How to Renovate an Old Clock

Those inexpensive, lightweight plastic clocks are a classic. They may look very basic and standard, but they can tell time accurately and often have a reliably long life. What if you could renovate them into contemporary clocks that call attention not just for their timekeeping, but also for their design? Here's a simple way to update those boring clocks into attractive and interesting wall décor.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Inexpensive plastic wall clock
• Computer with image manipulation software (like MSPaint, Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw or similar applications)
• Printer
• Photo paper or bond paper
• Small screwdriver
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Masking tape
• Spray paint

1. Pry out clock cover. Pry out the plastic cover of the clock. A small screwdriver will help dislodge the cover, which is usually attached to the body of the clock through three tab inserts. Slip the screwdriver at the tab insert points to release the cover.
2. Remove hands and face. Carefully pull out the hands from the clock mechanism, and then peel out the paper face. The paper face, where the numbers are printed, is usually also attached to the body of the clock through tab inserts. Keep this paper face handy because it will be the pattern for the new one you will prepare.
3. Tape over clock mechanism. Stick a piece of masking tape over the clock mechanism to protect it during the repainting step.
4. Repaint clock's body. Repaint the clock's body using a spray paint (or a brush-on paint if you prefer). Allow it to dry completely. (You don't need to repaint the back side.)
5. Design new face. Measure the circumference of the old clock face and use this measurement to prepare and print out a new face. Use your favorite image manipulation application program to design whatever you want to see on the new face of your clock. Be creative.
6. Print and trim new face. Print out your design. Use the old paper face as a guide to trim your new design to size. Don't forget the hole in the center.
7. Hang renovated clock. Attach the new paper face to the body of the clock, reattach the hands and the cover, and plug in a new battery. Set the time and hang your new jazzed up clock on the wall.
8. Try other designs. Try different designs on other old plastic clocks.

Tips & Warnings

• You don't need a computer to design a new face. You can hand-paint your own image and numbers. You can even use textured or preprinted paper, maybe even cut-up pictures or collages. You can use small photos of family, pets or collectibles to serve as number markers for the clock.
• If the clock's hands are black, choose light-colored designs so as not to obscure the time telling.
• To help align the hands of the clock, reattach each one on the 12 o'clock position. Use the adjustment knob in the back to set the correct time.
• Don't make your new face too thick or too textured because the hour hand could snag on it.
• If you decide to repaint the clock's hands, just be sure the added paint doesn't interfere with the hands' timekeeping motion.