Painting cardboard boxes

You enjoy creative hobbies and have started making cardboard objects and furniture.

If you do not yet know what finish is applying to them, know that cardboard paint is ideal. It protects your creations and gives them an impeccably finished appearance.

What paint should I use to paint cardboard?

cardboard box with lid is a material that risks curling when painted. It is, therefore, necessary to use specific products to paint it.

Underlay or "gesso."

Gesso is a universal coating that can be applied to cardboard but also all porous surfaces:

It has the appearance of a relatively thick white paint and the property of masking the wavy appearance of an object or piece of furniture made from cardboard.

It protects your creations against the humidity of the paint.

Note: This white base is also used to prepare the canvases to be painted.

After implementing the gesso, one can use conventional acrylic paint in one or more coats according to the covering power.

Note: you can also use gouache to paint the cardboard, always after the gesso. However, gouache tends to crackle when it dries. It is, therefore, more suitable for painting small surfaces, for example, to create a drawing using a stencil on an acrylic background.

Varnish the painted object

To pass in two or three coats, the varnish protects your object or piece of macaron boxes. You will have the choice between two types of varnish:

The acrylic varnish diluted with water, odorless and colorless, is UV resistant. It should be applied at least in two coats to increase its resistance. It dries quickly.

The top quality of polyurethane varnish is that it is compatible with all types of paint. Its drying time is longer than that of acrylic varnish, but it is extreme.

How to paint a cardboard object or piece of furniture?

If the painting is quite simple, it must be carried out by respecting all the stages to obtain a result at the height of the work engaged and not damage your creation. Thus, patience and meticulousness are the secrets of successful cardboard painting.

Cardboard recycling

Using a wedge and medium-grit sandpaper, sand all sides of your cardboard object or piece of furniture:

Check that everything is smooth by running your hand all over.

Pay particular attention to the edges of your furniture.

Painting

Apply the gesso with a brush and let it dry for the time indicated by the manufacturer.

Then, apply two coats of acrylic paint, respecting the drying times between coats.

Good to know: the application of paint on cardboard with a brush may leave traces. Therefore, the idea is to use a small brush for hard-to-reach places or angles and a small roller of the "rabbit's foot" type for flat surfaces.

If you want to make a decoration, use:

Gouache or particular stencil solid oil sold in a cup and is water-resistant;

Preferably self-adhesive and repositionable stencils.

Good to know: the solid oil in a cup can be applied directly to the cardboard. If you want to keep the original cardboard color, this is an excellent way to decorate it without risking warping it.

Varnishing of the finished work

After your painting work has completely dried, apply at least two coats of suitable varnish and let it dry for the time recommended by the manufacturer.

How much does cardboard paint cost, and where can I find it?

Products for painting cardboard (preparation and painting) can be found in:

Steps for Painting

Step 1: Stick masking tape on the lid of your cardboard box

To create your future triangular pattern, start by sticking masking tape on the clean top of your cardboard box.

DIY décor: repaint cardboard boxes

Step 2: Paint the top of your shoebox

That's it; it's time to take out your brush! First, choose the color (s) for your future decoration box, then apply the paint to the areas on each side of the bands.  

DIY décor: repaint cardboard boxes

Step 3: Remove the masking tape after the paint dries

Your paint is on; all you have to do is remove the masking tape after allowing the paint to dry.  

Step 4: We admire the final result!

At last! Your cardboard box has become canon, thanks to your artistic crafts! You are not a little proud, are you?