Many of the unfinished wooden boxes you find in craft stores are perfect for storing trinkets, jewelry, or any other small item you want to keep safe.There are many ways you can personalize a wooden box.If you want a simple solution, try painting the box a different color to make it stand out and hide the wood grain.Attaching paper or fabric to the box could be used to make a striking design.If you want something more complex, carve designs into the wood before staining it.
Step 1: If you don't want to paint them, you can remove the hinges and clasp.
A small screwdriver is enough to fit in the screws holding the metal pieces in place.Pull the screws out of the box by turning them counterclockwise.If you misplace the screws, put them in a small dish.If you want to paint the box the same color as the wood, you don't have to remove the hinges and clasp.You can skip this step if your box doesn't have any hinges or clasps.
Step 2: The box should be smooth with 180– 220-grit sandpaper.
It is easier to hold and rub the surface of the box if you fold a piece of 180- or 220-grit sandpaper in half.Use small circular motions across the flat surfaces and apply firm pressure to smooth out any raised areas so the paint can adhere to the wood easier.If you want to see the areas you smoothed out, blow any sawdust off the wood.You could affect how well the box closes by rounding the corners or edges.If you paint the box, you could leave scratches or marks on the surface that become more noticeable after you wash it.
Step 3: Pick the paint color you want to use for your box.
A semi-glossy appearance is what you want the box to have.Farmhouse paint is a type of chalk paint.Make sure the paint spreads through it evenly by opening it and stirring it.You can buy paints at your craft store.Oil paints take a long time to dry.
Step 4: Take a thin coat of paint and apply it to the outside of the box.
Put a thin layer of paint on the end of a paintbrush and spread it over the wood.If you want to see the brush lines, use long, straight strokes on the outside of the box.Let the box dry for 15 minutes after it's been painted.You don't have to primer the box before painting it.
Step 5: If you want a more solid color, add more coats to the box.
The first coat of paint should be used to hide the brush strokes.Make sure the layers have the same thickness.Before applying the next coat of paint, allow it to dry for at least 15 minutes.If you painted across the box for the first coat, then painted them vertically on the second coat.The wood grain won't show through to the final piece if additional layers of paint are added.
Step 6: If you don't want to leave it unfinished, brush paint on the inside of the box.
The lid should be set upside-down if you took off the hinges.The box should be left open on the hinges.Paint the inside of the box with a thin layer of farmhouse paint.Before applying the next coat, allow the coat to dry for at least 15 minutes.There are coats on the inside of the box.If you do not want to paint the inside of the box, you don't need to.If you want the inside of the box to have an accent, use a different color of paint.You can paint the outside of the box white and the inside metallic gold.
Step 7: If you want to draw intricate designs, you should use a paint marker.
Make sure the paint evenly spreads inside by shaking the marker.Draw any designs you want after removing the cap from the marker.You can make letters, write names, or add detailed line work as decoration.When you finish using the marker, put the cap back on it so it doesn't dry out.You can find paint markers at your craft store.If you want to change the color of your box, you need to experiment with the paint markers on a scrap piece of wood or paper.
Step 8: If you want a rustic look, Distress the edges of the box.
Light pressure can be applied to the edges of the box with a piece of 180- or 220-grit sandpaper.If you want to expose some of the natural wood underneath, press harder.The hinges or clasp are areas that would naturally distress over time.If you want your painted box to have a finished look, you don't have to distress the wood.
Step 9: The painted surface should be protected with 2 coats of varnish.
If you want the varnish to not develop bubbles, stir it slowly.Pull the paintbrush out of the box with long, straight lines after dipping it in the varnish.You can smooth it out with the help of the brush tip.The varnish should be dry for about 4 hours.Then apply a second coat.If the varnish is smooth, lightly sand it.Depending on how much you want the box to shine, you can choose glossy or matt varnish.To avoid irritation, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area.
Step 10: If you don't want the wood grain to be visible, you can paint the box.
You can use any color of paint you want for your box.Start painting the exterior of the box with long, straight strokes after dipping a natural-bristle or foam brush in the paint.The inside of the box needs to be painted before the outside.If you want, you can leave the box blank.You don't have to paint the box before it'sprimed.The color of the box may be affected by applying thick layers of paint.
Step 11: The paint should be sanded with a piece of 180-grit sandpaper.
Light pressure is the only way to get rid of raised areas of paint.You may expose the wood underneath if you press too hard.You don't want to leave any scratch marks on the surface if you work in small circular motions.You can see where you have worked by blowing the dust off the box.The scratches in the paint that could affect how the decoupage sticks to the surface should be avoided.
Step 12: Attach the image to the box by printing it.
