How to Make a Scratchcard With Paint

Create your own scratchcards for a gambling-themed party.

You can have your own lottery tickets for a party or event by making scratchcards with paint. For instance, save-the-date cards for weddings can have scratch-off sections revealing your wedding date. You can also use the scratchcard technique on a wall map. Each time you visit a new town, country or state, you can scratch off the paint to show the places you’ve been. This simple technique can be done with acrylic paint and liquid dish soap. Once you have made your first scratchcard with paint, you’ll want to find more uses for this creative technique.

Things You'll Need

• Cardstock
• Scissors
• Adhesive plastic film
• Disposable, plastic plate
• Metallic acrylic paint
• Liquid dish soap
• Watercolor paintbrush -- 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide

Instructions

1. Print your invitation or card design onto a piece of cardstock. When designing the card, leave white space around the area to be scratched off. This will give you room to apply the paint without making the card look too crowded.

2. Cut a piece of adhesive, plastic film to fit in the scratch-off space. Peel the backing off the film, and press it firmly to the card.

3. Pour one part liquid dish soap and two parts metallic acrylic paint onto the plastic plate. Mix thoroughly with a watercolor paintbrush.

4. Paint the mixture onto the plastic film. Use even brushstrokes to create a smooth layer of paint. Let the paint dry at least an hour.

5. Apply a second coat of the mixture. Let the paint dry for another hour before handling.

Tips & Warnings

• Instead of using adhesive-backed plastic film, you can laminate your scratchcard before painting.

• If you are creating a scratchcard announcement or invitation, include a penny in the envelope so the recipient can immediately scratch the paint off.