How to Paint Cardboard without Warping
Video supplied by The Last Hurrah Funerals, Melbourne, Australia.
What is the Best Paint for Cardboard?
You need the right primer and paint for the best results. With many options to choose from, you may wonder which paint brands are the best for cardboard. Select from the following choices.
1. Gesso
The store-bought product is the easiest option. Here are some common brands available on Amazon.com.au.
2. Acrylic Paint
Acrylics are inexpensive and easy to use. The consistency is similar to oil, but the paint can better penetrate cardboard. These paints are available in craft or art stores. Let’s look at some of the best acrylics on the market.
Mont Marte Signature Acrylic Paint Set
The Mont Marte Signature set has 36 acrylics in a semi-matte finish. These paints are suitable for many bases, like canvas, wood, leather, clay, plaster, paper, cardboard, and some plastics. Use them for all your art and craft projects.
What sets Mont Marte apart from the competition is the fast dry times. You can layer paint on more quickly because the creamy texture is said to come with an ultra-quick dry. The paints are easy to blend and layer together, and the result is full coverage.
3. Spray Paint
Spray painting cardboard may take less time, as it tends to dry quicker than acrylics. However, it’s more crucial to protect your work area and yourself from the fumes. Here are a few of the best spray paints for your project.
Krylon Glitter Spray Paint
Krylon is the best spray paint brand for beginners. They’re cheap and come in a wide variety of colors, including this gold glitter shade. The best part is that using this can on cardboard takes less time, as Krylon is a two-in-one primer and paint.
Although Krylon is for plastic, vinyl, wood, metal, and wicket surfaces, you can use it for cardboard. It’s easy to apply. Ensure you shake the can nicely to disperse the glitter evenly.
Rust Oleum 249130 Spray Paint
Rust Oleum 249130 may have the most versatility and fastest dry time.
It’s a versatile, all-surface option with a metallic satin finish.
There are many colors, and the formula prevents rust or chipping later.
Applying Rust Oleum is easier than ever. Just aim and spray.
The paint is fast drying, only taking around 30 minutes to dry thoroughly.
You can cover a vast surface quickly, and the finish looks great on many surface types.
Tips to Prevent Warping or Curling
Moisture is the leading cause of warping or curling. You’ll want to attempt everything you can to keep from damaging the material if you’re going to create long-lasting art.
The following includes a few tips to keep the painting safe from warping or curling:
Don’t oversaturate the paint.
Keep all moisture from the material.
Avoid humidity.
Use gesso to prime before painting.
Allow coats to dry before including more.
Work in a dry environment.
Never use watercolors or overly wet paints.
Use a double or triple-wall, thick corrugated cardboard.
Even if you follow these tips carefully, the board may still warp and curl. But you might be able to fix the issue.
How to Fix Warped Cardboard
Cardboard is a fantastic painting material, but it’s challenging to deal with when it gets too wet. If you accidentally use too much paint or printer, the cardboard may warp or curl. You can fix it if the damage isn’t too severe. Use the following step-by-step instructions to mend your painting.
Materials:
Spray bottle
Water
Weights or heavy objects (books, furniture, metal tools, etc.)
Step 1: Completely Dry Dry the Daisybox lid and base separately until they are completely moisture-free. Step 2: Spritz with Water To reshape the material, start by rehydrating. Grab a spray bottle and moisten the cardboard. Never dip the board into water or over-soak the material. If you get it too wet, the pulp will tear away from the base. Lightly spritz the board. Step 3: Load it Up Next, set the lid and base on a flat surface with the curls facing upwards. Lay a flat piece of plywood over the board and place your weights or heavy objects on the area to keep the cardboard flat. Books make an excellent tool, but anything heavy should weigh it down enough. Let your art sit to dry in this position for between 24 hours and 3 days. When the cardboard is completely dry, you can lift the panels. The painting should be flat and free of any warping or curling.
Pictured below. Daisybox original style (2017) caskets with flat-lid. Image by Greenhaven Funerals, Melbourne, Australia.
