How to Make a Painted Wall Clock

Create a painted wall clock for any room of the house.

A hand-painted wall clock makes a cozy addition to any room of the house. Painting the clock with your own choice of colors and design gives you a one-of-a-kind timepiece. Making your own clock isn't as hard as it sounds. With a wooden clock plaque, a clock assembly and a selection of acrylic paints, you can create your own masterpiece in a day. Every time you look at your finished clock, you'll be able to take satisfaction in a job well done.

Things You'll Need

• Pre-drilled, unfinished wooden clock face
• Clock mechanism
• AA battery
• Acrylic paints
• Paint brushes
• Ruler
• Shellac
• Newspaper

Instructions

1. Decide on a design for your clock. Spread newspapers on your work area to contain any mess.

2. Paint your clock a solid color with a design in the center. Leave room around the edge to paint or affix numerals. Flowers with leaves and vines, acorns and leaves, fruit and vegetables, or a sunburst design are all attractive options. Your design is limited only by your imagination.

3. Allow your paint to dry completely. Add numbers to your clock. You can purchase numbers which adhere to your clock, paint them freehand or use a stencil. The most important thing is to use a ruler to ensure that your numbers line up correctly. If you are unsure about getting all the numbers on your clock in a symmetrical fashion, use only the number 3, 6, 9 and 12. Allow the paint or glue to completely dry.

4. Choose a spray shellac product to preserve the paintwork on your clock. Follow the directions on the can and use in a well-ventilated area. Cover your clock with a thin, even coat of shellac and allow it to completely dry.

5. Unscrew the screw that holds the clock hands onto the unit. Screw the unit onto the back of the clock face so the rod for the hands protrudes through the front of the clock. Affix the hands onto the rod by screwing them on per the instructions included with your clock assembly.

6. Insert a AA battery into the back of the clock. Set the time on the clock with the small dial on the back of the assembly. Hang your clock. There should be no need to attach a bracket to hang the clock, as most clock assemblies have a small hole for this purpose.

References

• LeesWoodProjects.com: How to Make a Wood Clock