Creative projects, craft tutorials, and DIY inspiration.
Turpentine and paint thinners are both strong solvents, which are substances that dissolve other substances. Solvents are used for various tasks, including thinning paint and cleaning stubborn marks from paints and varnish. Of course, matching the right solvent with the right task will make a huge difference, as not every type of solvent will work…
Oil-based colored pencils are a favorite for many artists, both professional and novice, thanks to their rich color saturation, their ability to blend, and the long-lasting pigment that the colored pencils give. If you have decided to use oil-based colored pencils for your artwork, you still need to decide which brand would be best, as…
If you’re a beginner painter, going to an arts and crafts store and heading to the paint section can be overwhelming. With so many different types of paints, how do you know what type of paint to use for which project? Once you figure out what the paint is made of, whether it’s oil-based or…
Gesso is vital for priming canvas or boards before painting. It seals the holes and provides a more paint receptive surface. Without gesso, your canvas or board would be porous and lack some tooth, leading to a mottled and uneven texture. But for it to work effectively, gesso has to dry adequately in between coats…
When it comes to taking an old furniture piece and making it new again, nothing quite does the job like a new coat of paint. Of course, you might not want to paint your bedroom dresser or dining room China cabinet bright pink. You’d want to go for something more sleek, modern, and easily matched…
Enamel paint has a lovely hard and glossy finish that works great when finishing kitchen and bath appliances. This type of paint provides a durable and resilient finish that gives your craft amazing, vibrant colors that last. Enamel paint has a thicker consistency, so depending on the application, you will need to use a paint…
If we were to really look at the way our clothing is made, we would see all the seams that were sewn with thread to keep the pieces of fabric together. This is the basic way fabric is made, regardless of what thread or stitch was used, whether it was hand-sewn or machine-sewn. What if…
Rubber. That stuff your sneakers soles, mats, and tires are made out of. In fact, you probably have something made of rubber in your room right now. Rubber is notoriously difficult to recycle, so it’s always a great idea to breathe new life into your rubber shoes and tires by painting them. Can you paint…
Watercolor paintings are widely known for their soft, light quality. There isn’t much line work in watercolor, giving it an ethereal and gentle look. Though a lot of watercolor paintings work in light, pastel tones, some of the best watercolor paintings know when to add dark, intense hues to create contrast. So, how can you…
After you’ve spent all the time and energy with a new paint job, odds are you’re not thinking about how to properly dispose of your leftover paint. You’d probably rather throw it in the dumpster and call it a day. Whether your acrylic paint says “toxic” or “non-toxic,” though, there are proper ways of disposing…