How To

1. Prepare Your Surface for Painting

Use the included alcohol prep pads in your kit to clean the surface of the design before painting.

This helps ensure a clean canvas for your paint to bond to and keeps your colors looking bright and smooth. After wiping the surface, allow it to air dry for approximately 1 minute before painting.

Important: The cleaning wipe contains rubbing alcohol when wet and is combustible. Keep away from open flames and high heat sources. Dispose of used wipes properly after use.

2. Set Up Your Painting Space

Gather these supplies before you begin:

• A small cup or bowl of water for rinsing brushes.
• Paper towel or sponge for drying brushes.
• Paper plate or palette for mixing colors and removing excess paint.
• Play clothes or a smock to prevent paint from staining your favorite clothing.
• A placemat to protect your work surface (kraft paper, newspaper, parchment paper, etc.).

Note: Acrylic paint cleans up easily with soap and warm water.

3. Choose Your Painting Style

There is no wrong way to paint your project. You can paint the entire surface with your preferred base color first and add details later, or paint directly onto the design right away. Have fun and get creative.

4. Paint in Thin Layers

Apply thin layers of paint and allow each coat to dry before adding another.  Thin layers help:

• Colors look smoother and brighter.
• Details stay sharp and clean.
• Paint to dry more evenly.

Note: Avoid applying thick blobs of paint, which can take longer to dry and may smear.

5. Protect Your Finished Artwork

Once your project is completely dry, you may apply a clear protective spray coating to all surfaces, including unpainted space. Ensure that side one is dry before turning over to paint side two. This will keep your colors vibrant and help protect from moisture and sunlight.

• All projects (including plant stakes) are intended for indoor use and should be protected from moisture to extend their life.
• Be sure to choose a clear coat suitable for acrylic paint and choose the finish that suits your style (gloss, matte, semigloss, etc.).
• Follow the manufacturer’s safety and use instructions for the clear coat product you have selected.
• Using a brush or roller to apply your clear coat is not recommended as this could re-wet and smear your project.

Helpful Tips

• Rinse brushes between colors to keep paints clean.
• Mix colors on your paper plate or pallet and avoid blending in or on your paint pots as this could change your original colors.
• Paint Put-away: Wipe paint residue from the paint pot rims before closing. Close your paint pot lids tightly and store upright to prevent leaks and drying around the lids. Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Join our Facebook group (linked below) to share your finished pieces. We cannot wait to see what you have imagined!