How to Make a Custom Cardboard Boat

Craft paints are used to customize cardboard boats.

Cardboard boats can be used for racing contests, playing in the pool or as simple bath toys. Relatively easy to make, boats are made of half-gallon milk cartons and can be customized to just about any style or color preference. Your children will love expressing themselves through creating one-of-a-kind boats that they can collect, display and share with friends.

Things You'll Need

• Milk carton
• Spray primer
• Scissors
• Paints
• Acrylic spray sealer

Instructions

1. Clean your milk carton using hot soapy water and allow it to dry thoroughly.

2. Cut an opening on the long side of your milk carton to give it a boat shape. Try creating an oval opening for a relatively realistic look.

3. Spray the milk carton with spray primer in a well-ventilated area. Only adults should use spray primer. Allow the primer to dry.

4. Customize the boat with regular craft paints. Team colors, holiday colors, letters, cartoon characters and designs are excellent customization ideas. Allow the paints to dry.

5. Spray the boat with acrylic sealer spray in a well-ventilated area. Only adults should use the sealer spray. Once the first coat has dried, apply one more coat. Once the second coat has dried, the cardboard boat should be ready for water play.

References

• Create Kids Crafts: Milk Carton Boat
• Ask the Builder: Spray Painting