If you're a crafty person who enjoys trying different do-it-yourself projects, you're probably wondering if you can paint cardboard.
It's entirely possible to decorate cardboard with varying types of paint, including acrylic, oil, and spray paint options.
If you’d like to learn how to paint cardboard, along with the types of paint that work best on it, be sure to use this guide to learn more!
If you’ve found yourself asking, "can you spray paint cardboard?" you're not the only one!
Check out these different types of paint that you can use on cardboard while learning more about best paint for creating cardboard art projects and how to use it to achieve the best results possible with any project you're handling.
Acrylic Paint
It’s entirely possible to use acrylic on cardboard, but you’ll need to be cautious when using acrylic paints.
The best way to apply the white acrylic paint acrylics to the cardboard surface is to use a dry flat brush instead of a wet one. So, be sure that you don’t wet your brushes.
While you may be used to dipping your paint brushes into a bowl of water before you dip them in acrylic paints, this isn't the best solution for acrylic paint.
Because you don't want to use wet brushes with acrylic paint, make sure to have multiple dry bushes available to use!
Spray Paint
You can use spray paints on corrugated cardboard art projects to decorate it or even cover it with an entirely different color.
Some people stress over the idea of using spray paints for cardboard or flat surface or rough surface, worried to fix warped cardboard when they’re trying to do it.
Cardboard can warp very easily if exposed to moisture, therefore, watercolor paints are not suitable at all for amazing cardboard art projects
Some chemicals make too much paint adhere to its surface, so you need to shake it, so it doesn't form bubbles as you spray. Of course, if you’re not using the spray paint properly, it will drip down and need to be fixed. If you want to achieve the best results, prime your cardboard beforehand.
Once you’ve primed it, apply the spray paint in layers with spray bottle, going one step at a time.
Oil Paint
It’s also possible to use oil based paint on cardboard, but you’ll need to take a careful approach with the product. You’ll need to apply the thin layer possible of the oil based paint when working with cardboard.
If you apply thick layers, the thin layers of oil paints may begin to drip, causing damage to your cardboard and ruining the outcome of your paint job. After you apply one coat of oil paints, you’ll need to
It does require some patience before applying second coat or third coat! Oil-based paint has enough moisture to warp the delicate kraft paper, mainly if you apply it in thick layers.
How To Paint Cardboard (Guide For Different Scenarios)
One of the most important things about painting cardboard is avoiding warping. You may want to know how to use paints for cardboard without warping.
If so, you’ll need to take specific steps and have the right cardboard painting tools available to use.
With the right products, a bit of patience, and the best technique possible, it can become that much easier for you to paint the cardboard with ease.
Cardboard Box Painting
When you're applying acrylic or oil paint, you'll need multiple brushes.
It's best to NOT get these brushes wet while you're dipping in paint cartons. After all, you already know that oil and water don't mix well and can quickly lead to a mess.
In addition to using multiple dry brushes so that you don’t have to worry about rinsing them and getting them wet, you should also prime the cardboard before you begin the painting process.
If you want to save this step, you can buy treated cardboard. If not, you can use acrylic gesso on your cardboard to prime it.
Painting a Wood Effect On Cardboard
If you would like to know how to paint wood grain on cardboard, it’s a lot easier than it looks. You’ll need to use best paint thin coats designed for woodgraining.
Apply thin coats provides the overall appearance of wood on a piece of painted cardboard, ultimately making it look more valuable.
The good news is that this product is chip resistant and won’t become damaged with ease. In addition to using the right base coat, it’s important to have the right brush for applying this coating to your cardboard.
The best brush to use is a faux painting graining brush that will get the job done for you that much faster.
Spray Painting a Cardboard Box
Although it requires a bit more precision, it’s also possible to spray paint your cardboard . You should buy the best spray paint for cardboard to ensure that the results turn out the way you anticipated.
If you’re not sure which brand to use, Krylon is ideal for those who are just getting started with spray painting cardboard.
You can also use acrylic spray paint to decorate your cardboard to your liking. Remember, take your time and work slowly to see the best results!
Common Questions About Cardboard Painting
Can you recycle cardboard that has paint on it?
In most areas, you can recycle the cardboard, even if it has paint on it. Of course, it’s best to find out by visiting your city’s recycling website to find out what types of materials they’re willing to take.
Do you need primer for cardboard?
It’s good to have a primer for cardboard but it isn’t always necessarily. If you get the treated cardboard, you can skip the process of applying the primer. However, if it’s not treated, use the acrylic gesso as a primer and allow it to dry before proceeding to cover the cardboard with paint.
How do you seal a cardboard painting?
If you’d like to seal your cardboard painting, it’s best to use an enamel spray that will provide a protective layer to the painting to keep it from scratching or becoming damaged. While some people think they can use hairspray, this isn't the best solution. Instead, buy the enamel spray and save yourself the frustration.
Does painting on cardboard last?
Painting on cardboard can last as long as you’d like it to if you take the right steps. If you use the sealing agent, it keeps the painting protected on the cardboard and allows it to last for more extended periods.
Conclusion
You can paint cardboard while completing all kinds of do-it-yourself projects. If you'd like to add paint to cardboard, consider buying treated cardboard to save yourself some time.
If not, you can use a primer, whether you're applying oil, acrylic, or spray paint to the cardboard.
Finally, don't forget to seal it! You can create some of the most unique pieces on cardboard and save them for a long time when you’ve sealed your finished piece.