The image should be the same size as the final design you want to attach to the box.Before printing the image make sure it doesn't get cut off around the edges.Before clicking the Print button, turn the image settings to the highest quality.If you don't have a printer, you can go to a library or local print shop.
Step 13: There is a layer of glue on the box.
Put a foam brush into the glue and wipe it off.Attach the image with a thin layer of glue on the surface of the box.Make sure the glue doesn't have bubbles or raised areas that affect how the image lays on the box.You can buy it at your local craft store.As soon as you apply Decoupage glue, it will start to dry.
Step 14: The printed image should be on the box.
Put the image down on the wood and press it down firmly.To remove bubbles from the center of the image, use your fingers to smooth it out.If you don't use gentle pressure, you'll have to start over.It is important that the image you are using does not have anywrinkles or creases, or it may not lie properly on the wood.
Step 15: After brushing the glue over the image, let it dry for a day.
Put your brush in the glue and wipe it off.To apply a thin layer across the entire surface, you need to work from the center of the image toward the edges.You don't want to damage the image or rip the paper.Allow the glue to set for 24 hours.You will be able to see the image when you finish, because Decoupage glue dries clear.If there are still large drops left on the box, wipe off any excess glue with a paper towel.
Step 16: Rub the image with a sponge.
Wet a sponge in warm water and wring it out.Rub the exposed edges of the paper.Only the parts of your design are left attached to the box if you wipe away any balled-up paper that forms around the edges.It is possible to scratch off some of the paint from the box with 220-grit sandpaper.
Step 17: To seal the box, spread a layer of varnish.
You can mix the varnish with a stir stick.Take the tip of the brush and dip it into the varnish.Pull the brush gently over the wood to apply a thin layer of varnish.Allow the varnish to dry for at least 4 hours so it has time to set.It's a good idea to work in aventilated area if you're working with varnish.
Step 18: Print out the design you want to use.
If you want the final image to appear on the box, you need to downsize the design on your computer.Make sure the design doesn't get cut off when you print it by using the Print Preview function.Before printing it out, set it to the highest quality image.If you don't want to print out your design, you can draw it by hand.If you don't have access to a printer, check for local print shops or libraries to see if you can print your design there.
Step 19: There is a piece of carbon paper between the box and the printed design.
There is a layer of carbon paper on the box.The image won't transfer correctly if the darker side of the carbon paper touches the wood.Put your design face-up on top of the carbon paper and tape it to the box so it doesn't move while you're working.When you draw something on the light side of the paper, the image will transfer onto the surface underneath it, because it has a dark layer of carbon on one side.Carbon paper can be purchased from your local hardware store or online.
Step 20: Use a pencil to trace the outline of your design.
Put a pencil around the outline of your design.The design won't transfer onto the box if you go around the entire outline.If you can see the lines on the wood, lift up a corner of the paper.Put the paper back down and press harder with your pencil.You can use a pen or other writing instrument.You could damage the wood if you rip through the paper.
Step 21: Carve around the outlines with a Dremel tool.
The Dremel tool has a cone-shaped attachment.If you hold the tool like a pencil, it will come up to full speed.Follow along with your outline as you press the tip into the wood.If you want to see where you are working, blow away any sawdust.Continue working until you have carved out the entire outline.Dremel tools have small spinning heads that make it easy to carve designs into wood.You can buy them at the hardware store.If you want to make larger areas in the wood, hold the tool sideways and the wider end presses against it.It is possible to carve into the wood as deep as you want, but be careful not to hit the inside of the box.Don't touch the rotating head while the Dremel tool is on.
Step 22: The rough edges should be sanded with 180-grit sandpaper.
If you want to remove raised or rough areas, go around your design and apply light pressure with the sandpaper.In order to not ruin the carved design, work in short back and forth motions.If you blow away the sawdust, you can see which areas have been sanded.220-grit sandpaper can be used to smooth out the rough edges.
Step 23: Rub wood stain onto the box with a rag or cloth.
Take the end of a rag or cloth and dip it in the stain you want for your box.The best way to absorb the stain is to Rub it onto the wood.Wait until you coat the entire surface of the wood with a uniform color before applying the stain.Allow the stain to dry for a while.The stain will look darker in engraved areas, which will help your design look more prominent.
Step 24: The box should be sealed with a wood finish.
The wood finish should be mixed slowly with a stir stick.Put the end of the brush into the finish and wipe it off.To apply a thin and even layer, use long, straight strokes across the surface of the wood.Allow it to dry for 4 hours before smoothing it out with the tips of the bristles.If you want more protection, you can apply a second layer of wood finish.Work in a well-ventilated area while using wood finish.