstones dry.There is a place where it will catch the sunlight and sparkle.The best glitter for this is iridescent.There is a scrapbooking aisle in the arts and crafts store.Super glue can be used for gemstones.Try colored sand instead of glitter.
Step 19: The shells can be painted with metallic gold or silver paint.
You can either paint the entire shell in a solid color or just the edge.You can leave the other side plain and only paint one side of the shell.You can spray paint the entire shell if you want it to be a solid color.It will be quicker.