How to Antique Paper on Boxes
An easy way to create the look of antique, paper-covered boxes is to glue decorative papers on plain boxes, then apply a crackle medium and oil paint finish to create a distressed, antique effect. It's an easy technique that doesn't require advanced art skills. Craft stores sell plain wooden boxes, but you can recycle cardboard boxes for this purpose. With a little bit of effort, you will have lovely vintage-style boxes for gift giving or home decorating.
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Things You'll Need
- Boxes (wood or cardboard)
- Acrylic paint (optional)
- Assorted papers (photos, post cards, stamps, wrapping paper, scrapbook paper)
- Scissors or craft blade
- Decoupage glue
- Foam brushes
- Crackle medium
- Oil paint
- Paper towels
- Polyurethane varnish
Instructions
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Paint your boxes with a base color of acrylic paint. This step is optional. If you plan to cover the entire box with paper, it isn't necessary. If you plan to cover only a section of the box, the color base adds a decorative touch.
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With a scissors or craft blade, cut out your paper elements to fit over the surface of your box. Organize how you will apply the paper elements. Plan to leave the bottom of the box unadorned.
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Attach the paper pieces to the box with the decoupage glue. Do this by painting the glue on the underside of a piece of paper and pressing it onto the box. Paint a second layer of decoupage on top of the attached paper. Once all the paper pieces are attached, apply a coating of decoupage glue all over the box, except for the bottom of the box. Allow the decoupage glue to dry completely, following the glue manufacturer's recommendations.
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Apply the crackle medium over the paper, following the manufacturer's instructions. Some crackle mediums are two-part formulas, with a base coat and a top coat. Other crackle mediums require just a single coat. For a more delicate crackle effect, choose a "fragile" crackle medium. As the medium dries, it will form a crackle surface over your paper collage. Allow the medium to dry completely.
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Apply a small amount of oil paint over the crackle glaze, rubbing it into the cracks with a paper towel. Earthy shades of sepia or gray are good color choices for creating an antique finish. Rub any excess paint off with a paper towel. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly.
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Seal the paper-covered box with a coating of polyurethane varnish.
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Tips & Warnings
Always work with good ventilation when using oil paints and varnishes.
